Argumentative Essay: The Legalization Of Marijuana
Sarah Gilliam
Ms. Catania
English 2000, Section 66
7 March, 2013
The Legalization of Marijuana
Pot, grass, weed, hash, and ganja or just a few of over 200 slang terms used to describe one very important issue in today’s society. One of the biggest topics up for debate, which has risen in popularity within the last couple years, is the discussion on the legalization of marijuana. There are several affiliated areas discussed within this essay exposing the arguments, stakeholders, and reasoning for why marijuana should or should not be legalized. Between the state and federal law contradictions, the issue of legalization of marijuana for pharmaceutical or recreational use in the United States affects not only the policy makers and medicinal …show more content…
patients, but also the adolescents and regular recreational users of today’s society.
By observing a brief history behind what Marijuana actually is, including all of the side-effects, voting citizens and politicians can grasp a better understanding of how to approach this issue by first understanding the background behind it. Procon.org is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated solely to the history and background of marijuana to inform anyone wanting more knowledge about this issue. To begin, Marijuana comes from the dried blossom tops of cannabis sativa plants, one of three plants within the genius Cannabis. It consists of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which produce psychoactive and physiologically effects on the user. The most active cannabinoid compound is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or otherwise referred to as THC. THC is absorbed rapidly into the blood stream after inhaling or ingesting. The short-term psychological and physiological effects of this chemical compound are felt within minutes. Slow reaction time, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, paranoia, euphoria, and an increase in appetite are some of the many effects of THC. After about three to four hours, these effects wear off; however the chemical compound of THC remains for up to six months within the body. Procon.org breaks down the study of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes for nearly 5,000 years using an easy to understand timeline. Many Americans have no knowledge of the path marijuana has made on our history or why it was even legal. Without the knowledge of why it became illegal, how can one make an informed decision in our Democracy. Marijuana was brought to the United States by the Spanish where it became a major commercial crop unregulated by the United States government and was a common ingredient in medicines. It was commonly prescribed to patients for minor medical issues such as nausea or labor pains. In the early twentieth century, marijuana began to be used for recreational purposes. During the 1930’s, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics, renamed the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, launched a prohibition campaign using the association of marijuana with anti-social behavior and violence to influence United States society towards the banning of this drug. They tagged marijuana as a dangerous addicting substance that could be considered a “gateway” to other dangerous substances. In the 1960’s, it became widely used as a symbol of rebellion against authority among college students and the so-called “hippie” generation. Finally, in 1970, The Controlled Substances Act was passed federally making all production and use of marijuana illegal in the United States due to the high abuse with no acknowledged medical use of this classified schedule I drug. The banning of marijuana is evidence that perhaps legalization is not the best idea. The possible ability of it being a “gateway” drug affects children and their future with drug abuse. Promoting one drug could lead to possibly promoting many more. This aspect to ensure future citizens of America’s health may indeed by a right path; however, it could be doing more harm than good. With this said, this is why voting citizens and policy makers need to take into account anything there is to know about the issue before making decisions that could affect future society. Today, marijuana production and use remains federally illegal; however, recently, in the last fifteen years, state legislatures in some states are becoming more lenient on the medicinal use of marijuana. In two particular states, Colorado and Washington, recreational use of marijuana has been legalized as well. According to the introduction of Vanderbilt Law Review, “Congress has the ability to overpower a state’s decision when they prohibit a permissible federal law; however, when a state decriminalizes a prohibited federal law, Congress does not have the ability to overpower them, but they can sway them to see in their favor” (Mikos, “This two-sided law had been widely overlooked by states until the passing of Amendment 64 in Colorado and Washington. Not only has it conflicted with federal laws, but Congress is trying to keep these states from being able to get licenses to mass produce marijuana and tax it by implementing more detailed federal policies. The White House released several reasons, including effects on adolescents, behind changing their opposition on legalizing marijuana not only for recreational use, but for medicinal use also.
There is evidence that the use of medical marijuana to treat certain pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS can relieve or ease the patient of these symptoms temporary and has been suggested that the toxicity of this drug is less harmful then some of the drugs currently prescribed for these particular illnesses. The Positive Health cohort study consisting of people with HIV/AIDS between the states of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia concluded that “Therapeutic use of cannabinoids, whether through marijuana or synthetic oral THC, deserves further consideration to clarify the many complex issues related to both the health of people using it and the social context in which PLWHA and health workers are expected to operate” (Kippax, et al. “Marijuana as therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS: Social and health aspects”).
