...2014 A current topic in political debates, TV shows or even in chatting with friends is the legalization of marijuana. It is a polemical issue in our society with a lot of pros and cons. However, the main issue in this debate is why marijuana is still prohibited? The legalization will be the solution for several social problems that we have in our society, such as traffic, murders and everything that is involved in this illegal market. Serious dependence is the first argument that people against the legalization use in a debate. They say that marijuana causes dependence, and this dependence could interfere in social life of users, for example, school and job performance. First of all, there are research comproving that marijuana is less harmful to human health than most of other banned drugs, such as cocaine or crack. Furthermore, marijuana is less harmful than the main two legal drugs that we have nowadays. The dependence of tobacco and the changes in our mind of alcohol are countless times more harmful than marijuana. The main point in this discussion more than the dependence, is the social problems that the illegal commerce of marijuana causes. The current ways adopted by the government to combat the traffic are not working. The government does not know how to stop this illegal commerce. It happens because even with the legal prohibition the consumers do not stop to consume drugs and it does not stop trafficker to produce and sell illegal marijuana. In summary, only the...
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...Illicit Plant and drug production on Colombian Deforestation Introduction Illegal substances hurt and destroy not only the lives of the users; they devastate the environment they are grown and manufactured in as well. Since the 1970’s the illegal drug industry in Colombia encompassing everything from growing coca plants to the perceived government solutions have been destroying the lush Colombian ecosystem. Colombia is geographically superior to every other country in South America for three reasons. The first reason being that that it is the only country in the continent that shares a border with Latin America. Next reason is they have both pacific and Atlantic coastlines. The third reason is they have huge amount of biodiversity and unbeaten growing conditions. For these reasons along with a global high demand for illegal substances and certain indigenous plants have made illicit plant/drug production flourished in Colombia for over 40 years. The boom in demand for cocaine came in the 1970’s and has continued to today. In the year 2000 it was estimated Colombia is responsible for 75% of the worlds coca. (Energy & Ecology business editors, 2011) Not to mention the large-scale opium poppy and marijuana production occurring in Colombia. This illegal drug industry wreaks havoc on the Colombia’s Environment more specifically their forests. Deforestation has gradually been getting worse and worse in Colombia since the introduction of the illicit crop and drug trade. Slash and...
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...John-Codie Hanley Hewlett-Packard 1/20/2014 Drug abuse and the legalization of medical marijuana Drug abuse and the legalization of medical marijuana The use of marijuana is a topic that has been searing across our country and many question have come about since the legalization of medical marijuana . But the question for me to ask is how does it affect drug abuse with teenagers and children. This is the drug of choice with statistics being 60 percent being the percentage of children who marijuana is the only drug they use out of children who do drugs . that statistic was in dated 2002 but before that a statistic was between 1991 to 2001 the grade level of 8th graders using marijuana doubled and the problem is that our youth commit drug abuse at a younger age but is legalization the cause of this. If kids see marijuana as a medicine, they're apt to dismiss its harms. Among those are effects on the respiratory system and impaired judgment (Scott burns).With that statement said are kids are young and easily influenced they do not have knowledge to make a right judgment when it comes to drug abuse . The effects of medical marijuana even though it can benefit people for health issues and a mental state of mind while enduring these health issues. But this puts a good perspective on marijuana for good kids putting out that it has pros and no cons. In other studies saying that the legalization of marijuana has not changed drug abuse with children. Their has been documentaries...
