...The Benefits of Legalizing Medical Marijuana There has been much discussion recently regarding the use and legalization of medical marijuana. In the United states, the use of medical marijuana is regulated under federal law. As of April 2015, 23 states have legalized cannabis for medical and therapeutic uses. However, there are important legal differences between medical marijuana at the federal and state levels. At a federal level, marijuana is classified as a Scheduled 1 substance under the Controlled Substance Act. Prior to 2009 state laws did not supersede federal laws, meaning the criminalization of medical marijuana was still possible under federal prosecution (S. Davison, J. Davison, 2011, p. 773-774). In 2009 Attorney General Eric...
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...In 1996, medical marijuana became legal in California, which inspired Richard Lee to open businesses associated with the usage of marijuana. Lee was a medical marijuana provider and activist with a dream to legalize marijuana; as a result, he created Proposition 19 in 2010 by using his own funding to the sum of $1.45 million. The creation of Proposition 19 was to legalize marijuana in California through regulation and taxation. In essence, passing of the bill would legally allow individuals that are 21 or older the ability to harvest and use marijuana. However, Proposition 19 would only grant legal rights related with marijuana under the state of California and not under federal law. As a result, federal law must still firmly enforce drug laws against harvesters and distributors of marijuana in California. Although Proposition 19 was unable to pass in 2010, Lee ensures that effort to pass this bill will never stop. Proposition 19 protesters argue that legalizing marijuana creates abuse among adolescents. In the article “Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana”, Dr. Robert L. DuPont stated, “Marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the U.S. and around the world.” The United States Drug enforcement Agency has classified marijuana as a drug that has an extreme potential for abuse. They categorized marijuana as a schedule I drug which is under the same category as cocaine, heroin and morphine. Parents fear that the legalization of marijuana enables easier access...
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...Vincent Piccoli Professor Melville EN 112 25 November 2014 The Legalization of Marijuana The legalization of Marijuana has gradually become one of the most talked about topics in the world today. It has been a fight between the government, the states, and the citizens of any country/countries around the world. From 12 percent in 1969, to 25 percent in 1995, to 36 percent by 2005 and hitting 48 percent in 2012, the demographic shift on this issue has been stunning. (Heuvel, Kartina Vanden) There are 23 states in the United States with some form of marijuana legalization. Whether it be the legalization of marijuana medically or recreationally, or some both. Legalizing marijuana has some very big advantages along with the pros and cons already. For most states, legalizing marijuana will benefit the economy greatly, marijuana is more harmless than many other drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, cocaine. There always is that chance it does not benefit the economy but the percentage of marijuana users throughout the world is increasing every year. (Heuval, Kartina Vanden) With all of this comes responsibility and with the right determination and structure, Marijuana should be legalized but with regulations. One positive effect the legalization of marijuana will have on society is the medical aspect of marijuana. So many people need and use medical marijuana to help treat themselves and take care of themselves. For some it is their only cure and for some it is more like...
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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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...August 17,2014 PHI 105 Legalizing Marijuana In the last few year’s marijuana has been a major topic in the media. There is a huge debate on whether or not marijuana should be legalized and how it would all play out if it were to be legalized. Some think marijuana should be legal while other seem to disagree, however, when you look at the benefits behind legalizing it, there is no reason for it not to be. Marijuana should be legalized as it provides benefits for the critically ill, taxation on the legalization product can increase revenue, and the legalization of marijuana can allow it to then be regulated and/or its legalization can reduce criminal activity associated with marijuana (such as smuggling, dealing, using, etc.) For many years, marijuana has helped aid the pain of critically ill patients across America. Health and comfort should be what the government is concerned with. Marijuana can help people in their everyday life like simply relaxing. Marijuana is used for more than just recreational purposes such as treating pain, reducing nausea, and increasing one’s appetite. “Worldwide studies have shown it to be useful for treating pain, reducing nausea and increasing appetite, among a growing list of other things” (Vorenberg. S). When not abused, marijuana’s symptoms are mild and not often people are uncontrollable. While legalizing marijuana cannot only benefit the critically ill, it can help out our government and increase its revenue. Marijuana is tough on our justice...
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...Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a form of the cannabis plant. In 1923, marijuana was added to the Confidential Restricted List as a prohibited drug in Canada. However, many Canadians believe that marijuana should be legalized because it can play a significant role in the medical industry. However, others hold the opposite attitude toward Marijuana legalization. This serious controversy has lasted for many decades. Canada’s neighbor, the U.S. government, has forbidden this drug since the early 1900s. However, this implementation didn’t produce a satisfactory result. (National Prevention Strategy, 2011) Marijuana should be legalized in Canada because its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. These advantages are likely to promote the Canadian economy, eliminate social issues and benefit the health of its residents. In terms of the economy, legalizing marijuana could conduct not only negative effects, but also positive effects. In the past decade, underground trade of marijuana has caused harm to Canada’s income. Werner Antweiler, the UBC professor, believes that the marijuana market is sizable. (2013) In B.C., the estimates show that Canadians consume at least 3 billion dollars in marijuana products annually. (Barmak, 2013) Other data from The International Journal of Drug Policy indicate that the retail value of marijuana consumption in B.C is between $443 million and $564 million. In addition, further estimates point out that marijuana legalization is likely to help the...
