...Legalized Marijuana: Colorado’s Answer? The current presence of Marijuana in the United States is at an all time high. Everywhere you look and read you’re sure to hear or see something that has to do with marijuana. Marijuana has become a huge element within our current culture and it is easily seen. Since marijuana has been on the rise in the United States, there has been a push for legalization of it for both medical and recreational use. With the current movement that is ongoing, we have seen 21 states within the U.S. legalize marijuana for medical use and the states of Washington and Colorado have legalized it for recreational use (ProCon.Org 2014). Colorado has been in the spotlight of the movement ever since the legalization for recreational use of marijuana went into effect. It’s been considered a modern day Amsterdam in the United States with the amount of marijuana that is being consumed and produced there. But, with the legalization of marijuana also comes the negative elements that can and will be produced by the drug. The ongoing debate in the U.S. concerning the legalization of marijuana benefits seems to outweigh the potential of negative consequences it could potentially cause. Those who are in favor of the legalization of marijuana believe it will aid in reducing the populations in jails and prisons, free up law enforcement resources so they can target more serious crime within the U.S., as well as increase states’ revenue through the taxation of sales of legal...
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...SAPP 407- Pharmacology Fall term junior yr. Term Paper Marijuana – Medicine, Menace, or What? There have been many arguments throughout history about whether marijuana is a source of medicine or whether it’s a gateway drug. This question may never truly be solved but there have been valid arguments for both sides. I would like to delve in on the topic by analyzing what the effects of marijuana are, what the positive and negative aspects of the drug are, and whether or not cannabis should be illegal. The first topic I would like to discuss is what the effects of marijuana are when it is used. The article Marijuana in Medicine: Past, Present and Future in the Western Journal of Medicine wrote about an experiment where marijuana was tested on animals. One reason why they found a lot of variability of reactions among the animals tested was because: “different batches of cannabis derivatives vary greatly in strength” (36). They go on to explain “there is a wide variation among humans in their individual responses to cannabis” (36). This brings light to a very important effect of marijuana, which is that it varies in strength from batch to batch. This is important to know when using the drug because it can affect people very differently based on the strength of the drug. Another effect of marijuana discussed by the Western Journal of Medicine is that cannabis “mildly stimulates, and then sedates the higher centers of the brain” (36). The article continues on to say that...
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...Bele E Mrs. Martin 8th Period 22 February 2017 Marijuana Marijuana has multiple negative effects on the human’s brain and body. Marijuana might possibly affect a person’s body and mind any time it gets into their system, even if they only use it occasionally. More than one in three people in America have tried marijuana at some point in their lives, that is more than 3.8% of the planet’s population. Sadly, marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug. There are many things that come along with smoking marijuana, such as risks, and physical effects, as well as mental effects, and none of them are very pleasant sounding. Marijuana is a combination of shredded leaves, stems, and flower buds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana can be...
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...legRunning Head: Should marijuana be legalized? Should marijuana be legalized? Should marijuana be legalized? There are various reason why people smoke or have smoked marijuana. The reasons may range from extracurricular drug use medicinal uses and anywhere in between. The positive effects medical research states marijuana can assist with cancer patients and terminally ill individuals, but only for pain reduction and appetite increases. In the case of glaucoma the pressure from the eyeballs are reduced by the blood flow changing with the effects of THC. While there may be some positive effects for use of marijuana, the negative effects outweigh positives effects. It is a known fact that marijuana has more tar in the leaf than tobacco accompanied with the mind altering affects of THC in the blood stream are enough to make anyone want to avoid the life altering risks. Marijuana is also know as a gateway drug. Legalizing marijuana would not be as beneficial as some may believe. For those individuals who may still be undecided on whether to support the legalization of marijuana or not, below are a few key points to aid in their decision making. While some suggest the benefits of marijuana outweigh the negative, not enough research has been conducted to determine this. The immediate and long term effect could be substantially dreadful. Some of the immediate effects of marijuana are hallucinations, paranoia, and psychotic episodes. Also, stimulant psychosis may also...
