...------------------------------------------------- Medical Marijuana Bernard Terry May 10, 2014 PHI210 DR CAPERS DR Capers There has been an ongoing debate about legalizing medical marijuana. Marijuana is a substance dried leaves and flowering pots of the hemp plant that contain THC and is consumed for a number of different reasons .Out of 52 states there are there 21 states that legalize medical marijuana and there are 7 states that are pending .I believe that medical marijuana should be legalize because it is a plant that was grown on this earth. Medical marijuana has its cons when it comes to this debate and some physician, US government and other officials are against the legalization of medical marijuana. Bill Frist, a former US senator stated that” although I understand many believe marijuana is the most effective drug in combating their medical ailment, I would be caution against this assumption due to the lack of consistent repeatable scientific data available to prove marijuana’s medical benefits. Based on current evidence, I believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that there are less dangerous medicines offering the same relief from pain and other medical symptoms.” The US government officials John Walters believe that smoked marijuana damages the brain, heart and immune system. It impairs learning and interferes with memory, perception, and judgment. Smoke marijuana contains cancer- causing compounds and has been implicated in high percentage of...
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...Medical Marijuana ------------------------------------------------- Medical Marijuana Bernard Terry May 10, 2014 PHI210 DR CAPERS DR Capers There has been an ongoing debate about legalizing medical marijuana. Marijuana is a substance dried leaves and flowering pots of the hemp plant that contain THC and is consumed for a number of different reasons .Out of 52 states there are there 21 states that legalize medical marijuana and there are 7 states that are pending .I believe that medical marijuana should be legalize because it is a plant that was grown on this earth. Medical marijuana has its cons when it comes to this debate and some physician, US government and other officials are against the legalization of medical marijuana. Bill Frist, a former US senator stated that” although I understand many believe marijuana is the most effective drug in combating their medical ailment, I would be caution against this assumption due to the lack of consistent repeatable scientific data available to prove marijuana’s medical benefits. Based on current evidence, I believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that there are less dangerous medicines offering the same relief from pain and other medical symptoms.” The US government officials John Walters believe that smoked marijuana damages the brain, heart and immune system. It impairs learning and interferes with memory, perception, and judgment. Smoke marijuana contains cancer- causing compounds and has been implicated in high...
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...For the Legalization of Marijuana Naomi H. Marquez Brad Lycan October 16, 2013 As we venture on the topic of legalizing marijuana these paper will analyze several crucial points of this discussion and review several articles and their position on this controversial topic. We will analyze the main topics of concern for the legalization of cannabis which will include, the history of the prohibition of cannabis, the potential health risks compare to alcohol and tobacco, the criminal affect that this drug can have if legalize and finally the economical side of cannabis. The following paragraphs will dissect the following topics with the help of several articles and experts in the topic. The first topic of discussion will be the history of the prohibition of cannabis which became illegal in September of 1937. To understand this topic we need to submerge ourselves into its history. In the article “How Hemp Became Illegal: The Marijuana Link” explains the detailed history on how this miracle plant became illegal. The main concern of marijuana was that it was a plant that was so versatile not only because it can be used in so many ways but because marijuana can be grown pretty much in any climate and with a minimal water supply. This article goes into detail of all the inside meetings between politicians and multimillionaire tycoons who wanted cannabis to become illegal because marijuana could be used as paper, food, fiber, fuel, plastic and of course medicine...
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...“more than 18 million Americans consumed it” (White House, 2013). Furthermore, a recent study showed that 42% of Americans aged 12 and older had consumed the drug (White House, 2013). Nevertheless, why is marijuana illegal? And what would happen if it gets legalize. Marihuana can bring health, economics, and social benefits to our society. Thus is why Marijuana should be legal. At the beginning marijuana was introduced to United States by Mexican immigrants, who were working in farms and factories as laborers (Zimmer, Lynn). This new migration wave scared some of the conservatives groups in America, because of the cheap labor that Mexicans represented. Many of those Mexicans immigrants used to smoked marijuana, therefore, some people picked this as an excuse to ban it. It was not only banned because of its effects, it was criminalized to isolate and discriminate different races than the Caucasian. So, one of the main excuses to banned marijuana was fear towards Mexicans, Hispanics and other races. As we can see in a letter from the editor of the Alamosa Daily Courier, in south-central Colorado that was used as an official testimony for the Act that banned marijuana, “I wish I could show you what a small marihuana cigarette can do to one of our degenerate Spanish-speaking residents. That’s why our problem is so great; the greatest percentage of our population is composed of Spanish-speaking persons, most of who are low mentally because of social and racial conditions.” (Kopel...