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...Legalize Marijuana Shannon Bunting November 12, 2011 Elizabeth Hermans ITT Technical Institution The legalization of marijuana would benefit the United States for several reasons, which is why the government needs to seriously consider legalizing it. There are many advantages medically that help many patients who have terminal illnesses. The money from legalizing marijuana could also generate several billions in new revenue a year. Marijuana is also safer for people than alcohol, cigarettes and many of the prescription drugs that are available. Despite the many arguments as to why marijuana shouldn’t be legalized there are many benefits as to why it should be and the government needs to take a look into the issue. Medical marijuana has been known to help patients with terminal illnesses be able to handle the pain and nausea. Studies have shown that it makes patients be able to eat and keep their food down which enables them to maintain their weight. The active chemical in marijuana is THC and is what allows the patients be able to manage the pain for many illnesses. Studies have also shown that when patients use medical marijuana it causes the sells to undergo a process called autophagy. What this does is it makes the cancerous cells feed on each other leaving the healthy cells alone. It has also been known to help keep Alzheimer’s patients from getting worse. The THC in marijuana has the ability to...
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...drugs even though it’s illegal. Though its not something anyone could ever understand, why do these people go against the law and jeopardize their life just to use drugs? The drug that I am talking in this essay about is marijuana, and it may be surprising to some but it is all around us. Marijuana is even being referred to in today’s media. The way that they are doing this is through the mainstream media sources that people prefer; like music, movies, and TV shows. Now being a 20 year old adult and having my own personal experience with Marijuana and knowing its effects on others, and myself. I always ask why it’s not legal. Why is it that this drug has become illegal all over the world, but they allow cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription medication. The war to legalize marijuana in the United States of America has been and is now being fought nonstop since the existence of the drug itself. Marijuana has been tested and proven to have a very positive impact on the American society for multiple reasons. Some of these reasons are for America’s economy, the health of certain people, and even crime. These reasons could very well help America turn around its national debt and help thrive the country in the future. This naturally grown plant known as marijuana is known all around the world. This plant is known to be a herbal medicine that gives users a “high” and is legal in a lot of countries in the world, but also illegal in a lot of...
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...today is to legalize medical marijuana or to keep it illegal because of the high risks it poses. US Congress placed marijuana in schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act in 1972 because it was considered to have no use for medical purposes. Since then, 16 of the 50 states have legalized marijuana for medical use. Many studies state that marijuana can treat symptoms of cancer, pain, and many more serious illnesses. Opponents of medical marijuana argue that it lacks FDA approval. Researchers believe medical marijuana treats different serious illnesses. In 2002, Franjo Grotenhermen stated that “medical cannabis has treated effectively symptoms of nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, and a lack of appetite.” “Medical marijuana has been known to stimulate eating habits to help cure anorexia, the lack of appetite and weight loss to help those people gain their weight back that could do them serious harm from the rapid weight loss (Grotenhermen, 2002).” Medical marijuana has also been known to treat more serious illnesses such as Sickle-Cell Disease, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's disease, and Tourette syndrome. Many of the case reports have shown that cannabis has helped to reduce tics caused by Tourette syndrome. A Research Institute in California called Scripps, did a study showing that THC an active ingredient in marijuana, prevents deposits from forming in the brain this is typically associated with Alzheimer's disease. Medical marijuana has been known to stimulate...
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...English 24 February 2014 Should Marijuana Be Legalized? I believe marijuana should be legalized because of medical reasons, generation of revenue for the government, and it would cut down on the distribution of illegal drugs over the borders. First and foremost Marijuana should be legalized because of medical reasons. It helps people with certain medical conditions. Some of the conditions include Cancer, Glaucoma, and Anxiety Disorders. Marijuana helps Cancer patients eat, improves the eyesight of people with Glaucoma, and helps calms the nerves of people with Anxiety Disorders. Although it contains no healing properties, it does help to improve the quality of life for some who are suffering. Many drugs kill people; nevertheless, marijuana is not one of those drugs. The late Dr. Ted Madurai has proven in his research after dealing with 10,000 patients in the last 15 years. That 200 different medical conditions respond favorable to cannabis. Medical marijuana may be beneficial to the whole world if given a chance. I feel that marijuana has been used to help people before these modern times. Some people agree that marijuana is an herb no a drug. Look at the benefits of marijuana that’ why it has been studied for years. The drug marijuana stands alone with the properties that are needed to help people with certain medical conditions. Medical marijuana has been proven to help sick and disable people. Secondly, marijuana should be legalized because it generates...