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...Marijuana Should NOT Be Legal in America All Americans have their ideas on legalizing marijuana, yet they need to make sure they have done substantial research using past experiences the American people have already experienced from using this drug; also they need to take a good look into what the actual outcomes are of smoking marijuana, before making a final decision on whether or not to legalize marijuana for medical purposes or any other reason. Americans will look at health and social issues as well as review money matters concerning legalizing marijuana and realize it is not right for the United States . First, Americans should know what marijuana actually is before they would even consider legalizing it. Marijuana, also known as pot, is a dried out weed that mixes the leaves, stems and even the flower of the cannabis, or the hemp plant and taken into the human body. It can be taken in by either smoking it or it taking it in with food. The main ingredient in marijuana is THC, which is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (National Institute on Drug Abuse). THC is the most psychoactive compound found in marijuana (Taylor). “Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug” (Wilbur, J). The ingredients in this plant are very dangerous and unhealthy for the human body. Now that Americans know what marijuana is, and some of the ingredients in it, they should consider the negative effect that marijuanahas in the health of the human body and...
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...The Negative Side of Marijuana The legalization of marijuana has been a large topic for debate in America for the last several years. With Colorado and now Washington passing laws decriminalizing marijuana use, should the rest of America follow in their steps? Despite what proponents of legalization believe, marijuana has clear negative effects on user's lives. Marijuana is addictive, unhealthy, and a catalyst for violence. "Drugs like marijuana and cocaine are not dangerous because they are illegal; they are illegal because they are dangerous."(Joseph Califano). Legalizing marijuana would have more negative effects than positive for everyone in America. One of the main arguments for why we should legalize marijuana is how it isn't physically addictive, and therefore not dangerous to the daily lives of adult users. However just because marijuana is not physically addictive do not mean people can't become mentally addicted and exhibit withdrawal symptoms similar to those of physical addictions. Research suggests that about nine percent of users become addicted to marijuana. "Long-term marijuana users trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which can make it difficult to abstain."(National Institute on Drug Abuse). Another misconception about marijuana is that it doesn't negatively impact the users life, so who cares if you become addicted right? Well research has shown that heavy...
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...Deontology and Utilitarianism of Marijuana Brandon What do you think of when you hear the term Weed or Marijuana? Most people probably think illegal drugs, drug dealers, and crime. But what most people don’t realize is that Marijuana might be able help with some of today’s most common problems. For an Aids patient Marijuana helps fight appetite loss and headaches. The Marijuana seed is a source of nutritional value, and is a great source for cooking oils and vitamins. Before it was illegalized Marijuana was one of the main sources of paper and clothing. Marijuana can produce four times more fiber per acre than most trees used today. If you do the math on that anyone can see that Marijuana has a great chance of reducing deforestation. The war on drugs has cost our country millions of dollars over the past decades. But not only does the drug problem still exist it has actually grown over the decades. Alcohol causes more accidents and deaths than Marijuana ever has but it is not illegal. Alcohol will never be illegalized because it has always been so relative to most of the world’s cultures, but that doesn’t make it right. Do you still think so negatively of the term Marijuana? This paper will look at the Deontology and Utilitarian views of Marijuana. The purpose of this paper is to examine the rights and wrongs of Marijuana, and whether or not it should be illegalized. Is marijuana really an introductory drug? Many people believe so. In fact I believe...
