Should Marijuana Be Legalized

I read a commentary written by Ryan, titled. "A Solution Made Into A Problem", under his blog, Ryan's Slice of American Hypocrisy", dated December 1st, 2009. His comments and opinions are supported by a recent NPR story titled "California Officials Target Big Marijuana Growers". Ryan, as well as many other citizens if this country strongly believe that marijuana should b legalized, regulated and taxed. For starters, marijuana is now being used as a medication for cancer and AIDS patients to help with the nausea, pain and lost of appetite. Although, marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits, I do not believe Americans are ready to manage and control the usage of this drub. California is now allowing not-for-profit-cooperatives to supply medical marijuana to persons who carry proper documentation, these facilities have become profit-making marijuana retail outlets. It seems to be that these sites have become a center for other types of criminal activities a well. Susan Manheimer is the police chief in San Mateo California. Her comments in reference t legalized usage of marijuana were published on the New york times, and she said ," there is already the legal support to ruled on the illegality of these dispensaries by Los Angeles County though the Los Angeles district Attorney and the Los Angeles city Attorney.
Marijuana also has psychotic and physiological effects when consumed. Stronger strains of marijuana are now available. The new marijuana has higher ratio of THC (tratydrocannabinol) to CBD (cannabidol). THC tends to induce anxiety, and CBD tends to relieve anxiety. In other words, it is expected to create a higher rate of panic attacks. The consumption of marijuana has been proven to have a correlation with anxiety, psychosis and depression. The drug presents all the properties of a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogen.
Marijuana is potentially addictive. The University of Washington has been following dependence counseling studied for 20 years. Approximately 3.6 million Americans are daily or near daily users. Those who have been daily or near daily users for 10 years, have tried quitting more than six times and failed. I respect Ryan's opinion, but I do not share it. Marijuana has many good properties, however;the fact that it was introduced into this country as a recreational drug tends to limit its benefits. The use and abuse would skyrocket it is were to be legalized.
http://roomfordebate.blogs,nytimes.com/2009/10/19/a-new-course-on-medical-marijuana/
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytiems.com/2009/07/19/if-marijuana-is-legal-will-addiciton-rise/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marijuana