Marijuana Ethics
The Ethics of Marijuana Legalization
The Ethics of Marijuana Legalization Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs in the United States, third only behind tobacco and alcohol. It is estimated that nearly 80 million residents will try it on at least one occasion in their life. A recent survey shows that a quarter of these individuals have dried Marijuana in the last year and that more than half of these users are habitual users. The idea of marijuana use, whether it is for medicinal or recreational purposes is an ethical issue that is often considered by both the government and citizens. In this paper I will speak to the uses, benefits, possible concerns and possible ethical issues that could be created through the legalization of marijuana. What is marijuana? “Marijuana—often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or MJ—is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa—the hemp plant.” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2002) Marijuana can be smoked in many different ways. One way is through the rolling of it into cigarette or cigar type wrappers, which are most frequently referred to as joints and blunts. Another way is through a pipe or bong. These can be purchased at any novelty smoke shop. With such easy access to the paraphernalia, its widespread use is not surprising. Other surprising uses are through baking intro foods such as brownies and also using its leaves to make tea. Though marijuana is illegal it is relatively easy to procure no matter where you are. In certain states there are now medical marijuana licenses which allow people who suffer from certain diseases and pains to legally purchase marijuana for medicinal purposes. This has created an uproar in the community because people can get a license relatively easily. With this being said, it would just be easier to legalize the sale of marijuana and put a heavy sales tax on its
The Ethics of Marijuana Legalization Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs in the United States, third only behind tobacco and alcohol. It is estimated that nearly 80 million residents will try it on at least one occasion in their life. A recent survey shows that a quarter of these individuals have dried Marijuana in the last year and that more than half of these users are habitual users. The idea of marijuana use, whether it is for medicinal or recreational purposes is an ethical issue that is often considered by both the government and citizens. In this paper I will speak to the uses, benefits, possible concerns and possible ethical issues that could be created through the legalization of marijuana. What is marijuana? “Marijuana—often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or MJ—is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa—the hemp plant.” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2002) Marijuana can be smoked in many different ways. One way is through the rolling of it into cigarette or cigar type wrappers, which are most frequently referred to as joints and blunts. Another way is through a pipe or bong. These can be purchased at any novelty smoke shop. With such easy access to the paraphernalia, its widespread use is not surprising. Other surprising uses are through baking intro foods such as brownies and also using its leaves to make tea. Though marijuana is illegal it is relatively easy to procure no matter where you are. In certain states there are now medical marijuana licenses which allow people who suffer from certain diseases and pains to legally purchase marijuana for medicinal purposes. This has created an uproar in the community because people can get a license relatively easily. With this being said, it would just be easier to legalize the sale of marijuana and put a heavy sales tax on its
References: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Marijuana Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana-abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse. Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/hallucinogens-dissociative-drugs Reuters. Marijuana Use is Rising in the U.S., National Survey Shows. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/08/usa-drugs-idUSN1E7870N520110908 CBS News Staff. Marijuana use up, alcohol use down among U.S. teens: Report. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57343099-10391704/marijuana-use-up-alcohol-use-down-among-u.s-teens-report/ Drug Policy. Marijuana Policy Facts. Retrieved from http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/marijuana-facts