...warning you, this is an extremely controversial topic. Legalizing recreational marijuana should be a top priority for the state of Florida. When put on a scale the benefits outweigh the cons. For one, the crime rate in our state will lower. Secondly, many people cannot afford prescription drugs, recreational marijuana can be used for various ailments and its health benefits exceed expectation. To add, recreational marijuana is taxable! Therefore, it is money that can be put into our communities. Recreational marijuana as intimidating as some may think, can actually benefit our community in many ways. To begin, many believe legalizing marijuana would cause crime to increase, on the contrary legalizing it will lead to a decrease of crime. Imagine that getting your hands on marijuana was as accessible as cigarettes in a gas station, how many illegal cigarette dealers have been punished in jail with the maximum sentence for selling cigarettes? It is almost unheard of. The same will go with marijuana, easy access will push drug dealers out of business. The people of Florida fund prisons and officers with our taxes, legalizing will decrease how many officers are focused on looking for marijuana buyers and sellers. Additionally, lowering the inmate...
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...Thesis: Legalizing marijuana simply digs a deeper hole in the fight against harmful intoxicants. Summary: The legalization of marijuana would have no benefits. To the contrary, doing so would simply add to the list of readily accessible and potentially addictive substances that can lead to irresponsible behavior and poor health. Given the widespread problems associated with addictive substances such as alcohol and tobacco, why should laws be altered to add another substance to this list? The fact that so many people break laws prohibiting marijuana use does not mean that these laws should be repealed. Introduction One function of government is to protect citizens from harm, whether it is from foreign enemies or from internal causes such as poisonous food or contaminated water. Similarly, the ban on marijuana protects citizens from the dangers of drug consumption, as well as potentially destructive behaviors associated with marijuana use. With the possible exception of limited benefits in treating some diseases under a physician's direction, there are no advantages to the use of intoxicants such as marijuana or more potent drugs, including cocaine and heroin. This is not to say that individuals do not experience some momentary pleasure in consuming drugs-often at tremendous social costs. However, drug use can also wreak havoc on an individual's ability to experience all of the facets of life-from facing and overcoming challenges to enjoying times of great joy to relishing...
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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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...Marijuana, Legal in America? Marijuana has been in America for quite some time now, and approximately one hundred million of people in the U.S. have tried this drug at least once. Marijuana is also the most common drug used in the U.S. today that is illegal. So imagine if marijuana was legalized and how much money could be made and profited from its legalization. Dangers with other drugs such as alcohol and smoking tobacco outweigh the dangers involved with marijuana by a landslide. So the simple fact of the matter that is brought to our attention as Americans, is that marijuana is bad for us and worse than all of the other legal drugs and that we have no benefit from using it, when in actuality it can benefit us in many ways especially medically, it is really not bad for us all in all and should be a legalized substance. Marijuana has always been and always will be used one way or the other in America. The question is should it be legalized, and why should it be. Well this question and argument has been going around for some time now, and is getting to the point where a serious decision needs to be made on the legalization of marijuana. All of the lies about how marijuana is bad for you and that it is not good for your health is all we seem to hear about marijuana, when in fact marijuana has more health benefits than any other legal drug that is out there. In fact there has never been a death from marijuana usage ever recorded, while every year there are four hundred...
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...Philmon Com 156 October 09, 2011 Diana Marquez Legalization of Cannabis The controversial issue of legalizing cannabis is a topic worth discussing. Let’s look at each aspect of health risks and benefits to the legalization of cannabis. Legalizing cannabis could have a positive effect on the crime rate in America as the statistics will show this. The most beneficial part of legalizing cannabis will be the economic gains that will come from legalizing marijuana. While there are some health risks associated to the legalization of cannabis the benefits of a decrease in crime and increases in the economy greatly out weigh the cons to legalizing cannabis. There are many health benefits and risks to the legalizations of cannabis. Cannabis is used to treat patients who have pain associated with certain diseases like human immunodeficiency virus. The pain that these patients endure is called neuropathic pain. In a study done by “Dr. Ellis and colleagues found that 46 percent of patients administered medical marijuana experienced at least a 30 percent reduction in pain” (Uddin, 04/11). Having a pain reduction without having to take a pill is a plus as there are many side effects that go along with some pain pills. Another benefit to the use of cannabis is an increase in appetite. This is very important in patients undergoing cancer treatment. “Medicinal marijuana can signal a food craving within a patient's body, encouraging the patient to eat to provide energy to...
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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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...Amanda Martinez Proceed with the Weed! Although people say marijuana has no benefit or purpose of use, I strongly standby the fact of it becoming legalized acknowledging that there has been positive results’ concluding from the medicinal uses of marijuana, growth in job marketing and fiscal matters. The first and most essential reason that marijuana should be legal is that there are no cautious proven facts or reasons for it not to be legal. Some people ask 'Why should marijuana be legalized?" but we should really be asking "Why should marijuana be illegal?" Some of the United States labels Marijuana as a gateway drug leading to a life of failure because it is assumed to not having a legitimate purpose of use. Although there has been proven facts of positive benefits from the uses of marijuana. Many people against legalizing marijuana argue that marijuana should stay illegal because it poses health risks. This claim is not logically sound because Marijuana’s health risks are too complex therefor can’t be specifically classified of being a detriment to an individual’s health or not. The health risks that are believed to occur from ingestions of marijuana are most likely to be known as exaggerated. When people against legalization begin to go over health risks with the public they use it as a strategy for providing controversy arguments to try convincing individuals to avoid excessive use of marijuana or use at all. No one realizes that alcohol and tobacco are a lot...
