Argument Against Legalizing Marijuana in America

Paper Summary:

This paper takes up the debate regarding the legalization of marijuana in America and argues that it is not in the best interest of Americans to do so. The arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana and their weaknesses are also discussed and the writer explains that the Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that marijuana for medicinal purposes is illegal. The paper concludes that marijuana should not be legalized since it is not essential to the quality of individual life and the pursuit of happiness.

Outline:
Arguments in Support of Legalizing Marijuana
Medicinal Marijuana
Marijuana By Choice
Cost of Drug Use
Other Countries
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Using marijuana impairs the senses, not unlike alcohol, and to sanction another drug for public consumption that presents a potential self-control issue on an individual level, that poses a threat to others, is not acceptable. And just as people break the law to use marijuana, they will break the law of legalized marijuana that restricts the use of the drug to the home, or other place, by getting behind the wheel of a car, or making impaired choices that lead to the injury of others. Thus, it is not an individual choice issue."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lowry, Richard. "Weed Whackers - the Anti-Marijuana Forces, and Why They're Wrong." National Review 20 Aug. Questia. 4 Dec. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002408640>.
• "Marijuana Not a Medicine; Illicit Drug No Source for Treatment." The Washington Times 9 June 2005: A21. Questia. 4 Dec. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5009552477>.
• "A Matter of Choice." The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) 5 Oct. 2005: A12. Questia. 4 Dec. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5011238476>.
• Nadelmann, Ethan A. "An End to Marijuana Prohibition: The Drive to Legalize Picks Up." National Review 12 July 2004: 28. Questia. 4 Dec. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5009355870>.
• Trevino, Roberto A., and Alan J. Richard. "Attitudes towards Drug Legalization among Drug Users." American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 28.1 (2002): 91+. Questia. 4 Dec. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000711797>.

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