Marijuana does have some beneficial uses, and science is continuously proving it as helpful in medicine. But marijuana is also not the miracle plant people chalk it up to be. For starters, marijuana is potentially addictive, and up to 50% of daily users are estimated to become addicted. Not to mention, marijuana is becoming increasingly more potent than in the past, so the risk of addiction is stronger. One argument for legalization is that drug cartels will be run out of business, therefore decreasing drug-related crimes and deaths. On the other hand, there’s a possibility these same cartels will only strive to increase the potency of their product and decrease the cost, consequently increasing the competition amongst them as they try to maintain their illegal business. Marijuana is harmful to your mental and physical health, and legalizing it will not miraculously change the fact that the drug is linked with an increased risk of schizophrenia, lowered IQ and self-motivation, lung problems, and birth defects. While a lot of research has been done, not enough substantial evidence is available to prove its medical benefits outweigh its disadvantages. Like everything, it should be analyzed realistically; and realistically, marijuana has both pros and cons in the debate of legalization.