Abstract This paper deals with the shortcomings of the current measures taken to curb the rising problem of drug abuse in America and how legalizingdrugs would change the role of the police from the enforcer, to the protector. A discussion of the question of getting current abusers to stop their self-destructive ways and ways to prevent new drug abusers is given with a realistic looks at how the current systems tries to solve these problems. Also a short dissertation on how DARE has failed to prevent new drug abusers is also given.
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that the ongoing war on drugs has not succeeded and that drug use should be prevented rather than made illegal. This paper also examines the argument that drug use will dramatically decrease if all illegal substances are legalized. This paper also discusses how school programs educating students on the risks of substance abuse has had a dramatic impact on teenage drug use.
Topics covered in this paper include:
The War On Drugs The Drug Business
Alcohol and Drugs The Effect of Drug Education
Drugs and Jail
Addiction
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Because drugs are illegal, their cost is astronomical, providing enormous profits to those engaged in the business of importing, exporting and selling drugs. There is no question that legalization of drugs would put an immediate stop to this rich source of economic gain. Legal drugs could be sold at a reasonable price to those who choose to use them, and the illegal drug community would not be able to compete."
Abstract Prohibition failed because it was an unrealistic and unenforceable law that created problems, wasted tax money, and unnecessarily restricted personal freedom, exactly as the War on Drugs is failing today. This paper describes American alcohol use, the temperance movement, Prohibition, and the War on Drugs and explains how legalizingdrugs would reduce crime and public health problems.
This paper discusses drug testing, its ethical and legal implications and the role of employers and educational facilities to ensure high ethical standards.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, 2006, $ 35.95
Abstract The paper contends that ethical and legal implications of drug testing must be considered by employers and educational facilities prior to mandating drug testing within the organization. This is evident due to the various types of testing that can be administered and the reliability factors that may affect each type of test. The paper maintains that these issues must be addressed and evaluated appropriately before the organization can make a determination regarding an individual's employment or a student's treatment in order to maintain high ethical standards. Furthermore, the paper explains that legal implications for the employer or organization that insists upon the accuracy of testing and takes adverse action against an individual that is drug free, are immense.
Abstract This paper is an opinion paper written with the aim of recommending avenues in which the U.S. can further the War on Drugs. The paper goes into the intricacies of two possible plans that could be implemented in order to further the effectiveness of the War on Drugs, military or legal. The first recommendation calls for the FDA to legalizedrugs and regulate the influx of them. The second recommendation calls for a higher military involvement to eliminate the source.
Tags:drug, drugs, legalization, solutions, trade, war, pot, US-Mexico, relations, immigration
Abstract This paper is looks at many of the issues that have sparked the controversy over the discussion to seek reform in the drug laws which would lead to the legalization of narcotics in the United States. Some of the topics discussed include the different categories of drugs and how proposed changes in the laws would affect the use and distribution of these drugs. Several studies dealing with the psychological and physiological affects of many different drugs are examined, and the findings of these studies are used in order to help evaluate the affects of any potential changes in the drug laws. The author's presentation illustrates the difficulties faced by both sides in this debate and shows us how at this time, it is almost impossible to find any definitive answers that would solve this debate, once and for all.
From the Paper "Many would consider the physically and psychologically harmful effects of narcotics to be reason enough to reject calls for legalization, but critics of reform suggest that society, and individuals, will face more fundamental difficulties in the event of successful legalization. A common belief among opponents is that if marijuana, and other narcotics, become legal, it would probably do so with similar restrictions as those that currently apply to tobacco and alcohol. This would lead to the perception, especially among children, that the use of drugs is "normal" behavior, in a similar fashion to the way drinking and smoking is presently viewed. Also, as with alcohol and tobacco, many youngsters under the legally required age would purchase and use drugs, with a damaging effect on their physical and psychological development (Evans and Berent, 1992). The concern of many opponents of legalization is that, in a society whose aim should be to reduce rather than promote the use of drugs, whichever substances that become legal will be the first step for many youngsters on a road which could eventually lead to the dark world of cocaine and heroin."
Abstract This paper examines how one of the most serious problems facing our society today is that of illegal drugs, and the organized crime syndicates that manufacture and traffic them. It looks at how over the past few years, some people have begun to argue that the best solution is simply to decriminalize drugs and how they have argued that instead of focusing on enforcing drug laws and punishing offenders, governments should recognize that drug users are a reality and focus on treating their addictions as a social and medical problem.
From the Paper " Don't legalize marijuana! The case against legalizing drugs, with specific reference to organized crime One of the most serious problems facing our society today is that of illegal drugs, and the organized crime syndicates that manufacture and traffic them. Over the past few years, some people have begun to argue that the best solution is simply to decriminalize drugs. They have argued that instead of focusing on enforcing drug laws and punishing offenders, governments should recognize that drug users are a reality, and focus on treating their addictions as a social and medical problem (Belenko)."