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...Should Marijuana Be Legalized? In society today, many people look for a feeling of freedom. Many people go on vacation and spend money. The most common escape for people is drugs. Our American society is facing a tremendous drug problem. In order to eradicate the drug problem, a public debate is going on to find some solutions to this drug dilemma. It has become a highly controversial issue whether drugs such as marijuana should be legalized or not. Some people advocate this issue and believe that legalization is the only solution left for the nation while others oppose because it will increase the number of drug users and drug related crimes. Marijuana is a drug that is illegal in the United States. This drug as you know is bad and causes severe side effects to your brain and body. Scientist have found that smoking marijuana can cause you to loose your memory. Marijuana has many psychological and physical effects. People usually smoke marijuana in cigarettes or pipes, but it also can be mixed with food and beverages. Short-term effects of marijuana include both psychological and physical reactions. These reactions usually last for three to five hours after a person has smoked marijuana. The psychological reaction, known as a high consists of changes in the user´s feelings and thoughts. Such changes are caused mainly by THC. The effects of a marijuana high vary from person to person and from one time to another in the same individual. In most cases, the high consists of a...
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...Legalization of drugs that don’t produce great harm would have a greater impact on the reduction of crime than greater gun control or tighter policing of urban areas. Stricter gun control, although an effective solution, would be difficult to implement in America. If done correctly, would take away a good amount of the firepower that those committing urban violence currently have. However, the above benefits could only be achieved assuming that that the proposed solution could be perfectly executed, leaving guns entirely out of reach for criminals. There are many barriers that exist in the United States in regard to guns that did not exist in the United Kingdom or Australia when they were undergoing gun reform. “Gun culture” in the US is very...
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...Marijuana’s legalization could earn billions of dollars for the government that could be used to lower the national debt, improve schools, or other major projects that need funding. The handling of drugs is not safe, whether it is the back alley deals, or the people killed in drug heists. Since 2006 more than seventy thousand people have been estimated to have died in the drug war. This all comes from the lack of supervision in handling of drugs with their distribution, and use. Problems most people illegal drug users face are the quality of the drugs they purchase. Often people lace drugs with other ingredients to either improve or alter their effects. Sometimes suppliers lace drugs with substitute products to spread out into more units of that drug to sell, like filler products in today’s overly processed foods. A substance usually found in laced marijuana is Viagra, or lead. Rarely, and generally in the United States weed has been laced with Phencyclidine. In other extreme cases weed has been found laced with rat poison and plastic. When suppliers try to improve their product they lace weed with harder drugs typically heroin or cocaine. Heroin and Cocaine have much stronger addictive properties so often people have addiction to laced weed more than regular causing them to become repeat customers, or branch off into harder more pure drugs. These are just a few of the problems when using the drug, there are even more problems in trafficking and distribution. First off, since...
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...efforts to stop illegal drug smuggling, illegal drug use and distribution, no one seems to know what should be done. With drug use and drug related crime on the rise, some Americans argue that current drug law is too easy on drug offenders. Society at large asks, "Can we ever stop illegal drugs and their use?" It is a question that unfortunately has no easy answer. More and more people in America feel that if this country cannot stop illegal drugs, drugs should be legalized and controlled. Many people feel that this will eliminate the senseless violence that often goes hand in hand with illegal drugs. Although moral issues collide head to head with the idea of legalizing drugs, it seems legalization is the answer to the problem, but it is this proposed solution that has society divided. People often blame the criminal justice system for not doing enough to catch drug offenders and incarcerate them. At times they feel that if the problem is out of their sight, it disappears. The truth is that even if the justice system locks up every drug offender, the problem is not solved. Even inside jails and prisons, drug offenders continue their illegal sales and drug use. The fact that drugs are still used and sold in correctional institutions is evidence that building more prisons will not stop America's drug problem (Ostrowski 28). The call for legalization or decriminalization is not...
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...Marijuana Legalization: Pros and Cons BCOM/275 October 31 2011 The debate over the legalization of marijuana is a highly talked about and popular subject. Although we have been taught that marijuana is a gateway drug to other more harmful and toxic drugs; studies have shown that legalizing marijuana could bring more good then harm. We want to believe that the outcome will be better, but will it? As much as the public would love for this drug to be legal and available for consumption many Americans believe that it should still be considered a dangerous drug. Its hard to convince the public unless you provide proof and facts but, really only the individual can make up there own opinion. Marijuana Legalization: Pros and Cons Marijuana has been around for years and is the most commonly used illicit drug. Marijuana was legal in the United States up until 1937 but was rarely enforced until the 90’s. In the 1970’s the war on drugs campaign initiated. This campaign was designed to prevent new users from using this drug. Most of the advertisements the government established were based on false facts and biased opinions to lower the drug use in America. But, is marijuana bad? Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits and will be a great way to boost the economy. In the 70’s when the government conducted multiple tests on marijuana the assumption was that this was a harmful substance that can cause loss of brain cells, infertility, and even death...
