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Legalization of Marijuana

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Legalization of Marijuana
Legalization of Marijuana Several topics in modern day society cause controversy, but one topic that out ranks them all is the legalization of marijuana. The main argument is whether not marijuana should be treated the same as already legalized drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol. Many Americans use marijuana illegally; the people using the drug range from the age of teens to even adults in their eighties. Marijuana is considered by most, especially in legal terms, as a dangerous drug. Although the drug is seen as such, many still continue to use it and argue it should be legalized for several reasons. Both citizens and government officials alike debate this topic. To successfully develop and argument for the legalization of marijuana the topic must be defined, the history of the topic must be unveiled, an argument must be made, and a good solution should be proposed. Yes, both sides of the argument both have well supported positions, but marijuana should be legalized by the United States government because the facts supporting legalization far outweigh the arguments keeping the drug as it is. Proponents for the legalization of marijuana offer several valid reasons to support their positions. The most common reason is that marijuana is proven to be no more harmful to a person’s body then legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. They believe that the marijuana only affects the mind for a short term and the long-term effects are only minor. Lawyers Adam Ford and Andrew Walter concur, “ Arguments against legalizing marijuana can usually be applied with equal validity to legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco: alcohol and tobacco can be addictive, can lead to financial or social problems when used in excess, and can lead to serious health problems” (1). These two well recognized attorneys agree that marijuana should be treated the same as tobacco and alcohol because most of the reasons opponents give to not legalize marijuana all fall under bad aspects of those


Cited: Collins, Chris. Personal Interview. 30 March 2011. “Facts on Cannabis and Alcohol”. SAFERchoice.org. N.P.. 2007. Web.3 Apr. 2011. Ford, Adams and Andrew Walter. “Point: Marijuana Should Be Legalized.” Point of View: Legalization of Marijuana. 2009. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 8 Mar. 2011. "History of Cannabis Prohibition." Legalize.org. N.p., 2005. Web. 29 Mar 2011. "The History of Marijuana." LegalizationofMarijuana.com. N.p., 2008. Web. 29 Mar 2011. “Medical Marijuana.” Drugpolicy.org. Drug Policy Alliance. 2011. Web. 4 Apr. 2011 Newton, George and Heather Newton. “ Counterpoint: There Are No Good Reasons to Legalize Marijuana.” Point of View: Legalization of Marijuana. 2009. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 2011. “Medical Marijuana.” ProCon.org. N.P.. 2011. Web. 3 Apr. 2011 Russell, Julia. “Legalizing Marijuana.” CQ Researcher. (12 Jun. 2009). CQ Press. Web. 8 Mar. 2011.
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