The Legalization of Marijuana

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana and takes the position that, while there are some rational points of view in favor of legalizing marijuana, the legalization of yet another drug is not justified. The paper argues that the legalization of any drug promotes a culture of acceptance and dependence which can lead to further acceptance and dependence on other types of drugs. The paper includes color graphs and appends a graph of Marijuana seizures and a color map of countries and their marijuana laws.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview
The Debate: Pros and Cons
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The debate about the legalization and the pros and cons of the drug marijuana has been one that has constantly been fought in the public as well in the medical arenas. The issue of the possible legalization of this substance has also been linked to facets such as crime, social stability and norms and the affect on the family structure. There are numerous arguments both for and against the legalization of marijuana. Proponents of legalization claim that marijuana is in fact relatively innocuous compared to other substances and drugs which are already legal. This refers to various accepted drugs and of course to the fact that tobacco and cigarettes are legally obtainable. Many people state that in comparison to many other legal drugs, marijuana is in fact less harmful in many respects and should be legalized. Among the many arguments put forward in favor of Marijuana is the assertion that it provides medicinal value which makes it more acceptable."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barolat, Giancarlo. "A New Battlefront in the War on Drugs." USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education) Mar. 2005: 60+. Questia. 23 May 2007. <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008952735>.
• Drug use as part of culture. 23 May 2007. <http://www.paihdelinkki.fi/english/infobank/400_drug_line/461e.htm>
• Early Marijuana Use Linked to Adult Dependence. 23 May 2007.<http://www.samhsa.gov/SAMHSA_news/summer2002/article7.htm>
• Earleywine, Mitch. Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Questia. 31 May 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=104292622>.
• Goode, Erich, ed. Marijuana. Chicago: Atherton, 1969.

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