The inhalation of marijuana can damage the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system due to the ability of smoke to cause cancer within the body. An alternative solution that is currently being explored is oral THC or synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol and nabilone. It is administered through capsules or inhalants; however, as stated in Kippax’s article, since natural THC on the human brain and the immune system is not fully understood, the effects of oral THC cannot be fully predicted (Kippax, et al. “Marijuana as therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS: Social and health aspects”). Since it is unclear rather therapeutic marijuana use does more harm than good, there are other aspects to consider on this issue.
Studies show that adolescent marijuana usage for children under the age of sixteen who are still developing their cognitive and social skills are at a high risk of developing DSM-IV clinical symptoms, mental health disorders, later on in life. A study done by the institutional review boards of wake Forest University Health Sciences and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio showed that psychological impairments “may relate to these individuals’ increased risk for future psychiatric conditions, including psychotic and affective disorders as well as more severe substance use disorders” (Acheson, et al., “Impulsivity, attention, memory, and decision-making among adolescent marijuana users”). Considering all the negative effects on an adolescent’s brain, research for recreational purposes is viewed by many as unnecessary. The argument is to consider the growing minds of our children so we can have a productive society in the future. Negative effects found on adolescents’ causes disapproval from the voters and can negativity affect the medical research by keeping it completely illegal. Addiction to marijuana arises more often today in adolescents and adults due to the more relaxed attitudes of the risks involved as stated in “Marijuana Legalization.” As stated in Acheson’s analysis, an article published by Cambridge University …show more content…
Press mentions that marijuana addiction is not as recognized because typically it does not ruin one’s health or life; however, addiction to a scheduled class 1 substance, rather or not it is bad for you, is still an addiction that needs to be treated (Acheson, et al., “Impulsivity, attention, memory, and decision-making among adolescent marijuana users”).
Marijuana, within the last couple years, has become more accessible to the general public than ever before causing increasing awareness of the topic of legalizing marijuana.
It has been proven, through multiple tests, analyses, and researches, that marijuana does indeed have specific reasons for recreational use. There are those that believe that no good can come out of legalizing marijuana and therefore strongly advocate their position on banning the notion. Drug abuse and the harm it inflicts on others is a popular topic among marijuana controversies. In order to bring awareness to the risks involved when using marijuana “the Office of National Drug Control Policy is working to reduce the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs through development of strategies that fully integrate the principles of prevention, treatment, and recovery…” (“Marijuana Legalization”, The White House Washington). Not only are there health risks involved in consuming marijuana, other factors that would occur because of ratification include: Increase of use because of lowered price, tax revenue would be offset by higher social costs, and it would further burden the justice system. Taking into account all the facts and medical uses for cannabis, an informed voter can finally make a decision based on logic instead of
opinions.
The development of the legalization of marijuana is not just about deciding between being for or against it. It is more or less about being educated and aware of the multiple arguments brought into the debate on this issue that takes into account the effects on adolescents, policy makers, and medicinal or recreational users. As individuals we are given the choice to decide where we stand on the issue. Our own personal choices and decisions, in the end, have the ultimate decision on whether or not the legalization of marijuana will be passed. “There has never been a 'war on drugs '! In our history we can only see an ongoing conflict amongst various drug users – and producers” (Sebastian Marincolo).
Works Cited
Ashley Acheson, et al. "Impulsivity, Attention, Memory, And Decision-Making Among Adolescent Marijuana Users."Psychopharmacology 226.2 (2013): 307-319. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
Guarino, Mark. "How will Feds deal with marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington?." Christian Science Monitor 12 Nov. 2012: N.PAG. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
Kippax, S, et al. "Marijuana As Therapy For People Living With HIV/AIDS: Social And Health Aspects." AIDS Care 19.2 (2007): 295-301. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. “Marijuana Legalization.” The White House Washington. Office of National Drug Control Policy, n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
"Marijuana Use Rises." Society 43.6 (2006): 3-4. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
Mikos, Robert A. "On The Limits Of Supremacy: Medical Marijuana And The States ' Overlooked Power To Legalize Federal Crime." Vanderbilt Law Review 62.5 (2009): 1419-1482. Index to Legal Periodicals & Books Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
Procon.org. Procon.org, 12 July 2004. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
Ms. Catania
English 2000, Section 66
7 March, 2013
The Legalization of Marijuana
Pot, grass, weed, hash, and ganja or just a few of over 200 slang terms used to describe one very important issue in today’s society. One of the biggest topics up for debate, which has risen in popularity within the last couple years, is the discussion on the legalization of marijuana. There are several affiliated areas discussed within this essay exposing the arguments, stakeholders, and reasoning for why marijuana should or should not be legalized. Between the state and federal law contradictions, the issue of legalization of marijuana for pharmaceutical or recreational use in the United States affects not only the policy makers and medicinal …show more content…
patients, but also the adolescents and regular recreational users of today’s society.
