Legalizing Marijuana

Paper Summary:

The paper contends that legalizing marijuana makes sense for a variety of reasons. The paper explains that economically, the country could benefit from a tax on marijuana and many areas of law enforcement would be freed up for other duties if marijuana was legalized. The paper also argues that those who want to use the drug for medicinal purposes would not break the law if marijuana were legalized. The paper looks at how marijuana use is common and legal in some other countries and maintains that this has been without any serious social consequences. The paper presents the arguments against legalization but refutes the claims mentioned.

Outline:
The Economics of Marijuana
Marijuana and the Criminal Justice System
Medicinal Marijuana
Arguments Against Legalization
Marijuana in Other Countries

From the Paper:

"Legalizing marijuana has created a heated debate in the United States for decades. Proponents believe marijuana is a relatively harmless drug, at least on par with alcohol, and should be decriminalized. Opponents believe marijuana is harmful, and can lead to addiction to more dangerous drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. Several other countries, including the Netherlands, have open marijuana laws that allow consumption in cafes and certain other legal locations, and the results in these countries have been positive. Legalizing marijuana is controversial, but it makes sense for a number of compelling reasons."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bellingham, Nancy. "Is Mary Jane Really Bad?" Canadian Speeches July 2001: 28.
• Earleywine, Mitch. Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Moffatt, Mike. "Should Governments Legalize and Tax Marijuana?" About.com. 2007. 25 April 2007.<http://economics.about.com/od/incometaxestaxcuts/a/marijuana.htm>
• Richardson, Valerie. "Drug Control Strategy Launched; Denver Called 'Model' Case." The Washington Times 9 Feb. 2006: A12.
• Slade, David C. "Medicinal Marijuana." World and I May 2001: 48.

More papers on Legalizing Marijuana:

• Term Paper # 121944 : "Consequences of Legalizing Marijuana"
• Persuasive Essay # 143108 : "Legalizing Marijuana"
• Term Paper # 28696 : "Legalizing Marijuana"
• Argumentative Essay # 55685 : "Opinions Regarding Legalizing Marijuana"

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