...Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal use? Cierra Cook Medical Ethics April 12, 2014 Marijuana has been hailed as a prescription for many ills and physicians once used it to stimulate appetite, relieve chronic pain, and treat asthma and migraines. But is marijuana really a medical miracle? If so, do its clinical benefits outweigh its drawbacks? Should we legalize marijuana? Is medical marijuana really worth the risks? These are the issues one needs to think about before making the decision to legalize marijuana. Marijuana is a drug that is derived from the dried and cut leaves of the hemp plant known as "cannabis sativa". Marijuana has a variety of street names such as "grass", "Mary Jane", "pot", "smoke", "reefer", "herb", and "weed". The active ingredient in marijuana is delta tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (3). Marijuana has been used throughout history and in many different cultures to change mood, perception, and consciousness (to get "high"). Its effects range from increasing creativity to provoking mystical experiences, to heightening the capacity to feel, sense and share. After alcohol, it is the most popular of what are called "recreational drugs." It has been used around the world for other purposes. In some primitive tribes of South America, Africa, and India, "cannabis" is used in religious ceremonies and for medical purposes. African mine workers have used it to ease the drudgery of their work and many Jamaicans use it at the end of the day to relieve...
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...LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL USES The legalization of marijuana for medical purposes has been questionable for many years, and it has been an active debate in the United States even up to now, with many different issues on which people have many different opinions. There is opposition to the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes because it has the potential to be used incorrectly, however it is also considered that there is the potential for marijuana to be used in relieving the suffering of many seriously ill patients. Marijuana has been used by people for thousands of years to provide relief from many different serious medical problems. For thousands of years marijuana was not only legal, it was a common crop. It is only in the past ninety years or so that marijuana has been found to be not only unusable, but also harmful and extremely illegal in some States in America (Blaszczak, 2014) .Up to now 23 states in America have legalized marijuana for medical uses, each state has its own regulations to control details such as allowable quantities and registration requirements (State by state marijuana law, 2015). However, the debate on the legalization of its medical uses is still going on in the rest of the states in America. Marijuana is defined as a shredded, green-brown mix of dried flowers, stems, and leaves from the plant named Cannabis sativa. Marijuana has been used as an agent for achieving a feeling of intense excitement and happiness since ancient...
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...Cardwell Ms. Blair English IV 3 April 2015 Legalize medical marijuana Medical marijuana should be legalized in Missouri because of the money and jobs that could potentially be created from it. Many states in America have legalized it because they believe it offers many people in pain a safer way to treat their ailments. Another side to marijuana’s legalization is hemp which can be used to make paper and other useful materials that can help reduce the use of trees. There are 23 states and the district of Columbia that have some form of medical marijuana legalized. Of these 23 states the way they’re legalized is quite different. Most of the 23 have it legalized medical only but others have it legalized recreationally. Recreational...
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...Legalization of medical marijuana Like any other drug marijuana can affect each person differently. Some people claim cannabis can cause lung problems, addiction ,and increase chances of cardiac arrest (Negative side effects…). Although, marijuana seems dangerous it is less addictive than tobacco products or alcohol. Some people claim marijuana has a lot of medical value such as, treating symptoms of parkinson disease, alzheimers, and a stroke. Legalization will lead to numerous positive outcomes for the US. Originated in Central Asia around 500 BC marijuana, otherwise known as cannabis has been around for many years. In the early 1600s people would use marijuana to make hemp rope and invent new medicines. It was not until the 20th century that the government started criminalizing people nationwide for having anything to do with the plant(. Legalizing medical marijuana nationwide would result in...
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...After the legalization of medical marijuana, doctors instead of curing the patient’s illness by prescribing medical marijuana by law are generating a large amount of harmful side effects and addictiveness to patients. Even though, medical marijuana is legal and it’s passed by legislation, doesn’t necessarily mean that it cannot have negative influence on the society. Legislation by passing and legalizing the medical marijuana didn’t really maintenance the negative influence on society and side effects that patients can have after using marijuana over long usage. According to the Caron Pennsylvania states that “Long-term users often experience lowered motivation, and some can experience anxiety, panic attacks, respiratory illnesses, and increased heart rate and risk of heart attack....