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...National Legalization of Marijuana Shirley Pardo Lone Star College Cy-Fair Abstract The legalization of marijuana has become a major issue in the United States. There are many strong arguments both for and against marijuana legalization. Some would argue, its medicinal properties and its effects on the body. Others would argue about its effect on society and how the prohibition ultimately contributes to organized crime. Marijuana is a schedule I drug, and is the most illegal drug used in the United States. The effects of marijuana have been scientifically proven to be less harmful than alcohol, and it’s helpful in a treatment of many different diseases and health issues. National Legalization of Marijuana The marijuana plant or its scientific name cannabis, has been the topic of much debate throughout the history of this country. Many people do not know that it was not the effects of marijuana that originally prompted its banning. It was actually originally, the work of the cotton industry before and after WWII, who lobbied the illegalization because of the plant's mind altering effects. The cotton industry was afraid that hemp, a product of the marihuana plant, would soon overpower the strong hold of cotton since it was a more durable textile that required less work, there is less depletion of the soil, and could be produced virtually anywhere. Since the time it became illegal, it has been grouped with other narcotics as a counterpart. The truth is marijuana...
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...The Legalization of cannabis for health The Legalization of cannabis for health Your text here Your text here Your text here Your text here About 100,000 Americans die each year from prescription drugs. According to Melody Peterson, the author of Our Daily Med’s states; “The study estimating that 100,000 Americans die each year from their prescriptions looked only at deaths from known side effects…Tens of thousands of people are dying every year from drugs they took just as the doctor directed. This shows you how dangerous medications are.” After doing more research, I came across more important news about the drug companies. Daniela Perdomo who works with Our Daily Meds had an interview that sparked more questions. Daniela was asked, “Are we the only develop country that doesn’t control prescription drug prices and what that meant for consumers? The answer was very interesting that states; “It means that the drug companies can charge whatever they want to, even for drugs that don’t work that well..One drug cost 400,000 a year. Some cancer drug now cost 50,000, even though on average, they give the patient just a few weeks extra to live. It’s clear that drugs aren’t worth these extreme prices, but the companies are taking advantage of patients who are desperate for a cure.” This is when I thought of the legalization of cannabis for health. Even though marijuana is always said to be a gateway drug, my goal is to get across how Americans can benefit from the drug medically. There...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana is the most common drug in America and all over the world. It is legalized in some countries, but most countries prohibit its use. It has proven medical abilities and was used for this purpose for a while before being federally criminalized. The United States has been debating on the legalization of marijuana with some states supporting the move and others against it. ("10 Facts About Marijuana") Despite all these debates, the legalization of marijuana is the better option of the two. Legalizing marijuana will result in medical, economic and social benefits all over America. Americans are championing for the inclusion of marijuana among other social drugs such as alcohol and tobacco. The public has had mixed opinions for a while but lately, the trend is changing and more Americans embrace marijuana. Media houses have been carrying out polls to ascertain the citizens’ readiness for its legalization. From the responses, the citizens support marijuana legalization. A recent poll shows the support has increased to fifty-five percent as opposed to forty-four percent who are against its legalization (Weiss). The people who oppose the move cite drug problems as a possible outcome in case it becomes legal. On the other hand, those who support legalization say it has medicinal significance and can be used to save lives (Weiss). They argue that alcohol and tobacco are more harmful yet accepted within the society. Everybody likes to be happy and out...
