Marijuana's illegalization has always been erroneous. Early in the 1900s, a surge of Mexicans immigrated to the U.S., and the marijuana they brought with them was quickly associated with them. In the 1930s, tensions between white Americans and Mexican immigrants were heightened due to the Great Depression, and the use of marijuana was ultimately prohibited for the general public in 1937 with the Marijuana Tax Act ("Marijuana Timeline"). By the 1960s, marijuana became a symbol of counterculture, and the government stopped any research involved with its properties. In 1971, President Richard Nixon began the "War on Drugs," and marijuana was dragged into it. Nixon assigned a commission to review the danger marijuana possesses, and the …show more content…
Studies by the British Medical Association and World Health Organization have concluded that medical marijuana could be used to treat symptoms of certain diseases (Koch). Due to the extensive testing that these two organizations did and the fact that they are very reputable, there is enough evidence that medical marijuana should be used to help patients. Since marijuana is readily available, and there is research to confirm its medical uses, there is no reason not to use it. Opponents of the use of medical marijuana argue that it could have unintended societal consequences. Robert L. DuPont of the National Institute on Drug Abuse argues that teen attitudes to marijuana are linked to medical marijuana laws, and that medical marijuana would "normalize drug use" ("Teen Drug Use"). This is not true. The Institute of Medicine was asked to conduct a study on medical marijuana by the White House. The IOM concluded that, among other things, the use of medical marijuana would not increase recreational usage rates of marijuana (Koch). Since this organization is clearly reputable, there is enough evidence that the legalization medical marijuana wouldn't affect the general population's use of marijuana in any way. Since DuPont also didn't provide any evidence for his claim, it can be dismissed. Due to the evidence provided, it is clear that marijuana has positive health benefits. In addition, marijuana should be legalized because its illegalization
Is legalizing marijuana a good step to take ? There has been many questions as to what will happen to the community. Will the community grow from this new law? Or will this end in a horrible problem? Although marijuana is a drug, it does not cause harm to your body like alcohol does. Legalizing marijuana in the states of the U.S should be done because it can be used for medical reason, it is not harmful to the body, and police want strong relationships with their community.
The Detroit Free Press Editorial Board’s Article Let the people decide about legalizing marijuana(2016) was an attempt to convince readers that Michigan Legislature is currently a “dysfunctional waste,” determined to keep Marijuana legalization off the ballots.The Press got their opinion across by using uncredited polls, tugging at the reader's emotions when describing both parties, and overall biased tone with underlying motives. The author uses pathos, ethos, and logos very effectively when trying to persuade the reader. Pathos is being used when the author attempts to appeal to our emotions while trying to pity MILegalize. Logos is being used when the authors tries to connect with our common sense in order to persuade by reason. Lastly ethos is being used when the author attempts to sway our opinion of michigan legislature, but altering our view of their character and morals.This article was written with intentions to get voters riled up, discredit the michigan legislature and provoke change within the court systems. The Editorial Board only presented their side of the argument, concluding they are targeting left-wing moderates that are for the legalization of marijuana.
Marijuana is a misunderstood drug. Many assume that the usage of marijuana, or cannabis, is dangerous, but it can be the exact opposite. So why is the legalization of marijuana in the United States such a problem for many people today? Considered to be a gateway drug and the reason for the downfall of our youth nowadays, marijuana has developed a negative reputation. Lester Grinspoon, a professor at Harvard University, states, “Few drugs in the United States have produced as much affective heat as marijuana, particularly during the last decade. The controversy essentially revolves around the question of how dangerous or safe the drug is." However, many people are persistent users and believe that this drug is no more harmful than
Willie Nelson once said, “I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?”
How would most Americans react if the law allowed the use of heroin, LSD, or amphetamines for medical purposes? Many of us would react in disbelief mainly because of the effects of these powerful and addictive drugs. However, in Arizona the law permits the use of heroin, LSD, and amphetamines for medicinal purposes, yet the medicinal use of marijuana remains illegal in the United States ("Facts"). Because marijuana is categorized as a Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substance Act ("Issues"), physicians cannot legally prescribe it. The national debate on the effectiveness of marijuana as medicine is divided between those who advocate marijuana's medicinal value and
is wasted on a cause that there seems to be no end to.” In 1989, a
There should be no reason that a person should be allowed to drink at age 21, but should not be allowed to smoke marijuana, a simple plant. Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana should be legal because of medical benefits, states would gain revenue, and it would lower crime rates.
