Advantages and Disadvantages of Legalization of Marijuana
Marijuana is a street drug that is a dry, green mix of stems, seeds, and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It is generally smoked as cigarettes or in a pipe. The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. Smoking marijuana creates a euphoric feeling that is known as a high. After it is absorbed into the user’s bloodstream through the lungs, certain protein receptors in the brain attach to THC to create this feeling. There are many beneficial aspects of marijuana such as pain reliever or a neutralizer. Marijuana is a natural substance that should be decriminalized by the government.
Many terminally ill patients rely on marijuana to function every day. Human biologist Michelle Keller reports, “In some cases, marijuana can help people conquer a day full of pain, nausea, or extreme fatigue” (12). A Harvard study reported that forty percent of oncologist found that the use of marijuana was beneficial following chemotherapy treatments and they recommended its use (Rosenthal 243). It is more logical to be able to function, if needed, in everyday life with the use of marijuana, which is more effective than over-the-counter drugs.
For centuries people have been debating whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Responsible individuals should be allowed the right to choose whether or not they use marijuana. America was founded on the principles of individuality, liberty, and freedom. The government has the power to limit citizen’s actions if they endanger someone else. Medical research has proven that cannabis is a beneficial alternative to many prescription pain medications.
Many people argue that marijuana should not be used for medical purposes because there are plenty of synthetic drugs available that produce similar therapeutic effects. On the other hand, many prescription drugs cause unwanted side effects that can sometimes be worse than the initial problem. Eric Schlosser, the author of Reefer Madness,
Many terminally ill patients rely on marijuana to function every day. Human biologist Michelle Keller reports, “In some cases, marijuana can help people conquer a day full of pain, nausea, or extreme fatigue” (12). A Harvard study reported that forty percent of oncologist found that the use of marijuana was beneficial following chemotherapy treatments and they recommended its use (Rosenthal 243). It is more logical to be able to function, if needed, in everyday life with the use of marijuana, which is more effective than over-the-counter drugs.
For centuries people have been debating whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Responsible individuals should be allowed the right to choose whether or not they use marijuana. America was founded on the principles of individuality, liberty, and freedom. The government has the power to limit citizen’s actions if they endanger someone else. Medical research has proven that cannabis is a beneficial alternative to many prescription pain medications.
Many people argue that marijuana should not be used for medical purposes because there are plenty of synthetic drugs available that produce similar therapeutic effects. On the other hand, many prescription drugs cause unwanted side effects that can sometimes be worse than the initial problem. Eric Schlosser, the author of Reefer Madness,
Cited: Berton, Lee. “Marijuana at Use”. Marijuana. Ed. Stanley E. Grupp. Columbus, Ohio. Charles E. Merrill Publishing, 1971. 243-248. Clarke, Robert C., and David W. Pate. “Medical Marijuana.” Hemp Today. Ed. Ed Rosenthal. California: Quick American Archives, 1994. 303-309. Geis, Gilbert. “Where the Grass is Greener.” Marihuana. Ed. Stanley E. Grupp. Columbus, Ohio. Charles E. Merrill Publishing Company, 1971. 33-35. Gieringer, Dale. “Economics of Cannabis Legalization.” Hemp Today. Ed. Ed Rosenthal. California: Quick American Archives, 1994. 311-324. Keller, Michelle. “The Great Pot Debate.” The Stanford Daily. 27 Jan 2005. 2 Feb. 2005. .. McWilliams, Peter. “Young people, Marijuana, and the Adults who are Letting Them Down.” Marijuana Magazine. Rosenthal, Ed. “Introduction.” Hemp Today. Ed. Ed Rosenthal. California: Quick American Archives, 1994. 299-302. Schlosser, Eric. Reefer Madness. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 2003. 13-29. Stevens, Amanda. “Legalizing Marijuana Allows Police to focus on Violent Crimes.” The Raw Story. 25 Feb. 2005.