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 An in-depth look at the history and usage of medical Marijuana. The author looks at marijuana usage in different cultures for different medical conditions.
From the paper:
"Marijuana is the common name for a drug comprised of the leaves and flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant, cannabis sativa, which can be smoked or eaten for unique feelings. The active ingredient of marijuana, known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is concentrated in the flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant. In the USA, the legality of marijuana, found to be medically useful by some, has been a controversial topic for decades (Nahas 1)."
Abstract This paper examines both sides of the debate to legalize marijuana, particularly in light of recent ballot initiatives to decriminalize or loosen marijuana laws. The first part of the paper evaluates the arguments of those who favor keeping marijuana illegal, focusing on arguments of the gateway drug concept and the health dangers of marijuana use. The second part of the paper looks at the arguments for legalizing marijuana, especially for medicinal purposes.
From the Paper "The similarity between the pleasure-effects of marijuana and heroin and the severity of its withdrawal symptoms lends credence to the controversial "gateway" theory. Critics of legalization argue that marijuana users who do not choose to stop can very well become inured to the drug's pleasure effects. This may lead them to seek the same pleasure effects from stronger and deadlier drugs such as cocaine."
Abstract The paper analyzes the pros and cons of the marijuana decriminalization debate. The paper briefly examines both sides of the argument and concludes that there is compelling evidence arguing against the continued decriminalization of marijuana. Specifically, the paper looks at the resources which can be diverted to more important issues, and also at the way that decriminalizing marijuana could make the difficult tasks of police officers considerably easier. The paper concludes that that marijuana is less problematic than alcohol and over-the-counter drugs and that decriminalization would be beneficial.
From the Paper "There can be little question that marijuana use has polarized the American in ways that would have been unanticipated even a few years ago. Not least of all, there is a battle ongoing between those who feel the decriminalization of marijuana is simply a step forward and one more means of allocating police resources more efficiently, and those who feel that rampant marijuana use - and certainly its decriminalization - is one more instance of America's moral decay. The following paper will review the arguments against marijuana decriminalization and the arguments in favor of marijuana decriminalization. As should become apparent, there are a number of compelling and trenchant arguments against continuing the prohibition against a drug that causes far less havoc each and every year than do alcohol and/or over-the-counter prescription drugs. With that in mind, it is to a discussion of this thorny issue that this paper now turns."
Abstract This paper examines the history of the legalization and prohibition of marijuana. It discusses the arguments for and against legalizing marijuana, and along with this, the legality of alcohol and cigarettes' consumption. This paper recommends the legalization of marijuana in exchange for making alcohol and cigarettes usage illegal.
From the Paper "The debate over whether to legalize marijuana has been one of the most controversial issues dividing courts, the federal government, state governments, and voters. In 1996, Arizona and California voters overwhelmingly approved the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Propositions 200 and 215 represented a dramatic shift from a previously united federal and state front against illegal drugs to one where state governments and voters are now at odds with the federal government over the medical use of controlled substances. Rather than focusing on how to improve and maintain the long-standing war on drugs, the policy issue has now become: who controls America's drug laws- courts, the federal government, state governments, or the voters? In addition, the legalization of marijuana poses other questions: Does legalizing marijuana undermine the seemingly endless federal war on drugs by moving towards greater tolerance of marijuana and other drugs? Is more research necessary to determine the benefits or hazardous effects of marijuana? Would legalizing marijuana open the floodgates to legalizing other controlled substances such as heroin or LSD?"
Tags: illegal, drugs, state, governments, war, on, drugs, federal, government, marijuana, heroin
Abstract This paper analyzes the recent Supreme Court ruling about the usage of Marijuana for medical purposes. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been a hotly debated topic for a long time now. Doctors have repeatedly pointed out the benefits of the drug but at the same time critics have lashed out at such justifications pointing out the threats that it poses to teenagers and adults alike who indulge in free use of marijuana.
Abstract This paper studies the belief that marijuana is superior to other anti-emetic drugs that are available for chemotherapy patients. The paper looks at the qualities, benefits and effects of marijuana. The writer looks at evidence for marijuana's effects on nausea and concludes that there is no experimental evidence to date, that shows it is more effective than the available legal anti-emetic drugs.
From the Paper "Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce the nausea associated with chemotherapy for cancer and the nausea associated with AIDS or from the use of AIDS medications. It has also been found beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma to reduce intra ocular pressure in multiple sclerosis to limit muscle pain, to prevent epileptic seizures in some forms of epilepsy and for the relief of chronic debilitating pain in many disorders and injuries. Medicines containing marijuana were legal prior to the Marijuana Tax Act which prohibits ... "
Abstract This paper examines a study concerning the medical use of marijuana. The paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages for the use of marijuana. In this research, the writer cites some studies carried out worldwide. The writer also suggests more in-depth studies that need to be done regarding the medical use of marijuana.
From the Paper "The author looks at the pros and cons of the medical use of marijuana because there still exists much controversy in the medical profession as to whether it should be used to treat patients who are refractory to other medications. Some doctors have had considerable success in using marijuana to treat pain and nausea while others have found it to ... "
Abstract This paper describes the history of marijuana use, particularly in America. Additionally, the cultivation, sale and government response to marijuana are discussed. The author argues that because marijuana use is so widespread, the drug should be legalized.