Abstract This paper considers the economic, criminal, and human rights aspects of legalizingdrugs. It discusses the fact that the War on Drugs has been called unsuccessful, yet the government continues to spend millions of dollars on its implementation. It also discusses how, in order obtain the "illegal" soft drugs, many people are forced into hard crime. The paper also looks at the human rights infringement making soft drugs illegal.
From the Paper "Use of drugs in one form or another is widespread in human societies. Most societies condone the use of certain drugs, at least by some groups. Such drug use is generally regulated, through either law or social convention, because the unregulated use of mind-altering substances can have damaging effects on society. This common societal ambivalence toward drug use ? condoning it on one hand, but controlling it on the other ? points to one of the controversial elements of the problem of drug use: drawing the line between what is acceptable and what is not. At one extreme, some groups call for a complete ban on all drugs, including alcohol. Other groups that believe that some drugs- alcohol and marijuana most commonly mentioned- can be used safely by mature people. At the other end of the extreme, a few groups argue that adults should be free to use any drugs they please."
An examination of marijuana, surely the most misunderstood and under utilized drug. Listed as an illegal substance, its numerous positive side effects would be realized by legalizing it.
Abstract This paper is an argument to legalize the use of marijuana due to its medicinal effects. It claims that economically the U.S would benefit with reduced prison populations and furthermore, that the harmful effects from this drug are small compared to other legal substance abuses such as tobacco and alcohol. In addition increased tax revenues from sales would be enjoyed.
Intro
Findings
Conclusion
From the Paper "Weed, bud, chronic, mary jane all slang terms of a harmless plant that which the government of the Unites States claims is unsafe for its citizens. Of course, these citizens only include what society has dubbed as stoners, potheads, or "drug" addicts. Therefore the question still remains, should marijuana be legalized throughout this wonderful nation? Controversy over medicinal marijuana has only just begun. States can not decide if they will allow marijuana to be sold medicinally. The government decided in the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, that marijuana is not unsafe to use, but a tax is to be paid to the government after one sells or prescribes the drug. If prescribed the doctor has to immediately inform the Federal Bureau of Narcotics with information on who they prescribed it to, their address, and what ails them (Marihuana tax act of 1937). The government's real intention was to stop the promotion of hemp use. Hemp is a much better textile product than cotton, which is one of America's cash crops. Well a cheaper, more efficient textile product does not seem to be causing anyone harm, is the government truly protecting America from this "horrible" drug? No one has ever died of an overdose from Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the drug that makes someone 'stoned'. In 1995, Paul Hager, chair of the ICLU Drug Task Force, released a list of facts that expose the many myths of marijuana use. He claims, in order for someone to overdose they would have to consume 40,000 times what it takes them to get high (Hager). So, the government has decided that marijuana use, no matter the benefits that are very well known, should not be legal in America. People die from cigarettes; people die from alcohol, yet no cases of death amongst marijuana smokers. If the government were to make marijuana use legal in the United States of America vast improvements would be seen. New jail populations for non-violent criminals would decrease, government revenue would increase, and all those who use for religious, medicinal, or recreational reasons would be able to enjoy this healing plant, without persecution. "
Abstract This paper is an argumentative discussion regarding the legalization of toxic drugs. The paper seeks to confirm the risks and dangers that are inevitable to their legalized use.
A research paper that gives a detailed overview on the legalization of marijuana, an analysis of its medical uses and an insight into laws surrounding the controversy.
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at why marijuana's use for medical application is a purpose important enough to legalize the substance with pharmaceutical control by the government. The author examines scientific and historical background of marijuana, and the lack of public information on marijuana.
Outline
Medical marijuana use.
Ancient use of marijuana
Marijuana used for religion and other things.
Facts about marijuana.
Research on marijuana's potential abuse.
Lack of public information on marijuana
?Legal? drugs abuse
Media hype of marijuana
Ethnic tendency towards abuse
Marijuana and cancer chemotherapy
Marijuana and AIDS
Other medical uses of marijuana
Enough medical research.
Cannabis research
AIDS patients and marijuana.
Medical marijuana activists
Voters in favor of legalizing marijuana in many states.
Positive medical applications of cannabis.
Many countries have legalized medicinal marijuana.