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...believe legalization will eventually lead to recreational use. Protestants against marijuana argue the benefits have not yet been proven and could potentially be dangerous. According to How Is Colorado Doing Since Marijuana Legalization, some say it helps the economy and brings jobs while others say it creates more crime and puts kids at risk (1). However, many testimonials from patients and their loved ones provide evidence that medical marijuana has been nothing short of a miracle for them. Because of the benefits marijuana offers, legalization laws should be passed in all fifty states for the sole purpose of medical use; severely ill patients who could receive benefits are being deprived because of the possibility that the drug would lead to recreational use, increased...
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...Sociology 1 December 2013 Legalization of marijuana The word "marijuana" has raised a concerned eyebrow in almost every American home today. Those that oppose legalization of the plant automatically believe its use is to smoke it, but those that do not choose to use marijuana are thought to be in favor of keeping it illegal. However, based on its economic value and medical benefits, the cannabis has proven to outweigh its negatives with numerous other positives. The war on drugs deals with every level of society. Every year, the U.S. government spends large amounts of money to control drug use and to enforce laws enacted to protect society from the dangers of certain drugs. Some argue that the fight against drugs is not needed and that society has already lost the war on drugs and the only way to cure the problem to end most of the fighting altogether is by decriminalizing the use of marijuana. "Pot is harmful, but people should not go to jail for smoking it" (Buckley). Buckley was a college professor at Columbian University and admitted to smoking marijuana on a national television show in 1973. At the time Buckley was quoted to say, "There were a half-million arrests due to pot use in 1973 respectively -this makes the realization that there has been a breakdown in communication between the public and the police" (Buckley). Over two decades later, Buckley's words still ring true today. Just eight years later an author speaking on the legalization of marijuana summed...
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...countries can only dream. Yet in our society there are serious social issues that for reasons unknown are not being addressed. One of the most important issues that typical politicians are afraid to address is that of what to do with the nation’s illegal drug problems. Although we hear terms like The War on Drugs and Drug Treatment, a fresh approach to this issue is overdue. The country should take a new look at drug legalization as a solution to a problem that has been long out of control. Addiction and drug abuse are such buzzwords these days that a clear clarification is needed of what is meant by these terms. Addiction has crossed the line from being defined as a physical dependency on drugs to include such classifications as religious addiction, shopping addiction, food addiction, work addiction, television addiction, and love addiction. Although a person may feel that he or she can’t live without their particular addiction, there is no scientific proof or medical test for an addict. To keep things in the broadest perspective, addiction will be defined here as the continual repetition of a normally non-problematic behavior to self-destructive access. This 3 definition leaves room for a broad range of behaviors without physical cause that will allow for a search of the real problem behind the behavior and not the excuse of saying that it is the result of a disease. Since addiction is believed to be a social problem then an attempt at cutting off the source of addiction, drugs in...
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...ISSUE #2: Should the United States Put More Emphasis on Stopping the Importation of Drugs The War on Drugs has failed. If it were a business, it would have been shut down a long time ago. This is not what success looks like. The idea of eradicating drugs form the world by waging a war on those who use them is basically flawed. It does not reduce drug taking. The standard response is that we must continue on our course. Maybe if a few more people are arrested, or seize more shipments then the Government has achieved a victory. This is NOT true. It is like playing a game of Russian roulette. The government attacks one major supplier allowing for another to build up. The cycle is never ending. Where there is a demand there will always be a supply. We are not stopping drug supply because it moves. We could never get the resources to shut down the entire hemisphere. It is a simple as the law of supply and demand. No matter how many more billions of dollars are spent, or lives lost, history has proven that as long as there is a demand for drugs that there will be a supply for them. If alcoholism is supposed to be considered a public health issue then why is drug addiction considered a national security threat? The United States tends to declare war on things that it considers harmful or bad; for example the War on Cancer, The War on Drugs, War on Poverty, etc. Yes, you may be able to reduce poverty, prevent most terrorist attacks, cure many types of cancer, and even reduce...
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