From the Paper "The discovery of marijuana dates back to 10,000 B.C. The Chinese used the plant to make clothing and fabric. Later they realized the plants pain reliving abilities and began using it medicinally. Since its discovery the popularity of marijuana has increased significantly. It has become the most commonly used drug in the world. It is estimated that more than 1.5 billion people have tried marijuana before. (Shalala, 1995, p.10) America's fascination with the drug came about in the early 1900's. Through the times it gained popularity through word of mouth, the entertainment industry, and the media. Marijuana has deeply imbedded roots in our culture and continues to stand the test of time by being the most widely used illegal drug in America.
Marijuana Use in America began in the early 1900's. Though marijuana has existed for thousands of years, Mexican immigrant workers first introduced it into America in the Midwest. During the beginning of the 20th century, when a large number of Mexicans entered this country, marijuana came with them."
Abstract This paper provides a personal look at the writer's views on whether marijuana should be legalized. It looks at side effects of the drugs and examines whether it provides any medical or health benefit to users. The writer argues that anyone who thinks that smoking marijuana will alleviate a medical condition should be afforded the opportunity to do so.
From the Paper "I decided to do a paper about some of the issues concerning whether marijuana should be legalized, and if so, for what type of usage/population. This is currently a hot issue in my household. My eighteen-year old daughter is an occasional marijuana smoker, and I am concerned that one, marijuana might have a negative interaction with one or any combination of the medications that have been prescribed by her doctors. I also worry that if she unknowingly smokes marijuana laced with chemicals, she might suffer irreversible physiological or psychological damage. My daughter feels that I worry too much, that I am simply afraid of "letting go". I am also concerned that a shift in perception favoring marijuana smoking will enable even more people than those who now use it in an irresponsible manner, to follow suit."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of marijuana use, and the modern day use of cannabis. It looks at the distribution of users in various countries, and the decriminalization of marijuana in several countries.
From the Paper "Marijuana is defined as a preparation made from the dried flower clusters and leaves of the cannabis plant usually smoked or eaten to induce euphoria. A more potent form of cannabis is found in hashish which is a resin extracted from the ..."
Abstract This paper argues in support of using marijuana in a clinical setting. The paper cites research showing that cannabis has had beneficial health effects. The paper also details state regulations regarding the cultivation of cannabis and comments that these regulations impede medical marijuana.
From the Paper "The motion picture 'Reefer Madness' produced in... posited effects of a single use of marijuana for recreational or perhaps any purposes as ranging from criminal and predatory sexual behavior to insanity. The film appears to have been created in complete seriousness..."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the well-established use for medical marijuana in order to reduce the nausea associated with chemotherapy used in treating cancer. The writer demonstrates why nausea and the resulting dehydration and weakness can be extremely serious for cancer patients. The writer looks at the psychological effects of nausea, that increase the stress on cancer patients. The writer contends that marijuana has been proven to be beneficial to a number of patients for whom the first line of anti-emetic drugs prescribed by their physicians proved to be ineffective.
From the Paper "One of the most well-established uses for medical marijuana has been to reduce the nausea associated with chemotherapy used in treating cancer. Nausea and the resulting dehydration and weakness as well as malnutrition in severe cases can be extremely serious for cancer patients given the already weakened nature of their immune systems. Moreover, the psychological effects of nausea which many patients experience as far more debilitating and difficult to handle than pain, can significantly increase the stress on cancer patients at a point in their lives when ... "
Abstract This paper discusses the determinants of why people use marijuana. The discussion begins with teenagers and young adults who use marijuana naming the determinants as age, peer pressure, problems with family, and low income neighborhoods. It discusses the importance of communities offering activities for youth.
From the Paper "The Critical Determinants of Marijuana Use "Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug in the United States. Nearly 69 million Americans over the age of twelve have tried marijuana" (Statistics 2005). Marijuana is one of the first drugs that most drug users use before trying other drugs. "Marijuana is the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta 9 tetrhydrocannabinol)" (Marijuana 2005). Most people smoke marijuana, however, there are other forms that can be used. There are short-term and long-term dangers of smoking marijuana. Different determinants of marijuana use are age, unemployment, medical problems, peer pressure, problems at home, and low self-esteem. Determinants Leading Youth to Use Marijuana Different determinants lead youth to use marijuana. "
Abstract This paper presents arguments in favor of the legalization of Marijuana. The author argues that legalization would benefit the economy and society by reducing crime and violence.
From the Paper "Slowly, the old man inhales the sweet smelling smoke and instantly relaxes. Time goes by slowly, stress melts like an ice cube, and the man feels a great sense of fatigue. Finally the man can go to sleep and rest in peace. These are just a few of the reasons people smoke marijuana. By making marijuana illegal, the government is deciding for the people what is healthy for them. Decriminalizing marijuana causes more harm than good. The war on drugs seems to be failing to achieve what it is meant for. Illegalizing marijuana violates civil liberties, causes social disorder, and increases crime and violence. The best solution to reduce these problems is to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use."
