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 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 ... "
A summary and review of "The Contingent Effects of Risk Perception on Risk-Taking Behavior: Adolescent Participative Orientation and Marijuana Use", the authors C.F. Lee, Y. Su, and B.P. Hazard
Abstract This paper critiques an article about the use of marijuana by American high school seniors, entitled "The Contingent Effects of Risk Perception on Risk-Taking Behavior: Adolescent Participative Orientation and Marijuana Use". The paper first explains that the authors of the report see marijuana use as an example of risk-taking behavior, and presume that a reduction in marijuana use would mean that the perception of risk has increased and that this is leading to a lower rate of use. The paper then goes on to summarize the report and explain its findings.
From the Paper "The authors find that risk perception by itself accounts for about 21% of the variation in risk-taking behavior of marijuana use. Using the four participative orientations - sports, fun, school, and creative - the explained variance of marijuana use was increased to 33%, and all activity orientations except creative significantly affected marijuana use. Sports and school showed relatively small negative effects, while fun activities had a distinctively large and positive effect on marijuana use. The authors also find after analysis that the net effect of risk perception on marijuana use was statistically insignificant. "
Abstract This paper discusses the legalization of marijuana and gives reasons why it should be made legal. One of the points used by the author is that there are no critical side effects proven that are linked to the use of marijuana. The author also discusses effective approaches for legalizing the drug and describes how marijuana has shown in some cases to help those with glaucoma and cancer patients undergoing chemo-therapy.
From the Paper "Driving under the use of marijuana could prove possibly dangerous. I would propose that if marijuana were legalized it be regulated similarly to cigarettes and alcohol. The sale of marijuana should be restricted to those who are 18 or 21 depending on what the state felt necessary. Also I believe there should be legislation prohibiting driving while under the influence of marijuana. Like alcohol, marijuana can affect judgment and reaction time. Just because marijuana should be legalized doesn't mean it should not be regulated."
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 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 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 explains the machinations of authority and how moral social typology creates problems for legalization of marijuana. The author points out that, by effectively denouncing a helpful and clinically proven drug that could help millions of sick patients, the American government continues to enact Prohibition-styled laws to prevent legalization. The paper relates that, in this manner, economic and other forces seem to create great value for the drug and police control by creating harsh penalties for those that deal it or are caught using it.
From the Paper "The topic of marijuana usage for adults has been a challenging form of deviancy that has been introduced into American society since it was banned in the middle of the twentieth century. The problem of legality for the use of marijuana seems constructed around the negative cultural and authoritative constructs that help to shape the way marijuana is used within a sociological perspective. In this manner, the American government imposes deviant values and social norms, which are enforced by imprisonment and relate a demonization of a drug that violates personal freedoms. Furthermore, the medical usage of marijuana has been proven to be effective as a painkiller, but there is a great refusal of the government to recognize the positive attributes of the drug."
Abstract This paper discusses a study on marijuana that has shown that there are valid medicinal purposes to making this drug legal, and the federal government needs to stop criminalizing medical users. By understanding the sinister motives of the federal government to keep it illegal through criminal profiteering (through excessive and irresponsible funding for private prisons, lumber companies, and police enforcement agencies), one can surely hope that a democratic humanity can overcome their erroneous ways by allowing the sick and suffering access to this highly effective drug.
From the Paper "The basis of this legal study will be to argue for the currently illegal drug marijuana to be used legally for medicinal purposes. By showing the recent studies that validate the proof for this claim in the medical field, one can surely see how the denial of the American justice system denies pain relief for the sick and suffering. The federal law that criminalizes marijuana is supported by non-empirical evidence, which suggest that lumber companies, police enforcement agencies, and politicians are profiteering off of marijuana as a deviant aspect of American culture. With American citizens seeking valid information to uphold this helpful drug, the law could and should be focused on decriminalization for this drug."
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 This paper examines the impact of marijuana use on memory and the brain. It presents evidence that research is inconclusive in the area of long-term memory although short-term memory and cognitive abilities while under the influence of the drug are impaired. It concludes by questioning the philosophical ideological basis of these claims.
Abstract The paper asserts that the detriments of legalization clearly outweigh the benefits from a social standpoint as well as from a public health perspective. The paper suggests that adjusting the current campaign on drug abuse and the sale of drugs is an alternative to legalization. The paper is of the opinion that this limits the need to provide federal oversight and sponsorship of a drug that is still questionable in its benefits to public health and society.
Outline:
Health Detriments of Marijuana Social Implications
From the Paper "The growing static surrounding the legalization of marijuana has increased over the past 20 years due to the rise of medical marijuana use and the strict laws the encompass the possession of marijuana. The maturation of the baby boomer generation is providing a vocal venue in which to platform the legalization of marijuana. However, what are the true benefits of legalizing marijuana? Will the legalization of this drug resolve the issues of black market sales and a decrease in recreational use? Most likely, the legalization of marijuana will only serve to perpetuate recreational use and instigate a governmental nightmare in regulation and policymaking."
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."