By observing a brief history behind what Marijuana actually is, including all of the side-effects, voting citizens and politicians can grasp a better understanding of how to approach this issue by first understanding the background behind it. Procon.org is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated solely to the history and background of marijuana to inform anyone wanting more knowledge about this issue. To begin, Marijuana comes from the dried blossom tops of cannabis sativa plants, one of three plants within the genius Cannabis. It consists of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which produce psychoactive and physiologically effects on the user. The most active cannabinoid compound is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or otherwise referred to as THC. THC is absorbed rapidly into the blood stream after inhaling or ingesting. The short-term psychological and physiological effects of this chemical compound are felt within minutes. Slow reaction time, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, paranoia, euphoria, and an increase in appetite are some of the many effects of THC. After about three to four hours, these effects wear off; however the chemical compound of THC remains for up to six months within the body. Procon.org breaks down the study of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes for nearly 5,000 years using an easy to understand timeline. Many Americans have no knowledge of the path marijuana has made on our history or why it was even legal. Without the knowledge of why it became illegal, how can one make an informed decision in our Democracy. Marijuana was brought to the United States by the Spanish where it became a major commercial crop unregulated by the United States government and was a common ingredient in medicines. It was commonly prescribed to patients for minor medical issues such as nausea or labor pains. In the early twentieth century, marijuana began to be used for recreational purposes. During the 1930’s, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics, renamed the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, launched a prohibition campaign using the association of marijuana with anti-social behavior and violence to influence United States society towards the banning of this drug. They tagged marijuana as a dangerous addicting substance that could be considered a “gateway” to other dangerous substances. In the 1960’s, it became widely used as a symbol of rebellion against authority among college students and the so-called “hippie” generation. Finally, in 1970, The Controlled Substances Act was passed federally making all production and use of marijuana illegal in the United States due to the high abuse with no acknowledged medical use of this classified schedule I drug. The banning of marijuana is evidence that perhaps legalization is not the best idea. The possible ability of it being a “gateway” drug affects children and their future with drug abuse. Promoting one drug could lead to possibly promoting many more. This aspect to ensure future citizens of America’s health may indeed by a right path; however, it could be doing more harm than good. With this said, this is why voting citizens and policy makers need to take into account anything there is to know about the issue before making decisions that could affect future society. Today, marijuana production and use remains federally illegal; however, recently, in the last fifteen years, state legislatures in some states are becoming more lenient on the medicinal use of marijuana. In two particular states, Colorado and Washington, recreational use of marijuana has been legalized as well. According to the introduction of Vanderbilt Law Review, “Congress has the ability to overpower a state’s decision when they prohibit a permissible federal law; however, when a state decriminalizes a prohibited federal law, Congress does not have the ability to overpower them, but they can sway them to see in their favor” (Mikos, “This two-sided law had been widely overlooked by states until the passing of Amendment 64 in Colorado and Washington. Not only has it conflicted with federal laws, but Congress is trying to keep these states from being able to get licenses to mass produce marijuana and tax it by implementing more detailed federal policies. The White House released several reasons, including effects on adolescents, behind changing their opposition on legalizing marijuana not only for recreational use, but for medicinal use also.
There is evidence that the use of medical marijuana to treat certain pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS can relieve or ease the patient of these symptoms temporary and has been suggested that the toxicity of this drug is less harmful then some of the drugs currently prescribed for these particular illnesses. The Positive Health cohort study consisting of people with HIV/AIDS between the states of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia concluded that “Therapeutic use of cannabinoids, whether through marijuana or synthetic oral THC, deserves further consideration to clarify the many complex issues related to both the health of people using it and the social context in which PLWHA and health workers are expected to operate” (Kippax, et al. “Marijuana as therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS: Social and health aspects”).
