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Legalization of Marijuana in the United States

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Legalization of Marijuana in the United States
Legalization of Marijuana in the United States
Author: Heidi Heffron-Clark
ENGL112ON_AC: Composition

Professor: Julie Joki

Talk about a hot topic! Marijuana and the discussion surrounding full legalization of the substance in the United States, has been creating a stir for many years now. Some people feel that there is no need to legalize another drug and take the risk of allowing it to get into the hands of children or people that may not be exposed to it if were not legal. Others say that if we legalize marijuana, it’s the start of a slippery slope that might lead to attempts to legalize other drugs. To the contrary, there are also many people, myself included, that feel that the risks of legalizing marijuana in the United States are minimal compared to the potential benefits. Legalizing any drug is going to come with a lot of debate and resistance, but the great benefits of legalizing this particular drug need to be seriously considered, and there has never been a better time to do so. Amazing health benefits that include both preventing illnesses and treating symptoms of diseases, economy boosting benefits resulting from legalization, regulation and taxation and the fact that it has been successfully legalized in other countries all lead to the conclusion that the legalization of marijuana in the United States is the right thing to do for the sake of the entire country! One of the greatest reasons to consider legalization of marijuana would be due to the immense medicinal benefits that marijuana provides. Medicinal marijuana is beneficial in the treatment and prevention of many different illnesses including, but not limited to, cancer, Tourette’s, OCD, Multiple Sclerosis, Seizures, Migraines, Glaucoma, ADD/ADHD, Crohn’s, and Alzheimer’s. If marijuana were legalized and regulated, people suffering from any of these illnesses would have an alternative to current medications with horrible side effects. It could also be something that is



References: 16 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC. (05/13/2011). Retrieved 08/14/11 from ProCon.org web site: http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 Boonn, Ann Cleaver, Hannah. (2002). Marijuana Chemical Eases Tourette’s Symptoms. Excerpt from Reuters Health retrieved 08/14/11 from Prevent Disease.com web site: http://preventdisease.com/news/articles/marjuana_tourettes.shtml Leveque, Dr. Phillip. (06/30/2008). Marijuana Vs. Migraines: Modern Medical Miracle. Retrieved 08/14/11 from Salem-News web site: http://www.salem-news.com/articles/june302008/leveque_migraines_6-30-08.php Marijuana Chemical May Slow Multiple Sclerosis. (05/12/2009). Retrieved 08/14/11 from insciences organisation web site: http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=4963 Marijuana Use in Supportive Care for Cancer Patients Marijuana’s Active Ingredient Shown to Inhibit Primary Marker of Alzheimer’s Disease. (08/09/2006). Retrieved 08/14/11 from The Scripps Research Institute web site: http://www.scripps.edu/news/press/080906.html Miron, Jeffrey A. (06/2005). Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition in the United States. Retrieved 08/14/11 from Prohibition Costs.org web site: http://www.prohibitioncosts.org/mironreport.html NIDA InfoFacts: Marijuana Real World Ramifications of Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization. (03/05/2010). Retrieved 08/14/11 from The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws web site: http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=8110#decrim Szalavitz, Maia Tobacco Grower Career Information. (2010). Retrieved 08/14/11 from MyMajors.com web site: http://www.mymajors.com/careers-and-jobs/Tobacco-Grower

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