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)."

Tags:grass, medicinal, addiction, heroin

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."

Tags:regulation, policymaking, addiction, black-market, side-effects, drug, trafficking

From the Paper
"Marijuana has been known to exist since ancient times. Throughout history, it has been used for medicinal purposes as well as for providing "highs." In colonial America, the hemp fiber of the plant was often used for making rope and textile products. Today, however, marijuana is more commonly known as an intoxicant drug. In the 1930's, laws were passed in the United States restricting its growth, sale, and consumption. At that time, marijuana was regarded as a dangerous narcotic, on the same level as substances like heroin or morphine. The 1960's counterculture saw a resurgence in popularity for the use of marijuana. Since that time, millions of Americans have tried marijuana, and a large number have continued to use it on a regular basis.


Despite its popularity, marijuana plays a key part in the..."

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."

Tags:cannabis, law, enforcement, narcotics

Abstract
This paper will explore American societal views towards marijuana, what significant influences have shaped these views and how, in turn, these views have shaped legislation relating to marijuana. American society, driven by important media actors, is currently in the process of a significant reconsideration of marijuana's position in our culture. This paper will provide a historical and sociological context of the evolution of American society's views towards marijuana so that the current debate regarding legalization and the medical use of marijuana might be better understood.

Abstract
This paper discusses the pros and cons of marijuana legalization. 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 ..."

Tags:marijuana, legalization, gateway drugs, glaucoma, AIDS, cancer, chemotherapy

Abstract
This paper examines both sides of the argument regarding legalization of marijuana, concluding that it should be legalized and regulated by the government. The paper gives background information about marijuana, discussing how various states have approached legal issues regarding its use. Then, the paper points to prohibition, comparing it to similar issues with marijuana legalization. This leads to a further exploration of how government policy shows unequal treatment between alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. The paper then argues in favor of appropriate and logically consistent marijuana laws would regulate domestic marijuana production to ensure its quality and relative safety in conjunction with taxing the product, just as is the case with both tobacco and alcohol products. The paper concludes by stating that instead of subjecting marijuana users to criminal prosecution, government authorities should simply apply the same approach to marijuana as has been traditionally applied to alcohol and tobacco.


Outline:
Background and History:
Legal Issues
Government Paternalism and Prohibition:
The Advantages of Legalized Domestic Production
The Injustice of Unequal Regulation of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Critics of contemporary U.S. law pertaining to marijuana use suggest that there is no logical basis for treating marijuana sale and use any differently from that associated with other substances consumed recreationally for their mood-altering effects, such as
alcohol and tobacco. According to that view, marijuana should be produced, regulated, and taxed in the exact same manner as alcohol and tobacco. Proponents of criminal sanctions for marijuana use and possession maintain that it is a dangerous "gateway" drug that dramatically increases the likelihood of progression to more harmful drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, mainly because most users of hard drugs smoked marijuana first."

Tags:cannabis, recreational drugs, medicinal marijuana, tobacco, alcohol

Abstract
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."

Tags:acceptance, dependence, drug, culture, Cannabis, addiction

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 Marijuana Legalization
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."

Tags:gateway, drug, economy, taxes, regulation

Abstract
This paper discusses the topic of marijuana legalization in the United States. It looks at whether marijuana should be legalized under specific conditions or if it should be fully legalized for personal use and as a product for sale to legal U.S. adults. It also looks at the organizations that continue to be wholly against any type of decriminalization of marijuana use.

From the Paper
"To begin with, there are currently a number of state-based initiatives to either decriminalize or legalize marijuana. Some of these initiative come with certain restrictions, while other have no restrictions whatsoever. At this point, it should be mentioned that marijuana is not fully legal in any U.S. state, not even in those states with laws allowing the use of medical marijuana for a whole range of illnesses, such as California and mostly recently Michigan. Also, even if marijuana was to be legalized by either a state referendum of the people or by individual state governments in all 50 states, it would still be illegal under federal law."

Tags:criminal, drugs, hemp