Why Marijuana Should be Legalized

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer argues that marijuana should be legalized. The writer points out that marijuana offers uses across a broad range of categories, including industrial uses, medical uses and recreational uses. The paper argues that the morality of marijuana use must be reconsidered, and although much of the conservative public refuses to accept the numerous benefits of marijuana, drastic change is needed. The writer notes that although the taboo appears to be lessening as the medical use of marijuana is slowly being recognized, thanks to the acceptance by respected neurologists for instance, the moral disdain for marijuana, in particular for its recreational use, should be disregarded. The writer concludes that without even getting into the relatively low level of danger in marijuana and the resources that would be saved and accumulated by marijuana's legalization, the potential value from the uses speak for itself as a clear argument in favor of legalization.

From the Paper:

"This is an unacceptable reason for the criminalization of such a valuable drug that is less dangerous than countless other drugs currently available to the public, including alcohol, poisons, and even over the counter painkillers. The morality of marijuana must be reconsidered, and although much of the conservative public refuses to accept the numerous benefits of marijuana, drastic change is needed. We as a society are nearing towards acceptance of marijuana as its value is becoming recognized and it is currently legal in some places for medicinal purposes. Thus the medicinal purposes have been recognized by some of our lawmakers, but it needs to be recognized by all. Furthermore, marijuana offers benefits that exceed just its medicinal benefits, such as the aforementioned industrial value and recreational value. Its recreational value is perhaps the most ignored, however it is important. It does not make sense that a drug which offers safer and, to many people, more pleasant recreation than tobacco and alcohol is not legalized. The recreational value of marijuana, which is important to many people even as marijuana is illegal, should be recognized and given the respect it deserves. Similarly, marijuana is a plant and has industrial values which are ignored, as currently only marijuana's medicinal values are given credence. This reflects the general sentiment, which although much of the population of Western nations has tried the drug, that it is immoral, wasteful, and dangerous to use."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gettman, John. "Industrial Uses of Marijuana." Lycaeum. Fall 2006. 10 Apr. 2007 <http://leda.lycaeum.org/?ID=12426>.
• Hedman, Leighann. "Legalization of Marijuana." 8 Apr. 2007 <http://www.usask.ca/education/ideas/tplan/sslp/values/legmarij.htm>.
• "Helpful or Harmful?" American Academy of Neurology. 7 June 2004. Dalhouse University. 9 Apr. 2007 <http://communications.medicine.dal.ca/newsroom/release83.htm>.
• "Industrial Marijuana." The Hemp Historian. 2001. 9 Apr. 2007 <http://www.glenwoodsmith.com/hemphistorian/industrial.html>.
• "Industrial Uses." The Campaign for the Restoration and Regulation of Hemp (CRRH). 2007. 8 Apr. 2007 <http://www.crrh.org/cannabis/industrial.html>.

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