Cannabis Legalization for Recreational Use in Illinois

On the ballot this November, Illinois voters may see a new question: Do you support the legalizing of recreational marijuana? This is a controversial topic people love and love to hate. With economics, morals, and legality coming into play, this is a problem with strong views on both sides of the aisle.

Pros:

Revenue Boost. Taxes coming from marijuana sales will increase dramatically. We have seen this in all states that have legalized pot. Colorado, for example, earned over $247 million in revenue from marijuana licensing, fees, and sales. That money going back in to the Illinois economy would be extremely useful and beneficial, especially considering this state has the second worse debt in the country. Also, Illinois would likely be the only state in the Midwest that would have the votes to pass recreational marijuana, so travelers would come from near and far, further helping our economy.

Wider Access for Medicinal Use. Marijuana has shown to be effective at helping people cope with their pain and illnesses, from epilepsy to PTSD to depression. Those who do not have a medical marijuana dispensary nearby, or do not have the appropriate means to have a doctor sign off on their need for it, have the opportunity for easier access to the health benefits marijuana offers.

Safety Control. Legalizing recreational marijuana would allow for laws and regulations to be enforced on the type and quality of the product, ensuring consumers would know it is safe.

Criminal Justice Reform. If marijuana were legal, many say law enforcement officers would have more time to reduce more significant crimes such as those involving violence. If marijuana use was legal, prisons would have more room for serious, violent criminals.

Liberty. It is better to allow people to do what they want to do, and only regulate their behavior with rules and laws when doing so gives us significant gains in protection, justice, or prosperity; banning recreational use of cannabis does not give us benefits to justify the limitations of personal liberty we suffer.

Cons:

Drug. Marijuana is a drug, no matter how you frame it. Drugs alter a person’s mental state, and many fear we do not know all the consequences to long term marijuana use.

Health Issues. Studies have shown that marijuana has caused brain, lung, and heart issues. Studies have claimed that it restricts blood flow in the brain, raises your heart rate, and higher levels of carcinogens than cigarettes are pumped into the lungs because of larger inhales by the smoker.

Morals. Many are against drugs of any kind, whether it be alcohol or prescription pills. This is a mind-altering substance, and that just does not fly with some people.

Gateway Drug. Some fear that marijuana use will lead to the use of harder drugs such as heroin or cocaine. It could be an introduction to the larger world of drugs, and studies have shown that marijuana use could lead to a higher risk of prescription drug use.

Who Will Profit?  If Cannabis is legalized for recreational use, perhaps the very violent and wicked persons (Mexican Drug Cartels, for example) who now make so much profit from the sale of illicit marijuana will have their businesses legitimized and normalized.


Social Decline and Quality of Life. People who smoke lots of marijuana tend to be annoying.  They stink (marijuana has an unpleasant odor), and when they are stoned they often act immaturely or congregate to loiter and play obnoxious music. If recreational marijuana use is allowed, we will have more of these nuisance users in our public parks and at public events, where they will diminish everyone else's enjoyment of public spaces and events.

Now that you have seen arguments on both sides, how do you think you will vote in November?