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...Debating in a theme about marijuana is controversial and opinions may vary. This article will refute the article from Bill Frist, MD titled Should marijuana be a medical option? The following discussion is intended to refute Bill Frist opposition to marijuana as a medical alternative and his reasoning to caution others not to utilize marijuana. The first argument to rebuttal is the former senator indicating that “There is no evidence that this (marijuana) is helping patients or that it really relieves pain” (Bill Frist, 01). Bill Frist validates his argument as a physician with a degree in Medicine, his participation in the Senate as Senator, and many other key positions in the government system. The level of credentials for MD Frist is of high ranking credibility. However, the article was submitted in 2009; about 4 years ago. Perhaps, at the time there was not enough collected information, or the data was omitted, or ignored. The article is also a personal opinion sent via email, which deducts reliability to the statement. Researched to rebuttal the argument in question is reported in Toke of the Town. An article by Steve Elliot from 2012, Worth Repeating: Suicide Rates Fall in Medical Marijuana States includes researched facts and statistics. Elliot’s article is based on a research conducted by Ron Marczyk, R.N., retired health education teacher. The research included the following arguments: • “Marijuana improves the "psychological well-being" of young adult males and saves...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Derane Walton English 215 June 11, 2013 Victoria Stewart Legalization of Marijuana Can there be a show of hands how many people here have ever smoked Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana? Well obviously no one would want to admit to a criminal activity in front of their teacher, but why is it that smoking pot is so taboo in our society? After all numerous famous intellectuals support marijuana. Al Gore is considered by many to be the leading figure in climate change awareness and environmental preservation, but few people know that Al Gore also supports the legalization of marijuana. The famed German philosopher Freidrich Nietzche once said, if one seeks relief from unbearable pressure one is to eat hashish. The founding father of our nation George Washington, said, “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere”! (Stack exchange, 2013) Marijuana is one of the safest medicinal substances on the planet and is supported by many acclaimed celebrity role models. Famous Hollywood actor Johnny Depp says, I’m not a big pothead or anything like that but weed is much, much less dangerous than alcohol. Other well known supporters of marijuana include Snoop Dogg, all of the Marley family, Niel Young, Willie Nelson, Michael Phelps, Chris Farley, Al Gore, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Nietzche, Barack Obama, John Adams, James Madison, JFK, and of course myself. A total of 11 United States presidents grew, smoked, or supported the...
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...Verhaart 4/14/10 I. Even though it is illegal, marijuana is not the drug people think it is. A. What is marijuana and how do people use it? 1. Marijuana is a drug that’s active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is cut and dried from the plant known as cannabis. 2. The most common way to use marijuana is to smoke it by rolling it into a cigarette paper (a joint) or the outside of a cigar (a blunt). B. Marijuana has been illegal for decades now, but why is it illegal? 1. A big part of why marijuana is illegal is because it is considered an addicting drug and when the law was passed most people didn’t have the right information about this drug. 2. Marijuana was made federally illegal in the United States in 1937 by the Marihuana Tax Act. II. There are a lot of myths about using marijuana that are not true. A. Parents tell their kids that marijuana kills brain cells. 1. No medical test that has been used to show brain damage in people has found that marijuana kills brain cells. 2. Supporting example 2 in a complete sentence. B. Using marijuana while pregnant can cause developmental problems and birth defects. 1. Test were ran on newborns to older kids, no results came back that there was any developmental problems. 2. Older kids of prenatal users and nonusers were tested and only small differences were found with some results better than others. III. Marijuana can help with some medical problems. A. Smoking marijuana helps chemo patients to keep their...
