They say that marijuana is simply a harmless plant, but do you really know what people inhale into their bodies? Marijuana, also known as pot or weed, contains over 350 different chemicals, some of which are carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). The legalization of marijuana is starting to become a real controversy in the United States. Twenty years ago no one in their right mind would have thought that drugs would become legal for private use. We need to move forward in our society and not backwards, we need to leave drugs behind and start focusing on more important things. Marijuana should not be legalized for recreational use because it is addictive, poses health risks, and can have a negative effect on society. For starters, humans have been smoking marijuana for quite some time now, and many of these humans abuse it. and become addicted to it. Once an individual has tried marijuana, he or she may have the desire to abuse it and do so more often. According to adai.us.edu, “If you use marijuana every day, there is a 50/50 chance of becoming addicted.” Cannabis addiction is a psychological disorder in which people rely on weed just to feel normal, which is unhealthy. This disorder will only increase over time if marijuana is legalized. Furthermore, if legalized people will develop a tolerance to weed and to achieve the desired high they will have to use it more and more. Marijuana is classified as a gateway drug and, if legalized, will lead people to use harder drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine, which they will in turn want legalized. Not only is marijuana addictive, but it also poses many health risks. Marijuana is linked to many dangerous health-related problems. For example, smoking and inhaling marijuana smoke is a...... middle of paper......cine: Assessing the Science Base. Legalizing marijuana would give teenagers easier access to it, which would lead to possible poor academic achievement. The article The Adverse Effects of Marijuana (for the General Public) states that “Among adults, marijuana is associated with lower occupational status and a higher unemployment rate.” All in all, recreational use of marijuana should not be legalized because marijuana is known to be addictive. , the health risks of marijuana are not worth the benefits and has a negative view of society. Marijuana is known to be an addictive and easily abused gateway drug. It is also known to cause bronchitis and studies have shown that it has been linked to lung cancer. And finally it interferes with work, school and society in general. Now, after reading this essay, you believe that marijuana should be legalized for recreational use??