The Controversial Marijuana

2960 Words6 Pages

Medical Marijuana: America's Plant The use of marijuana, for both medical and recreational purposes, has long been a topic of much controversy. Using marijuana is seen as morally wrong by many, however to others it is seen as a plant with major health benefits. Upon first introduction to the subject it seems unclear as to why so much controversy is caused by this plant. The answer is rooted deep in America's history and to this day effects several parts of everyday American life. Marijuana policy affects Americans economically and health-wise. However the American government must also deal with other areas influenced by marijuana such as legislation and regulation costs. Marijuana legislation is a topic the pro-marijuana side and the anti-marijuana side are constantly debating. Throughout the years thanks to propaganda and yellow journalism this debate has been further complicated by false facts and accusations. To truly understand the marijuana debate one must understand each side's reasoning as well as take a look back into history to understand how the country got to this point in the marijuana feud. Finding exactly where marijuana became the controversial issue that it is today is not an easy task. The reason for this is that marijuana has been there since the very beginning. Marijuana plants were being cultivated in America before the Mayflower arrived. Marijuana was brought to the “New World” by settlers of one of America's first permanent settlements, Jamestown. “The Jamestown settlers brought the marijuana plant, commonly known as hemp, to North America in 1611, and throughout the colonial period, hemp fiber was an important export. Indeed, in 1762, 'Virginia awarded bounties for hemp culture and manufacture,... ... middle of paper ... ....d. Web. 07 May 2014. 3. Block, Bruce A. "Why Marijuana Became Illegal – The Basic Facts."Bruce Alan Block Attorney at Law. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2014. 4. "Historical Timeline - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org."ProConorg Headlines. N.p., 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 04 May 2014. 5. "Marijuana as Medicine: Consider the Pros and Cons."MayoClinic.com Health Library -. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2014. 6. "Pros and Cons of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana."Drug Rehab. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. 7."Top 10 Pros and Cons - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org."ProConorg Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2014. 8. "21 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org."ProConorg Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2014.

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