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...Composition I Why is it that smoking pot is so taboo in our society? After all, numerous famous intellectuals support marijuana. Al Gore is considered by many to be the leading figure in climate change awareness and environmental preservation. But few people know that Al Gore also supports the legalization of marijuana. The famed German philosopher Freidrich Nietzche once said, “If one seeks relief from unbearable pressure one is to eat hashish”. The founding father of our nation George Washington, said, “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere!” Marijuana is one of the safest medicinal substances on the planet and is supported by many acclaimed celebrity role models. Famous Hollywood actor Johnny Depp says, “I’m not a big pothead or anything like that… but weed is much, much less dangerous than alcohol”. Other well known supporters of marijuana include Snoop Dogg, all of the Marley family, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Michael Phelps, Chris Farley, Al Gore, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Nietzsche, Barack Obama, John Adams, James Madison, JFK, and of course myself. A total of 11 United States presidents either grew, smoked, or supported the legalization of Marijuana. With the support of some of the greatest thinkers and world leaders of all time it’s a wonder that marijuana is still illegal. “Government ties is really why the government lies” – Immortal Technique. Common Misconceptions about marijuana are set about by high end government officials who...
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...prohibition of marijuana has been a heated debate for years. This paper will examine the question of whether or not it will be beneficial to the population as a whole, smokers and non-smokers to legalize marijuana. This paper will begin by giving a historical overview of marijuana and how it became illegal. Then, it will attempt to examine and illustrate the many valuable, and beneficial qualities that marijuana has. Relying on the facts found to ultimately come to a conclusion on whether or not legalization would positively effect our country. Introduction Background Information The legalizing of marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes will have significant benefits for smokers and non-smokers, the economy, and the population. Currently any production, sale, distribution, or consumption of the drug marijuana is illegal in forty-eight states in the nation. Legalizing marijuana in this situation would mean executing the same or similar laws as are imposed on to alcohol. “On November 6, 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the sale and possession of cannabis for recreational use since the Marijuana Tax act of 1937 when they passed Colorado Amendment 64 and Washington Initiative 502” (Szalavitz). The few states that have legalized marijuana are instituting practices to integrate the substance into society. To continue, consumption of marijuana would be illegal as well as the purchase of the substance by minors under the age of...
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...Legalizing and Decriminalizing Marijuana When people hear the world marijuana they often associate it with other negative things such as, addiction, gangs, law violations, hallucinations, disorientation, and criminal activity. However marijuana has been used and shown to have positive effects in multiple medical conditions. Marijuana has been found to relieve symptoms of diseases of serious magnitude such as asthma, glaucoma, and muscle spasms are just a few. Marijuana has also been found to relieve a loss of appetite and nausea due to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) wasting syndrome and chemotherapy treatment (AIDS 1). Marijuana has become a major source of relief for many terminally ill patients, as well as people with mental disorders such as depression, and bipolar disorder. Why then if marijuana has multiple positive effects and uses is it illegal? One common answer is that it is a mind altering drug and can be a life treating and can affect health in long term use. This is a weak answer because while marijuana is illegal other substances such as alcohol which is well known to be a mind altering substance and tobacco which is a substance proven to cause health issues including death, are both very legal. Legalizing marijuana and decriminalizing marijuana could have multiple positive outcomes. Legalizing marijuana for medical use would not only give ill patients different treatment options for their illnesses, but the handling and issuing of medical marijuana...
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...ensure that such a non-traditional controversial medicine is not abuse as many people will try to take advantage of the situation. Racism played a key role in the illegalization of marijuana in the early 1900’s. Harry Anslinger, Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, said, “Marijuana is the most violence causing drug in the history of mankind. Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes.” (4) He used this sort of propaganda to get a racist America behind his push for the criminalization of marijuana in the mid-twentieth century. Anslinger submitted the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 to Congress, which made marijuana illegal on a federal level for purposes of medical and industrial only. This act was found to be unconstitutional in 1969, since it violated the Fifth Amendment, because people seeking the tax stamp would have to incriminate themselves....
