Marijuana has negative health effects
Marijuana has been linked to numerous health problems, and should not be sanctioned by the state.
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The Argument
Using marijuana has been linked to numerous negative health outcomes, such as mental health issues, cardiovascular problems, and lung problems.[1] Additionally, roughly one in ten marijuana users become addicted.[2] The government should not legalise a substance that can cause these issues and therefore sanction further damage to public health.
Counter arguments
While marijuana may be linked to negative health effects, they are incredibly minor compared to certain substances that are already sanctioned by the state. Both alcohol and tobacco are addictive, and in the U.S. alone thousands of people die per year from both alcohol poisoning[3] and smoking tobacco.[4] It does not make sense to continue to prohibit a drug with significantly less negative health incomes than alcohol and tobacco on the basis that it is negative for public health.
Premises
[P1] Marijuana has significant negative health effects and so should not be sanctioned by the state.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] The health drawbacks of marijuana are far lesser than some other drugs which are sanctioned by the government.