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...Laws are created in order to protect people from harm, but yet the United States has in act laws protecting them against something that does nothing but benefit them. The use and distribution of opioids and other substances has been debated and fought over for centuries. Cigarettes used to be accessible within schools and restaurants, and with science backing them, now they have to be conceived in designated areas or not at all. However, even with the proof that they are detrimental to health, they have not been outlawed, but restricted to age. Currently, marijuana, both medical and recreational is not legal in all parts of the United States; furthermore, whether it ever will be, is being considered. Marijuana has a bad...
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...enjoyment. Although Marijuana is facing controversy, the substance should be legal. When some people hear this their mind immediately refers backs to the "Reefer Madness" phobia. Back in the 1930’s the government came out with movies and advertisements that would show people going nuts from smoking pot. This was a novelty that was apart of the movement to ban marijuana. This book took a turn on people changing their view on the herbal plant, but Why believe a book? A majority of the public favors legalization of cannabis....
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...Decriminalizing Marijuana Some of the biggest issues argued about all over congress, the media, and in community is about drugs. One of the primary focuses of the war on drugs is Marijuana. What is marijuana? How is it used? Marijuana remains the most widely used illegal drug and stirs up constant debate everywhere. Marijuana, also known as weed, grass, pot, chronic, joint, blunt, herb, cannabis, hashish, or Mary Jane, is the most commonly used illegal drug in America. It could come in the color green, brown, or gray and its made of shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of a plant called the hemp plant. Like other drugs, marijuana has many side effects. Marijuana is the most widely used drug in the United States and considered to be the most harmful by the government with its anti marijuana stance and laws aimed at limiting its use. With marijuana use rapidly growing, the United States national debt has never been so high, and the search for seemingly 'incurable' diseases raging on, marijuana has the potential to solve many problems if it were to be legalized. Should marijuana be legalized? Proponents of marijuana argue that there are numerous medical benefits and that the drug is not more harmful than tobacco or alcohol so prohibiting it encroaches on personal freedom. On the other hand, opponents argue that marijuana is too dangerous, its legalization would increase the chances of the drug falling into the hands of kids and that marijuana use often progresses to...
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...Your Name Professor’s Name Course 22 September 2013 Medical Marijuana – What’s the Problem? While the debate rages across the country about legalizing medical marijuana, or Cannabis (Cannabis comes from the plant Cannabis sativa, and is commonly referred to by the Mexican name “marijuana”), apparently the majority of U.S. residents have already made up their mind about it. According to a 2004 AARP poll, over 72 percent agreed with the statement, “Adults should be allowed to use medical marijuana for medical purposes if a physician recommends it.” Perhaps even more astounding are the results of a 2013 Gallup poll which showed that fifty eight percent of Americans favor legalizing marijuana, after both Washington State and Colorado legalized it in November of 2012. Those in favor of the drug claim that it is both an effective and safe treatment for many medical conditions, including; epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, cancer, and more. They point to the long history of the use of marijuana medicinal purposes and back up their claims with studies, reports, and medical data. So, what’s the problem? Why hasn’t medical marijuana been legalized in every state in the Union? Created in 1970, the Controlled Substances Act, an amendment to the Public Health Service Act, was enacted, making the “prevention of, drug abuse and drug dependence; to provide for treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers and drug dependent persons; and to strengthen existing law...
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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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...Speech Title: Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana General Purpose: To Persuade. Specific Purpose: To persuade or reinforce the attitude of my audience towards the legalization of marijuana being best for our country. Thematic Statement: There are many reasons for why marijuana should be legal but due to lack of time I will only be discussing marijuana’s health risks and how it compares to alcohol, the government’s financial gain from legalization, and popular oppositions and myths about marijuana. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction: Hi my name is Good Student and I’m going to talk to you about some facts on Cannabis or marijuana. A. Attention: I would like to ask a favor of everyone, because I am discussing something slightly controversial I would like you to keep an open mind or try to about what I have to say and realize that I am only stating well-researched facts. B. Audience connect/credibility: With that said, I do not condone smoking. I am an objective person and feel that the pros greatly outweigh the cons when it comes to legalizing marijuana. I believe the best strategy for persuasion is presenting the facts and researched statistics on the topic at hand. C. Thematic Statement: There are many reasons for why marijuana should be legal but due to lack of time I will only be discussing marijuana’s health risks and...
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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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...Marijuana is the most abused drug in the United States of America. People believe that by making marijuana legal it can reduce crime and costs of using law enforcement, but the reality is that making marijuana legal can affect many Americans. The cost will just be unbearable due to many addictions, overdose, and juveniles/adults committing delinquency acts because they are under the influence of drugs. Addiction will be the major cause of the United States spending money on overdosed people being admitted to the hospital. Many will not be able to afford visits to the hospital because of their addiction they have nothing left. Car accidents will be immense because being under the influence of any substance can and will impair driving. The cost of making marijuana legal would be ten times more than what the United States is spending on keeping it illegal. Drugs are stimulants that affect the body in many ways. There are many drugs that are legal and many that are illegal. Drugs are used in many ways doctors use it to help people. Then there’s abuse of drugs and addiction of getting drugs illegally to stimulate the body. Marijuana an illegal drug that stimulates the body. Has been the center of attention for a few years now because some Americans believe marijuana should be legal. They believe it can reduce crime and that it can save Americans money as well as making money by selling the illegal drug legally to Americans. Marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal...
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