Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of marijuanalegalization. It cites its benefits in AIDS, cancer and glaucoma treatment as positives and its danger as a gateway drug to other dependencies as a negative.
From the Paper "The legalization of marijuana has aroused strong opinions both pro and con. Marijuana has been legalized in a few of the United States as well as in a number of countries around the world so these can serve as a litmus test ..."
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 legalizingmarijuana 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."
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 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."
Abstract This paper analyzes the general public attitude toward the legalization of marijuana and also shows the differences in opinion that occur between political parties, age groups, income categories and education levels. GSS (General Social Survey) data and a short literature review are included.
From the Paper "Although this attitude appears to be pervasive because of its high visibility, an ACLU study completed in 1995 showed that most Americans actually favor legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. A series of questions such as, "Would you favor or oppose making marijuana legally available for medical uses where it has been proven effective?" were asked of sample members via a telephone poll. Responses to all questions could vary from "strongly favor" and "somewhat favor" to "somewhat oppose" and "strongly oppose". This poll discovered that between 84 and 87 percent of American voters sampled believe marijuana has medical uses and should be permitted for those with chronic ailments or severe pain; meanwhile, only 7 percent believe marijuana should not be legalized for any reason (NORML)."
Abstract The paper discusses the potential dangers of marijuana, such as driving under the influence of the drug, as well as its role as a gateway drug and finally, the drug's impact on the economy. The paper explores the ramifications of marijuana becoming legalized and concludes that these three variables could be addressed in a way that would support the legalization of marijuana.
Outline:
What is Marijuana Researchable Issue and Hypothesis
Legal Parameters for the Drug's Safe Use
Gateway Drug Status. Is This a Myth?
Economic Impact of MarijuanaLegalization Justification of the Hypothesis based on Three Variables
From the Paper "Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) is a species of plant that, when flowering, produces buds that contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which, when smoked or ingested, stimulate the mind, causing a loss of judgmental ability and occasional hallucinations. The drug is quite popular, so its legalization would not only delight many people, especially some of the nation's youth, but it could potentially positively effect the economy. "In 2000, the NHSDA estimated that over 3 million, or 13 percent, of the 23 million youths aged 12 to 17 used marijuana during the year prior to the survey," a report issued by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) reported in 2002. "The rate of past year marijuana use was lower for youths compared with the rate for young adults aged 18 to 25 (24 percent), but it was higher than the rate for adults aged 26 or older (5 percent)." And according to a survey by drugs.com, over 33 percent of Americans (which is over 72 million Americans) over the age of 12 had tried the drug in their lifetimes. Needless to say, it is fairly popular, and its legal use is an aspiration hoped for by many Americans."
Abstract This paper examines the history of the legalization and prohibition of marijuana. It discusses the arguments for and against legalizingmarijuana, 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 examines both sides of the debate to legalizemarijuana, 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 legalizingmarijuana, 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 looks at the history of the legal enforcement of marijuana and explores the political and social arguments that promote its legalization. The paper then examines the arguments that contend that legalization should remain illegal within the domestic market. The paper concludes that the legalization of marijuana should not be realized in the current social and political climate.
From the Paper "The question of Marijuana legalization has plagued the American justice system for well over half a century. The rampant use of Marijuana in the late 1960s and 70s thrust it into the prominence within the American legal system. Although the narcotic has been banned since the early 20th century in most countries it is currently widely used still within both the United States population and around the world. The active resistance to regulation and criminalization of cannabis has made the question of whether expanding monetary and human resources on stopping the spread of marijuana feasible and effective. Current research seems to suggest that neither is the case with marijuana as its spread within society, especially the United States has reached new highs every year. The ineffectiveness of current policy as well as the moral and political debates about the legitimacy of marijuana has thrust the question of whether or not it should be legalized within the United States."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines both sides of the issue regarding using and legalizingmarijuana for medicinal purposes. On the one hand the Drug Enforcement Administration believes that since marijuana is not accepted by any American health associations there is no reason to legalize the drug while lobbying groups such as the Cannabis Action Network believe it to be a beneficial herb and not harmful. This paper also discusses the benefits of marijuana in treating medical ailments as well as the harmful side effects such as impairment of the immune system due to the inability of T cells to battle off diseases.
From the Paper "Behavior is altered by using marijuana. The Medical Post states that "marijuana has always been depicted as producing a lethargic, mellow, laid back effect rather than acting as a stimulant." A study was done on young, male marijuana users to show any signs of stimulation. These participants engaged in antisocial behavior. The doctors concluded that these drugs could possibly disturb social interactions. Anti marijuana groups feel that legalizing drugs encouraged non users that drugs are acceptable."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the debate regarding the legalization of marijuana. The paper focuses on issues such as taxes, crime, law enforcement and government policy.
From the Paper "Thousands of ordinary people are arrested every year in America for simple marijuana possession. The concept of marijuana legalization has been debated for decades. Along the way, several states have essentially decriminalized possession of small amounts of this substance for personal consumption. Many would argue that the government should legalize this drug. Advocates of legalization feel decisions about whether or not to consume it should be a matter of personal choice just as cigarettes or alcohol consumption is a personal choice. Advocates of decriminalization of..."
Tags:legalization, marijuana, advocates, crime, law, taxation, law enforcement, drug use, drugs
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 examines how since the early days of the 20th century in the United States, a very hotly-debated topic has been discussed and argued by many politicians, scientists, medical experts and government officials, from the White House down to local authorities, namely, the legalization of hemp for industrial, agricultural and medicinal purposes. It looks at how those that support the legalization of hemp argue that if it is allowed to be produced and utilized in the United States as it was before the implementation of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937, this industry could create millions of new jobs and allow the U.S. to compete with other foreign nations that currently produce hemp for a wide variety of uses. It also looks at how those that oppose the legalization of hemp in the U.S. argue that it would condone the use of marijuana and make a drastic, negative impact on the so-called war against drugs in the United States. The paper attempts to show that the positive uses of hemp far outweigh all negative aspects.
From the Paper "More recently, medicinal marijuana has been used to treat asthma patients, due to its ability to open bronchial passages in the lungs, and well as those suffering from emphysema. Several other medical conditions can also be treated with medicinal marijuana, such as interfering with the growth of tumors, reducing stress and muscular tension, migraine headaches and even depression. Also, marijuana contains some painkilling abilities when applied as a cream or ointment to affected areas of the body. Marijuana in this form was generally available as patent medicines in the 18th and 19th centuries in America but was discontinued when the Food and Drug Act took effect in the late 1920's."
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 attempts to provide rational reasoning in support of the legal sale of marijuana in Canada.
From the Paper "Legalizing marijuana is a controversial issue. This issue has raised many questions, which are being fought on an economical, political and ethical front. "