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...Legalization vs. Illegalization of Medical Marijuana Since as early as 2900 BC, marijuana has been previously known as a medicine. It was not until the 1900s when the illegalization of the hemp plant began. Starting in 1911, when Massachusetts became the first state to illegalize marijuana, other states followed between 1915 and 1927. Eventually, a campaign against marijuana ran by Harry J. Anslinger lead to the federal government outlawing marijuana completely. However, the 1990s began a new outlook on medical marijuana when cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids were discovered. These discoveries lead to the first state in the United States, California, to legalize medical marijuana for patients with serious illness in 1996. Since then, eighteen other states in the U.S have legalized medical marijuana as well. Individuals all across the U.S. remain skeptical of this drug, and the question remains, do the factors give a reason to legalize it or not? Medical marijuana, a growing controversial topic in the United States, has both advantages and disadvantages concerning its medical use, medical effects, and legalities. Medical marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which reacts with cannabinoid receptors activating protection of over-activations or over-inhibitions of neurotransmitters. A study in 1999 by The Institute of Medicine found that THC produces dose-related analgesia that out-lasts codeine. In result, medical marijuana has shown to be effective for patients...
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...Medical Marijuana Although the legalization of recreational marijuana is controversial, a majority of Americans are more supportive of legalizing medical marijuana. Since the effects of marijuana on youth is not positive, but medical marijuana can have a positive effect on patients of all age groups, it seems reasonable to legalize medical marijuana because the benefits outweigh any negatives. Modern technology has discovered many benefits to the legalization of it. Those benefits include lower crime rates, more jobs, an alternative to painkillers or opiates and more tax money for the government. The current culture of marijuana is evolving. People are more supportive of legalization after being informed of the universal benefits. The legalization of marijuana in certain states has had...
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...Jesus Cisneros Block: 4 10/26/14 Medical Marijuana Medical Marijuana has been a controversial topic in America since the 1940's. Both sides of the argument over wether this Class 1 narcotic should be legalized or not, bring solid information to the table for debate. Medical Marijuana proves to be more beneficial than detrimental to a patients health over long or short term usage. Legalization of this drug could boost the U.S. economy into an upward direction. Although Marijuana can be helpful for a patients health, it can also be a "gate way" drug. Even though the legalization of Medical Marijuana has many pros and cons, I do believe we can decrease the number of health issues by prescribing Medical Marijuana in different supplement forms....
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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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...Should We Legalize Marijuana? In most countries, possession and use of marijuana, also commonly known as cannabis is considered legal, even in some states in United States. In fact, it can be noted that for many years, cannabis has been considered an illegal drug in most countries. Nevertheless, today, some countries have legalized cannabis while other countries have not. In particular, small quantities of cannabis have been allowed in regions such as Europe, North America and South America and the United States, where some states such as California, Washington and Colorado have legalized the possession and usage of marijuana for medical purposes. Federal government should legalize marijuana due to benefits toward patient health care, government tax subsidy and reduction in drug wars can strongly favorize the legalization of marijuana. Opponents of marijuana legalization, support their beliefs by using objections such as marijuana is not a proper medical treatment. They believe marijuana can be as efficient as any other painkiller or other drugs that mimic similar results. Opposers also claim that by legalizing marijuana will allow more people to abuse this drug. Primarily, cannabis should be legalized since it is used for medical purpose. Marijuana can offer individuals a higher standard of living. For example, Sativex is a recent drug that contains a major active ingredient derived from cannabis and it has been discovered to cure Multiple Sclerosis (Kmietowicz 89)...
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...The Blunt Truth Many people wonder what marijuana is and if it should it be legalized. Marijuana comes from the hemp plant, it is the dried leaves of female flowers. Marijuana has been called a gateway drug for years, making many people believe that if they use it they will then become addicted to hard drugs. However, unlike cigarettes that contain tobacco and other illegal drugs such as speed, cocaine, and heroin, marijuana is not addictive. Marijuana is a misunderstood plant that many people assume is dangerous. The usage of marijuana (also known as cannabis) can actually be very beneficial not only to oneself but also to their country. The legalization of marijuana in the United States would benefit the States society economically, socially, and medically. The economic benefits that the legalization of marijuana would bring to the U.S are enormous. Oregon, Colorado, and Washington have already legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. When the rest of the U.S legalizes marijuana and places the high tax on it, it will create a larger budget for every state. In the state of Colorado, According to the article Experimenting with Pot: The State of Colorado's Legalization of Marijuana “By regulate marijuana like alcohol the state collect about $134 million in taxes from medical and recreational marijuana sales in fiscal year 2014-2015” HICKENLOOPER, G. W. (2014). If all of the states in the U.S was able to bring in at least that much extra revenue imagine what...