From the Paper "Marijuana has been known for centuries and played a significant role in human history, being used for religious ceremonies, rope, medicine and recreation, among other registered uses. An enormous amount of hypothesis has been developed concerning other uses, or consequences of using dope. Mythologies from many countries speak of numberless gods and deids. It is possible many of these gods were imagined or seen by shaman or oracles that were under the influences of drugs. Cannabis use was mentioned in the fours Vedas (from India), one of the oldest religious manuscripts (Harrison, 70). Such Reginald Campbell and R Everett offer a general overview of marijuana in Substance Abuse in Workplace: ? The most common form of marijuana found in the U.S. is Cannabis Sativa... There are about 421 known chemicals in the plant... but the active chemical is believed to be the tetrahydro-cannabinols (THC), oils possessing physiological activity... Some symptoms of marijuana intoxication include confusion, euphoria, hallucinations, hunger, red eyes, ego-inflation, dry mouth, excessive laughing and coma? (42-43). Marijuana intoxication is said to last two to three hours, but the ingredient delta-9-tetrahydro -cannabinol can accumulate in brain and testes tissues (Hubbard, Franco, Onaivi, 1999). Marijuana, pot or weed, among other names, has a variety of practical uses. Hemp is used to built cords and even clothing. There are a number of websites on the Internet that offer a variety of products made out of hemp. Sadly, it is to blame that such a helpful herb be considered illegal due to the bad nature and unconsciousness of humans."
Abstract This paper explains that the term 'drug' is extremely broad and can be used to describe nearly any substance, which has a discernible effect on the person using the drug. The author points out that the legalization status of drugs in general is widely varied: Some drugs are entirely legal, others are legal but require a prescription and still others are completely illegal. The paper states that if drug use is legalized, drug abuse would become a public health problem; therefore, the benefit to society is that the treatment of drug abusers would become health-focused rather than criminally-focused as it is now.
Table of Contents
Stimulants
Caffeine
Amphetamine
Other Stimulants including Ecstasy and Cocaine
Depressants
Alcohol
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepiness.
DrugLegalization Definition of DrugLegalization Arguments For and Against Legalization Potential Effects of DrugLegalization Drug Abuse after Legalization
From the Paper "Caffeine is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States. It is a stimulant found in coffee, black tea, many soft drinks, and some other consumables. There are two primary steps in the way caffeine works. First, the drug interrupts a process in the nervous system that generally stems the body's release of adrenaline, causing more adrenaline than usual to be released into the body. Additionally, caffeine inhibits the reuptake of adrenaline by the nervous system, causing the heightened amounts of adrenaline to have a prolonged effect. ("Caffeine"). The purchase and consumption of caffeine is legal for all ages in the United States."
Abstract The paper discusses that drug abuse is a real problem in the United States. The paper questions if the present way of handling the drug problem is the best way to cut down on drug abuse. The paper asks if decriminalization is better than legalization. The paper then questions if drugs should be legalized and if so, which drugs should be legalized. The paper considers that legalizing different drugs would put the responsibility on the user and thus change the problems associated with drugs, including criminalization.
From the Paper "According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse released in 2002, "an estimated 15.9 million Americans aged 12 and older were current users of illicit drugs in 2001, meaning that they used an illicit drugs" (Crime 408). Drug abuse is a real problem in the United States, but is the current manner of handling the drug problem the best way to cut down on drug abuse? Analyzing "Crime in the Modern World" will show how legalizing different drugs such as marijuana can be beneficial as well as reduce cost to enforcing laws and sending offenders to prison. An important difference should be noted, however, between decriminalizing drugs and legalizing them: "[Decriminalization] reduces criminal penalties associated with the personal possession of a controlled substance, legalization eliminates the laws and associated criminal penalties that prohibit its production, sale, distribution and possession" (Crime 428)."
Abstract The paper discusses the topic of druglegalization that is a heatedly contested debate. The paper discusses how those in favor of the liegalization of illicit drugs feel that drug laws have not significantly reduced the demand for drugs, but have only served to make the drug problem worse. They show how the illegal status of drugs has encouraged corruption among law enforcement and politicians. The paper also brings the arguments of those opposed to legalizingdrugs who argue that it would cause increased drug use and crimes and would be a drain on the American economy.
Outline:
Introduction
Pros of Illicit DrugLegalization Cons of Illicit DrugLegalization
From the Paper "Proponents of drug legalization most often begin their debate with the statement that America's drug laws, as they currently stand, are ineffective. Programs such as "Just Say No" and "Zero Tolerance" have been unsuccessful (Linn, Yager & Leake). America, although fighting tenaciously, is losing the War on Drugs, and in fact, current drug policies have actually made the problem worse. A drug free America is simply unrealistic (Eldredge & McCollum). For this reason, they surmise that changes need to be made, and the legalization of the drugs being fought against currently, is one such advocated change, accentuated with the premise that in a truly free society, the government should not be able to regulate what drugs a person can or cannot take (Levinson; Messerli)."