Marijuana has been around for ages. This being the case there is heavy debate over the question whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Before we step into the research, we should know what exactly marijuana is and where does it come from? According to David Newton in his book Marijuana: A Reference Handbook, marijuana is a recreational drug, which comes from the cannabis plants such as the cannabis sativa crop plant (XIII). Newton further explains that marijuana is often used to experience pleasure that allows the users to escape the troubles of everyday life (XIV). From this we know that the majority of the people using marijuana want to get “high” so they can be stress free for a while without having to worry about any job, chore,
Marijuana has become one of the most controversial drugs in America. Ever since its cultivation began around 1611, marijuana has puzzled people with its effects. Many question marijuana?s classification as a schedule one drug. A schedule one drug is one that has a high potential for abuse and no medicinal value. Some argue that the war on drugs, in particular marijuana, has cost taxpayers billions and is wasting funds that could be used on more important tasks such as improving transportation or education. As drug arrests rise, so do the populations in state prisons. This has become an immediate problem with no real solution. The legalization of possessing small amounts of marijuana can contribute positively to the medical and
The "War on Drugs" has been fighting a tough opponent over the past few decades. Aimed at cutting down on drug use and sales, this "war" has brought many negative side effects along with it. Aside from limiting the freedoms of millions of Americans, The War on Drugs has caused many more problems while also managing to fail at drug deterrence and distribution. Since many citizens already back the legalization of marijuana, as demonstrated by Oakland's passing of Measure Z, which makes marijuana related offenses the "lowest priority" to Oakland law enforcement officials (Hill 2004), marijuana should be legalized.
Marijuana! What comes to mind when you think about that? Is it a lazy teen sitting on the couch; is it a tool that can be utilized by police to target people of color? Whatever it is that comes to mind when thinking about marijuana you have a stance on whether it should or should not be legalized. Many might deem Marijuana as a gateway drug, or even addicting. Most responses that one hears in the opposition of legalizing marijuana are regurgitated propaganda that has been force fed down the throats of Americans since the elementary days of campaigns like D.A.R.E.. Very seldom is the other side of the argument ever presented let alone spread to the masses. What is the other side of the argument, one may ask? The arguments of those in favor could go on for days; But the arguments that will be focused on will be, the fact that medical research is now debunking a lot of myths surrounding Marijuana usage, how the government uses marijuana as a tool to target people of color and criminalize them, as well as the profitability the government would see legalizing it rather than not.
Marijuana is a green or brown mix of preserved, crushed leaves from the marijuana plant. A psychoactive drug, marijuana contains fifty-percent more tar than tobacco. Smoking the harmful plant can damage the brain, lungs, and the male reproductive system and may escalate the effects of epilepsy and psychosis (Kahler, 1988). Within campus colleges and universities, there are a lot of students who are using marijuana recreationally. Long-term marijuana use can induce negative effects on short-term memory, concentration, attention span, motivation, and problem solving, which clearly interfere with learning. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, can reinforce dependence on the drug and on other addictive drugs (Joffe &
Should marijuana be legalized for recreational or medical use? This is a debate that has been happening for quite some time and this is not just a debate that is happening among people. There are many that have taken sides including medical personal and government officials. Currently in the United States there are two states in which recreational use of marijuana is legal; Colorado and Washington. There are three states currently that have pending legislation to legalize recreational use; California, Maine, and Oregon. On the other hand there are 21 states in which medical use of marijuana is legal; Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New
Is it possible for an illegal drug to be deemed legal for medical purposes? Well for an illegal drug like marijuana, that is the question. There are currently many people who use marijuana legally to suppress their illness. Marijuana should be allowed for medicinal purposes.
Legalization or decriminalization of marijuana is opposed by a vast majority of American’s and people around the world. Leaders in Marijuana prevention, education, treatment, and law enforcement adamantly oppose the substance, as do many political leaders. However, pro-drug advocacy groups, who support the use of illegal drugs, are making headlines. They are influencing decision making thru legislation and having a significant impact on the national policy debate here in the United States and in other countries. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is the oldest drug user lobby in the U.S. It has strong ties to the Libertarian party, the Drug Policy Foundation, and the American Civil Liberties Union.