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...The Negative Effects of Marijuana Wanda Hillsman COM/172 March 25, 2015 Mr. Chris Feriante Abstract Although, Marijuana may be approved in various jurisdictions, this drug still has Social, Financial, in addition to Physical effects. At The Same Time That being a user of marijuana, there are some many negative effects you have to face in the process of being a user of this drug. One of the most significant facts you could face in my opinion would be Social, which causes you to have effects on your family. Family is on the most important topics because the love has a lot to do with it. This drug-negative effect causes you to become very distances from your family. “Studies show it causes your family unit income to decrease by 30,000” (drugabuse.com). Marijuana usage also changes your lifestyle and your ability to work long hours because of the addition. Your expansion level of interaction seems to lack as well, and you really do not want to be a bother, nor harassed about the usage of the drug. A Separate, effect of adverse impact socially is school Marijuana plays an important role in teens and college students in the era we are in today, most of them think it is cool and everyone is doing it. Research has shown that marijuana’s adverse effect on attention, memory, and learning can last for days or even week after acute effects of the drug wear off (www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation). Attendance is very well affected as well, cause your ability to sit in a group...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Do you think the legalization of marijuana is all positive? Can there be some negative factors? Based on politics, health, and peoples point of view it is a widely recognized, highly controversial, and common issue in the United States. Many politicians believe it should be legalized and others disagree, especially during the presidential primary. In David Sheff’s article “Marijuana Should Be Legal, but …” in time magazine he proposes that marijuana should be legalized even though it can be harmful to adolescences. Through Sheff’s article, appeals of logos, pathos, and ethos, and knowledge about the subject has an impact on the article as a whole. They help develop his argument that weed is great thing, and it should be legalized. Sheff believes the benefits of adding marijuana to the United States' economy outweighs the dangers it can cause, but that they should be recognized also. Especially those dangers that involve minors. Sheff affectively and ineffectively persuades his audience by using ethos, pathos, and logos. Sheff does this by using some persuasions over zealously and some not enough. Sheff's article develops the ideas of how marijuana has negative impact on adolescence, but a positive impact on society as a whole. This article published on August 4, 2014 strives to inform everyday people on the effects of marijuana and persuade them to understand how marijuana usage and proper regulation are a positive attribute in the everyday outlook...
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...The Drug Marijuana Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs being used today in America. It is the dried leaves, flowers and seeds from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The plant contains the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana has many different names such as, weed, cannabis, dope, pot, etc. In the past few years the numbers of marijuana use has increased especially in young teens. Marijuana can also be consumed in foods such as; brownies, cookies, candies, cupcakes, lollipops and can be mixed inside of beverages. Marijuana that can be consumed are called edibles. People smoke marijuana out of joints or use bongs which is better for you more over than joints and blunts which are cigars that are dumped out and marijuana is then put in and rolled up. People also use vaporizers which collects the vapor of the THC instead of inhaling it which is better for the body if you are a frequent smoker. People are now smoking marijuana extracts which are richer in THC. This practice of use is referred to as dabbing. The various forms range from hash oil, wax, and shatter. Hash oil is a type of gooey liquid. The wax is a soft solid with a type of texture that’s like lip balm. Many use the wax to cover a blunt which is another name for a cigar that’s filled with marijuana. Shatter is a hard, amber-colored solid. These extracts have a high dosage amount of THC which can send some users of these extracts to the emergency room. Some the extracts contain...
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...emotional release, or just for pleasure, both teenagers and adults start using marijuana. While some people consider marijuana to be a destructive drug that can cause serious health problems or even death, others think it is an alternative way of curing diseases. Some people may just smoke it for satisfaction. While many people believe marijuana is considered a destructive drug, depending on the usage it can also have a positive impact on human bodies. Marijuana is a product derived from a hemp plant named Cannabis sativa. Referring specifically to the plant’s leaves and flowers, this ancient drug that first originated in China around 2727 B.C...
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...are speaking about the use of Marijuana. To some people marijuana is not at all a bad drug to participate in and for the most part they feel that is it cool especially since people think it is used as a medicine but truth be told, marijuana is everything but the right thing to do. Although marijuana is considered an illegal drug that is very harmful to your health, it is the most widely used drug in the United States and the law has become quite weak when it comes to the possession of such drug. Marijuana is a mixture of dried and shredded leaves, stems, and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. There are also different names for marijuana some of them are pot, herb, weed, Mary Jane, chronic, reefer, ganja, grass, and many more. Marijuana contains a chemical in it called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal). There are a lot of other chemicals found in marijuana as well, 400 of them, many of these chemicals can really affect your health rather is long or short term. But THC is the main mind altering substance. Depending on how much THC is in the marijuana determines the strength or potency it contains. The potency of marijuana has been increasing since 1970. In 2007 the estimate of THC in marijuana was 10% stronger according to what has been confiscated. Marijuana contains the same cancer causing chemicals as tobacco. Not only that but the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed by those who smoke marijuana are three to five times...