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...| Marijuana Legalization: Why Marijuana Should be Legalized in All Fifty States English 102 Final Paper Table of Contents I. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………… 1 II. Is Marijuana a “Gateway Drug?” ……………………………………………………... 2 III. Arguments against Legalization ………………………………………………………. 3 VI. Recent Legalization Efforts …………………………………………………………… 4 V. Medicinal Uses of Marijuana …………………………………………………………. 5 VI. Economic Arguments Against Criminalization ………………………………………. 7 VII. Marijuana Cultivation and DTO ……………………………………………………... 8 VIII. From Decriminalization to Legalization …………………………………………… 8 IX. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………… 10 Marijuana Legalization: Why Marijuana Should be Legalized in All Fifty States I. Introduction The issue of marijuana legalization in the United States is a charged one that brings forth supporters and opponents arguments alike. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Uniform Crime Reports, one marijuana-related arrest occurs every forty-two seconds in the United States. The government conducted over 1.53 million drug-related arrests in 2011, 90% for possession alone, and nearly 50% due to marijuana (FBI Uniform Crime Report). State governments are currently responding to shifts in public opinion, especially given the recent legalizations that passed in Colorado and Washington. According to Gallup Polls, more Americans supported the legalization of marijuana than not in 2011 (50% vs. 46%)...
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...Should Marijuana be Legalized? BCOM/275 November 26, 2012 Should marijuana be legalized? Throughout the years, the topic should marijuana be legalized is often heavily debated. For many years the use of marijuana was forbidden and outlawed in the United States, but in more recent years marijuana seems to be becoming accepted. Scientist has found many useful applications for marijuana. Recently, here in the United States, many states have approved legislation for marijuana for medical purposes. Most recently, two states Colorado and Washington have passed referendums that will allow people over the age of 21 recreational use of marijuana without the penalty of a criminal offense. These two states will oversee the use of marijuana for its constituents similar to how alcohol is controlled. Whereas, the government at the state level in Colorado and Washington is in favor for the legalization and passed legislation for the legalization of marijuana, the federal government has not. This causes legal, moral, and ethical issues and begs that questions; should marijuana be legalized? Pros of Legalization One benefit of the legalization of marijuana would be the ability for state and local governments to tax the legal production and sale of it. Currently, because marijuana is illegal the sale of it is not taxed so the local, state, and federal governments do not reap any of the benefits of this “$10.5 billion dollar industry” (Miron, 2005, p.4). In a report written by Jeffrey A....
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...10/20/2014 BCOM 275 Mr. Jenkins Debate Topic Pro Side The highly controversial topic of legalization of marijuana has many different angles to look at from both the pros and cons of the topic. We will discuss the pros of this topic and some of the benefits of legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use in the United States, The first pro for legalization we will will look at is the medical side. Marijuana has The next reason for the chose of legalization of marijuana was not only the legalization of just marijuana in general, but the debate of medical marijuana. In 1972, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use”. Since then, 23 of 50 US States and DC have legalized the medical use of Marijuana (procon.org, 2014). These medical uses include reduction of naseua and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. This has been proven to be more effect than other drugs available. Neurological problems have been shown to be reduced by the effects of marijuana. It is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in ten countries. There have been varying results in studies but it is viable options if other means have failed. These are just a couple examples of medical uses that so a positive for the legalization of marijuana. The next area of a debate for legalization of marijuana could be the revenue debate. This revenue is a positive for the federal and states. This money...
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...Medical Marijuana Laws and their Effects Keith Reese COM/156 7/23/2014 Jennifer Preus Medical Marijuana Laws and their Effects In 1936, George Herliman produced the propaganda film “Tell Your Children”, later titled “Reefer Madness”(“IMBD”, 1990-2014). This film, financed by a church group to display the exaggerated consequences of marijuana usage, was intended to inspire fear in parents and children alike. Though marijuana legalization has become a front burner topic, one would assume that our technological advances would invoke more rational responses from the general public seeking facts to support claims. However, the same type of fear induced media messages are employed today by anti-marijuana groups and politicians to sway public opinion. Contrary to the seemingly credible publications throughout the media, the legalization of marijuana, medical or recreational, does not increase crime. As the debate regarding the legalization of marijuana, both medicinal and recreational, has heated up, several groups have been formed to speak out about the perceived consequences. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy has co-founded the anti-marijuana group, Project SAM, with Kevin Sabet who also is the director of the organization. After the Justice Department allowed Colorado and Washington to move forward with their respective marijuana legislation, Kennedy claimed, “we can look forward to more drugged driving accidents,...
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