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...The Legalization Of Marijuana for the Benefit of America Marijuana under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 is a schedule I narcotic and therefore has been made illegal in the United States[1]. Marijuana has been illegal in the United States since the early 1900’s and has been demonized for what it does to a person that uses it. Through the great propaganda of the 1900’s by the United States government they convinced an entire nation that marijuana is evil and will cause horrible side effects without having to prove just about any scientific or research data at all. Basically people chose to go against marijuana without knowing what it is, how it works, or how even America can benefit from breaking apart from the 1900’s way of thinking and legalize it. As it is normally known and referred to as marijuana but its scientific name is cannabis. It comes from the cannabis sativa plant, which is native to Asia and Africa but now is being grown just about world wide. Cannabis has many forms other than its plant one that is widely used. In its most common form, marijuana consists of flowers and leaves while as hashish it is found as a type of resin liquid. There were many prominent Americans that used to grow the plant and use the cannabis as a cash crop similarly to how tobacco plants were grew for profit. George Washington used to grow cannabis as his primary cash crop on his plantations, it was a good profit for him as it had its medicinal and recreational...
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...unpredictable the government has been about legalizing it, regardless of all its medicinal benefits. With regards to this, David Bearman is a physician in pain medicine and specializes in cannabinoid (marijuana) medicines. He gives a brief history of cannabis in the United States to highlight how the “government has largely stood in the way of constructive research regarding the medicinal use of cannabis” (Bearman 3). He points out that from 1854 to 1941 cannabis was in the United States Pharmacopeia, which is a non government related public standards setting that authorized and regulated what was good for pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medicines. In addition to that, cannabis was between the “third and fourth most common ingredient in patent medicines” (1). Several of the big drug companies at the time had products that contained cannabis of some form, people experienced benefits and did not report adverse effects. However, other pharmaceutical medicines started to evolve to target specific pain or problems and people started to discount the effectiveness of herbal medicines. Following the pharmaceutical evolution, came the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act, which allowed for higher taxes that made it inconvenient for drug companies to use cannabis in their medicines. This is what led most of those companies to omit cannabis from their medicines (2). When it became harder to access, they started exploring other options. Eventually, the Marihuana Tax Act was deemed unconstitutional and...
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...Cliff McGlon ENGL 1101 8:00 Professor Hargon November 9, 2005 Benefits Outnumber The Risks Every year thousands of people die from illegal drug overdoses, but ten times that number die from legal drug overdoses. Given this fact, the classifications for legal and illegal drugs are quite unbalanced. Marijuana is currently an illegal drug. Its primary contents are the cannabis plant and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Along with cocaine and heroin, marijuana is classified as a Type 1 drug, meaning that its use can result in maximum penalties in state or federal prison. Currently, the only states with legal authorization to medically administer the drug are California and Arizona. Marijuana use should be legalized in all states because the reason for its previous abolition is nonexistent today, research supporting its use is kept hidden from the public, it is safer than most legal drugs, it does not contribute to the use of other drugs, and it proves effective in the medical field. The use of marijuana should be legalized because the government’s reason for prohibiting it does not apply today. According to Charles Schaffer, founder of the Schaffer Library of Drug Policy, “Marijuana was outlawed in 1937 as a repressive measure against Mexican workers who crossed the border seeking jobs during the Depression. The specific reason given for the outlawing of the hemp plant was its supposed violent ‘effect on the degenerate races’” (Schaffer, sec. 1). Government used the prohibition...
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...The English term marijuana originates from the Mexican Spanish work marihuana. According to the United Nations, marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in the world. In modern times, marijuana has been used for such cases like recreational, religious, spiritual and medicinal purposes. However, most of today’s people use marijuana for own self-satisfaction and psychoactive purposes. The United Nation estimated that in 2004, around 4 percent of the world’s adult population, which is 162 million people, used marijuana annually and around 0.6 percent used it daily. Due to its psychoactive effect, marijuana is currently recognized as illegal drug in most cases. Right now, it is only used for medical purposes and is legal in few places. However, there have been continuous debates going on about legalizing the marijuana. Although most politicians disagree with legalizing it, there is increase in number who agrees on legalizing marijuana for many purposes. I, too, agree on legalizing marijuana because it will solve many problems. Current Obama administration is on stress about medical marijuana laws. Ethan Nadelmann pointed out that state medical marijuana laws do not make “any sense in terms of public safety, health or fiscal policy”. (Franklin) When marijuana is used for medical purpose, there are over 70 percent of voters who support. However, recently, those voters are now shifting towards legalizing marijuana altogether. In an earlier era, where most conservatives ruled...
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