Marijuana (APA) By 2014, four states in the United States of America including Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington legalized the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana. In addition, sixteen other states legalized the sole use of medicinal marijuana. In recent years, marijuana usage, both recreational and medicinal, have become a highly debated topic. A considerable amount of society believe marijuana to be generally risk-free. On the other hand, the remainder of society find it physically and psychologically unsafe. (interruption) Throughout history, as mentioned, two sides of this subject arise: one side suggests that marijuana use is not usually harmful; the other side suggests that marijuana use is harmful. Both sides have the common ground of the individual user’s health and the tendency to advance to other narcotics. However, the side that supports that marijuana is harmful has the stronger argument. One side of the argument, covered by J. M. Rey, A. Martin, and P. Krabman (2004), in an article “Marijuana Use Is Harmful,” urges that adolescences are unaware of the lasting effects of cannabis use. First, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) make a case for action by reporting that adolescences who use marijuana gain a lifetime dependency for the narcotic. (introduction) In New Zealand, data collected suggests one in ten people exposed to marijuana develop a dependency (p. 21). Next, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) affirm the evidence supporting that marijuana is a gateway drug. The authors state that cannabis use could gradually escalate to the use of an illicit, life-threatening narcotic such as heroin (p. 22). Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) continue by making a connection between cannabis use and poor school performance and eventual unemployment (p. 24). The authors cite various causes and explanations for the effects on users. For example, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) discuss Amotivational Syndrome, which causes a decrease in participation in educational and extracurricular activities and negates priorities (p. 24). Also, the authors present the association between depression and anxiety disorders and cannabis use (p.25). Similarly, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) find a connection during a marijuana high that is similar to that of an LSD trip (p. 26). Furthermore, the authors state that extended use of marijuana causes a “psychosis illness” in adulthood (p. 21). Lastly, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2014) urge for the recognition of the negative effects that marijuana can have over an individual’s lifetime (p. 27). The other side of this issue, covered by L. Grinspoon, J. B. Bakalar, and E. Russo (2004), in an article “Marijuana Use Is Not Usually Harmful,” focuses on the lack of evidence of the tolerance and withdrawal in cannabis users. First, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) question whether marijuana could cause a dependency or addiction, stating two recognized signs of addiction, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, are rarely a concern for cannabis users (p. 29). The authors explain that users of tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and other narcotics are afflicted by withdrawal symptoms, rather than those who use marijuana (p. 30). Next, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) discuss the unproven cognitive effects of marijuana users. (series) For example, studies conducted in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Greece found no evidence of changes in personality, or intellectual and neurological damage compared to those who are long-term users of marijuana with nonusers (p. 30). In addition, the authors negate the gateway hypothesis. The Institute of Medicine and Canadian Senate have disproven this theory stating that “almost everyone who has used marijuana has drunk alcohol first,” therefore making the argument that alcohol is in fact the gateway drug. Also, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) challenge that marijuana does not lead to psychosis. As low as five in one thousand individuals are diagnosed with psychosis relating to marijuana (p. 32). Subsequently, the authors elaborate on the anxiety attacks and assert that they are rare and usually mild (p. 34). Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) state if a user has similar experiences during a high, it is due to an unsafe and uncomfortable environment while using (p. 35). Lastly, the authors state a marijuana related death has not been documented (p. 36). First, the common ground between these two articles confirms concerns for the individual user’s health. One aspect of each argument is that both authors are concerned about the use of marijuana leading to a more dangerous narcotic. Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) cite “early cannabis use was associated with later heroin use” and experimentation could be encouraged if marijuana use is gratifying (p. 22) The authors continue that the use of marijuana facilitates the progression to using drugs such as heroin and cocaine (p. 22). (balance) Likewise, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) allege on the possibility of marijuana as a gateway drug stating most individuals who use marijuana do not use other narcotics, therefore leaving the possibility of advancing (p. 31). The authors, however, explain that since cannabis use is illegal, it could be in the presence where other illicit narcotics are available (p. 31). Both authors have the common ground of physical and psychological effects. Anxiety and depression are discussed by both authors. Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) state antidepressant activity is associated with marijuana use (p. 25). On the other hand, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004), found that marijuana can be helpful in treating illnesses, such as bipolar disease (p. 36). Lastly, both authors discuss recognition for their topic. Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) suggest that evidence is accumulating that regular marijuana use dramatically effects adolescences physically and psychologically (p. 19). In contrast, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) stress the main effects are marijuana are increased hunger and heartbeat, and a slight reddening of the eye (p. 36). A comparison of the Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) with the viewpoint of Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) show that Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) have the stronger argument. The Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) article proved unsubstantial. First, for example, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) support the lifetime dependence from marijuana with a study from New Zealand. However, Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) dismiss dependence by only stating the inability for a tolerance against marijuana without any viable data supporting it. In addition, the article includes information and comments to disprove this theory without studies or statistics. Secondly, Rey, Martin, and Krabman followed a fifteen-year investigation, which found 1,920 adults in the United States have “major depression” due to increased cannabis use. Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo (2004) attempt to disprove depression and anxiety attacks due to cannabis use without a personal statement, but rather an opinion. (extension) Also, the authors state that depression due to marijuana is ultimately due to an extent of “underlying depression,” without providing supporting evidence (p. 35). Lastly, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) provide an in depth explanation from researchers of cognitive impairment due to THC and the effects on activities of daily living (p. 23). Whereas Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo provide no credible support to disprove cognitive impairment due to marijuana use. In conclusion, Rey, Martin, and Krabman (2004) and Grinspoon, Bakalar, and Russo have the common ground of the individual user’s health and the tendency to advance to further illicit narcotics. However, Rey, Martin, and Krabman offer more specific information and studies to confirm their reason for recognition.

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