The Positive and Negative Impacts of the Legalization of Marijuana
The Positive and Negative Impacts of the Legalization of Marijuana
Levi Welshans
Composition
Professor Prince
June 6, 2012
Introduction
Marijuana has been the source of much debate in recent years. Many believe that this plant is special, and that this plant is less damaging than alcohol or tobacco. Some individuals believe it offers more than just physical and mental relief. They believe that it has the power to heal diseases. In the medical field, many have questioned where this evidence is. There have been studies of marijuana for decades. Most doctors would tell the general public that without a doubt this drug, like others, will have adverse effects in dealing with disease or pain management. For those who suffer with horrible diseases that can be painful and depressing it is an escape from what they have to deal with on a daily basis. Legalizing medical marijuana may be beneficial to a small number of Americans dealing with disease, but when you consider the negative effects it has on the youth of this country, it no longer seems like an option worth seeking.
Dangers of Marijuana
Marijuana is an illegal mind-altering substance. It is federally classified as a Schedule I drug. (Department of Justice, 2012) This means like cocaine, heroin, or PCP; it is illegal to purchase, sell or use it anywhere in America. There are many reasons why the Supreme Court has continually upheld their decisions to keep marijuana illegal. From documented research on health effects to the criminal interaction involved with the use of this drug, it seems fitting that it should be illegal. Many will argue though that it is less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. In 2010, more than 10,000 deaths were directly related to alcohol-impaired driving (National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 2011). Many advocates for the legalization of marijuana compare the considerable death tolls of alcohol and tobacco to the minor reports of deaths that stem from the use of
Levi Welshans
Composition
Professor Prince
June 6, 2012
Introduction
Marijuana has been the source of much debate in recent years. Many believe that this plant is special, and that this plant is less damaging than alcohol or tobacco. Some individuals believe it offers more than just physical and mental relief. They believe that it has the power to heal diseases. In the medical field, many have questioned where this evidence is. There have been studies of marijuana for decades. Most doctors would tell the general public that without a doubt this drug, like others, will have adverse effects in dealing with disease or pain management. For those who suffer with horrible diseases that can be painful and depressing it is an escape from what they have to deal with on a daily basis. Legalizing medical marijuana may be beneficial to a small number of Americans dealing with disease, but when you consider the negative effects it has on the youth of this country, it no longer seems like an option worth seeking.
Dangers of Marijuana
Marijuana is an illegal mind-altering substance. It is federally classified as a Schedule I drug. (Department of Justice, 2012) This means like cocaine, heroin, or PCP; it is illegal to purchase, sell or use it anywhere in America. There are many reasons why the Supreme Court has continually upheld their decisions to keep marijuana illegal. From documented research on health effects to the criminal interaction involved with the use of this drug, it seems fitting that it should be illegal. Many will argue though that it is less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. In 2010, more than 10,000 deaths were directly related to alcohol-impaired driving (National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 2011). Many advocates for the legalization of marijuana compare the considerable death tolls of alcohol and tobacco to the minor reports of deaths that stem from the use of
References: Continued European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. (2012). Legal topic overviews: possession of cannabis for personal use. Retrieved from http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/legal-topic-overviews/cannabis-possession-for-personal-use Stimson C. (2010, September). Legalizing Marijuana: Why Citizens Should Just Say No. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/09/legalizing-marijuana-why-citizens-should-just-say-no#_ftn28 Procon.org. (2012) Laws, Fees, and Possession Limits. Retrieved from http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 Altieri E. (2012, Feb) 8 States May Legalize Marijuana This Year – Did Yours Make the List? Retrieved from http://blog.norml.org/2012/02/09/8-states-may-legalize-marijuana-this-year-did-yours-make-the-list/