The legalization of recreational marijuana is a terrible idea for Pennsylvania. The public may have mixed opinions, but the bottom line is that marijuana is a public health hazard.

Studies show that marijuana functions as a common gateway drug. Use has been linked to hard drugs such as opioids and cocaine addiction. Pennsylvania is already in a disturbing crisis of fighting opioid addiction, making this an unwise time for Pennsylvanians to be discussing legalizing recreational marijuana. Instead, we should focus on responding to the opioid crisis threatening our people.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the use of marijuana critically affects the respiratory system and could also lead to heart disease and stroke. Marijuana is also associated with mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Studies further show that marijuana use has the potential to weaken the immune system of a smoker, which is the last thing any of us need in light of the recent coronavirus threat.

The legalization of recreational marijuana for adults inherently makes it easily accessible for our youth population. Some parents and siblings may not be responsible enough to prevent drug exposure to kids. The teens will always find a way to access it, just like alcohol. Marijuana is also fatally dangerous to the health of teens. According to neuroscientists, teens' brains are vulnerable to damage if exposed to drugs because they are still developing at that age.

Health-related dangers of legalizing recreational marijuana could unnecessarily burden the state with the socioeconomic costs of hospitalization. Pennsylvania has more pressing issues to deal with, such as education and the generation of employment opportunities. 

The public costs associated with legalizing marijuana could be used to improve the livelihoods of Pennsylvanians in better ways. I believe we can avoid the burden of marijuana by strongly advocating against its legalization.

The legalization of marijuana could also lead to the impairment of social justice in Pennsylvania. There will likely be increased commercialization of marijuana, leading to an industry boom that plunges our people into intoxicating addiction. The industry could take after the liquor industry and lead to a proliferation of stores and ads in society. This is a kind of predatory industry that could negatively impact all communities and demographics.

Law enforcement is also concerned with the potential effects of marijuana legalization on impaired driving. Marijuana could increase fatalities on our roads, given that traffic congestion is already a matter of concern in the busier areas of Pennsylvania. 

It would become even more difficult than it already is for police to create and enforce measures for controlling marijuana-impaired driving. Colorado is already facing the challenge of an increase in marijuana-related fatalities on the road.

Pennsylvanians should unanimously resolve to oppose legalizing marijuana because of the potential harm it poses.