The inhalation of marijuana can damage the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system due to the ability of smoke to cause cancer within the body. An alternative solution that is currently being explored is oral THC or synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol and nabilone. It is administered through capsules or inhalants; however, as stated in Kippax’s article, since natural THC on the human brain and the immune system is not fully understood, the effects of oral THC cannot be fully predicted (Kippax, et al. “Marijuana as therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS: Social and health aspects”). Since it is unclear rather therapeutic marijuana use does more harm than good, there are other aspects to consider on this issue.
Studies show that adolescent marijuana usage for children under the age of sixteen who are still developing their cognitive and social skills are at a high risk of developing DSM-IV clinical symptoms, mental health disorders, later on in life. A study done by the institutional review boards of wake Forest University Health Sciences and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio showed that psychological impairments “may relate to these individuals’ increased risk for future psychiatric conditions, including psychotic and affective disorders as well as more severe substance use disorders” (Acheson, et al., “Impulsivity, attention, memory, and decision-making among adolescent marijuana users”). Considering all the negative effects on an adolescent’s brain, research for recreational purposes is viewed by many as unnecessary. The argument is to consider the growing minds of our children so we can have a productive society in the future. Negative effects found on adolescents’ causes disapproval from the voters and can negativity affect the medical research by keeping it completely illegal. Addiction to marijuana arises more often today in adolescents and adults due to the more relaxed attitudes of the risks involved as stated in “Marijuana Legalization.” As stated in Acheson’s analysis, an article published by Cambridge University …show more content…
Press mentions that marijuana addiction is not as recognized because typically it does not ruin one’s health or life; however, addiction to a scheduled class 1 substance, rather or not it is bad for you, is still an addiction that needs to be treated (Acheson, et al., “Impulsivity, attention, memory, and decision-making among adolescent marijuana users”).
Marijuana, within the last couple years, has become more accessible to the general public than ever before causing increasing awareness of the topic of legalizing marijuana.
It has been proven, through multiple tests, analyses, and researches, that marijuana does indeed have specific reasons for recreational use. There are those that believe that no good can come out of legalizing marijuana and therefore strongly advocate their position on banning the notion. Drug abuse and the harm it inflicts on others is a popular topic among marijuana controversies. In order to bring awareness to the risks involved when using marijuana “the Office of National Drug Control Policy is working to reduce the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs through development of strategies that fully integrate the principles of prevention, treatment, and recovery…” (“Marijuana Legalization”, The White House Washington). Not only are there health risks involved in consuming marijuana, other factors that would occur because of ratification include: Increase of use because of lowered price, tax revenue would be offset by higher social costs, and it would further burden the justice system. Taking into account all the facts and medical uses for cannabis, an informed voter can finally make a decision based on logic instead of
opinions.
The development of the legalization of marijuana is not just about deciding between being for or against it. It is more or less about being educated and aware of the multiple arguments brought into the debate on this issue that takes into account the effects on adolescents, policy makers, and medicinal or recreational users. As individuals we are given the choice to decide where we stand on the issue. Our own personal choices and decisions, in the end, have the ultimate decision on whether or not the legalization of marijuana will be passed. “There has never been a 'war on drugs '! In our history we can only see an ongoing conflict amongst various drug users – and producers” (Sebastian Marincolo).
Works Cited
Ashley Acheson, et al. "Impulsivity, Attention, Memory, And Decision-Making Among Adolescent Marijuana Users."Psychopharmacology 226.2 (2013): 307-319. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
Guarino, Mark. "How will Feds deal with marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington?." Christian Science Monitor 12 Nov. 2012: N.PAG. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
Kippax, S, et al. "Marijuana As Therapy For People Living With HIV/AIDS: Social And Health Aspects." AIDS Care 19.2 (2007): 295-301. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. “Marijuana Legalization.” The White House Washington. Office of National Drug Control Policy, n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
"Marijuana Use Rises." Society 43.6 (2006): 3-4. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
Mikos, Robert A. "On The Limits Of Supremacy: Medical Marijuana And The States ' Overlooked Power To Legalize Federal Crime." Vanderbilt Law Review 62.5 (2009): 1419-1482. Index to Legal Periodicals & Books Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
Procon.org. Procon.org, 12 July 2004. Web. 21 Feb. 2013