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...Have you ever wondered why Marijuana is an illegal drug? It has become one of America’s hottest topics and is very controversial. To figure this out, you would need to know some of the affects that it has, such as driving, schoolwork, medical purposes, the brain, and why it is so harmful. Marijuana has been a big topic of discussion in the U.S. today, but what is so harmful about it that is keeping it illegal. To get a full understanding of what affects this drug has on you, it is nice to have a little background information on it. Marijuana is the flowers, stems, and seeds that come of a plant called Cannabis sativa. The main chemical, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or TCH is what gives the affect of being high. It can be smoked, drank or eaten. The affect that it gives you is called a high. It can little to harmful affects on the body and can get deadly if it is abused.(National Institute on Drug Abuse) The affects that it has on the body can include increase heart rate, irritation it the lungs, respiratory problems, social life, and how your brain works. At first, your heart rate will speed up from anywhere to 20-100%. After it can also affect how hard it is to breathe. This can cause a lot of chest pain and even some illnesses. It can mess up your vision, concentration and physical activities. It is proven that it can cause similar affects to tobacco smokers.(National Institute on Drug Abuse) Marijuana has many affects on the brain that can include, panic attacks, delusions...
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...Tiwander Aleck COMM/156 March 4, 2012 Instructor: Cheryl Mason Recreational Drugs We are risking our lives without knowing it! Any substance with pharmacologic effects used for satisfaction or personal pleasure rather than for medicinal purposes, is called recreational drug use. Examine this, individuals young and old have answered the question whether, recreation drugs are good for you. They have answered this question by suffering the consequences of misusing recreational drug. Society needs to be aware that recreational drugs such as Cocaine, Alcohol, and marijuana have contributed to health problems, criminal activity and addiction. Awareness of the effects of these drugs, without a doubt needs to be addressed in the United States, to help lower the negative statistics recreational drugs have caused, which will give individuals a chance before they decide to participate or misuse recreational drugs. Alcohol is one of the most used recreational drugs today. Alcohol can cause a variety of feelings such as relaxation, happiness, drunkenness and sleepiness. Any consumption of alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream and physically affects are body and mind. Alcohol is mainly used for sociability; it is very common for binge drinkers to abuse alcohol, and result with the disease of alcoholism. It is estimated by (National Institution of Justice U.S. Department of Justice, 2007) that more than half the people that are arrested in the...
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...Should Marijuana be Legalized ? With recent changes in state laws regarding marijuana for medical use and even recreational use in some states like Colorado the debate on whether or not to decriminalize it’s use all together has never been stronger. To really address this issue we need to take a look at a few different aspects. To start the history of how marijuana became illegal in the first place. How legalizing marijuana would impact the Criminal Justice System and Economy of the US, and the social impacts of incarcerating individuals of seemingly minor drug charges. In short I hope to make a compelling argument for the decriminalization of marijuana. The first thing that came to my mind when thinking about whether or not to decriminalize the use of marijuana was, why is marijuana illegal in the first place? I did a little research and found some interesting information about the origins and uses of Hemp/Marijuana and how it became illegal. Marijuana was only recognized as an illegal drug as recently as the 1900s. Before this the Hemp plant was used to make fabrics, rope, food and much more. In fact one of the first laws in this country regarding Marijuana was enacted in Jamestown Virginia in the 1600s ordering all farmers to grow hemp seed. Over the next 200 years laws were passed that would send farmers to jail in times of shortages for not growing it because hemp was so important. It was even a form of currency early on and one could pay his taxes with hemp. Hemp...
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