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...Running head: LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA 1 Legalization of Marijuana Communications and Thought 1 February 23, 2015 LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA 2 Abstract The debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana has been raging decades. The debate is centered on the issues of health, addiction and economics. Arguments and claims supporting the legislation are countered by contrary arguments and claims. Scientific claims from one side are disputed by scientific claims from the other. The tug-of-war is beginning to show signs of a clear winner. Time has brought about changes in the thinking and behavior of a large segment of our population. Marijuana usage is now considered acceptable behavior by a clear majority of Americans. Social mores have changed and the use of marijuana is commonplace. We have reached the point in the debate where the trend is leaning toward legislation. LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA 3 Legalization of Marijuana Introduction There is an ongoing national debate about the legalization of marijuana. According to a 2013 Gallup poll, a clear majority of Americans (58%) favor legalization. The age group most likely to support legalization is young adults from the age of 18 to 29 years. Surprisingly, the majority of the 30 to 64 years age group also favors legalization. The opposition to legalizing marijuana comes mostly from Americans 65 and older. Changing social...
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...For years a popular controversial subject Texas has been talking about is the legalization of marijuana. Many people believe it should be legal and many believe just the opposite of that. Marijuana is not some dangerous drug that can take your life, that’s not what makes it illegal. Marijuana first became illegal in the 1910’s. In western states, it was a fear of Mexican immigrants who used the plant and in eastern states it was a fear of African Americans who used cannabis to take advantage of white women (Hoff). Although illegal now, the effects of legalizing marijuana in Texas would benefit in many ways. One effect of legalizing marijuana in Texas would be the money it brings in. As of right now, Texas’ highest paying cash crop is cotton...
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...Legalizing Marijuana 1 Crystal N. Nichol Tiffany Davis March 5, 2012 Dying To Get High: Marijuana as Medicine People around the world are dying to get high, off the cannabis also known as marijuana to treat certain medical conditions, which is why marijuana is something that should be legally justified to treat specific pre existing medical conditions in all fifty states (Meltzer,2004). The controversial issue of legalizing marijuana for medical use is a worldwide concern, although thirteen states already have legalized marijuana for medical reasons. The legality of marijuana has been a hotly debated subject for decades until the government of US and many other established countries outlawed its use, smoking marijuana had been a widespread activity for thousands of years (Meltzer, 2004). Marijuana has been illegal in America since 1923. Since the authorities banned the recreational use, sale, and growth of this substance many groups have sprung up and protests have been organized to fight for the right to possess and use the plant (Meltzer, 2004). Opinions appear to be pulled in two directions: that the use of marijuana is an extreme social, moral, and health ‘danger’ that must be stamped out, or that it is an innocuous, pleasant pastime that possesses health benefits and should be legalized(Zimmer,1997). It may be some time before all the truths concerning the use of this ancient drug in our society are fully known. An understanding of the history and attitudes...
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...functioning brain. In her state marijuana is not legalized and has several requirements medically to get access to marijuana that the government has set in place for the medical use but it’s up to the doctors if they ae willing to implement. Thus, her government fights over the very single thing that can reduce her seizures and ease her pains. Medical research shows that the cannabis plant known to billions as marijuana holds the keys to reducing epileptic episodes giving her oxygen deprived brain a higher chance of healthiness. This is just one of the many benefits this plant holds. Regrettably, this plant is not legal in all states. By legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use will economically and medically impact the United States by increasing profitability within the manufacturing industry, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and providing medicines for its citizen. Undoubtedly, there are several advantages of legalizing marijuana. One being the farming and manufacturing industry that will increase profitability by legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use. Manufacturing marijuana is an $11 billion per year business (Ferner, 2014). There is two technique in which marijuana is cultivated. Marijuana is grown outdoors and indoors. Outdoor profits yield less than indoor profits because it produces a less potent type of marijuana. Whereas, indoor growth, the more profitable can be modified to a more intense and powerful kind of marijuana. Also, indoor production...
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...Legalizing Marijuana Kendall Joseph James York Sociology 120 September 18, 2011 Introduction In recent years there has definitely been an extremely unprecedented interest about whether or not marijuana along with its constituent compounds should be allowed to be used as medicine. There have been eight states since 1996 that have approved the medical use of marijuana. Although there are some people who simply dismiss the idea of medical marijuana as a subterfuge enabling liberalization, which they are afraid that there is a small chance that it will spread the plague of drug abuse. Having marijuana legalized could legitimate the drug as both safe and effective . Marijuana's industrial, medical, and recreational uses has definitely played an important role in regards to increasing its fame, there are even some presidential candidates that have even acknowledged the fact that they have even smoked marijuana before. Marijuana is an extremely safe drug simply because of its primary active ingredients THC along with other cannabinoids produce psychoactive effects and there is no fatal dose at all. However, there are other psychoactive drugs like alcohol, opiates, nicotine, and caffeine that can have fatal overdoses. This is why marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest, therapeutically active substance that is known to mankind. Although, there are some people who may feel morally violated in regards to legalizing marijuana and doing drugs may be a victimless...
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