Marijuana : A Plea For Its Legalization

1287 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: essay on legality

Marijuana is currently one of the many illicit drugs in the United States. This paper aims to disprove the rampant theory of the United States government that Marijuana has a purely recreational use by showing that Marijuana has more benefits not only the user but it could also benefit non users in the grand scheme of things and by showing that the criminalization of Marijuana is harmful to society itself.

Medical Cannabis, although opposed by the majority of national governments around the globe, has many well documented medicinal benefits. An example of the use of cannabis in medicine is the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients. As shown by the research conducted by National Center for Biotechnology Information, THC, which is the active component in cannabis, was found to “prevent the formation of Alzheimer plaques in the brain more effectively than commercially marketed drugs”. These plaques are the reason why people with the Alzheimer disease suffer from both cognitive and memory loss (Eubanks LM, Rogers CJ, Beuscher AE). But that is not the only use for medical cannabis. In a study by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid or Complutense University of Madrid in English, it was found that the active chemicals in Cannabis “promote the death of brain cancer cells by essentially helping them feed upon themselves” (Salazar M, Carracedo A, Salanueva IJ); this eventually led to the tumors shrinking and thus the patients getting better. But why, if benefits have been shown through medical use of it, does the majority of the world’s government oppose both the research of it and criminalize it to the point where possession of it, depending on the amount, can land a person in jail anywhere from 1-15 years?

The answer to this question is ...

... middle of paper ...

...orida Department of Corrections. Frequently Asked Questions (2011) < http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/faq.html >

Food and Drug Administration (20 April 2006). "Inter-Agency Advisory Regarding Claims That Smoked Marijuana Is a Medicine". Press release.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108643.htm.

“Rampant Animal Cruelty at California Slaughter Plant”

< http://.humanesociety.org >

Salazar M, Carracedo A, Salanueva IJ, et al. (May 2009). "Cannabinoid action induces autophagy-mediated cell death through stimulation of ER stress in human glioma cells". The Journal of Clinical Investigation 119 (5): 1359–72

“The Hemp Plant, Humankind's Savior - 50,000 Uses and Counting, Jeff Meints 01-23-2007

"Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes". Report 3 of the Council on Science and Public Health (I-09)

Show More
Related

  • SOC201 Session Long Project: Module 4 – Social Stratification

    747 Words  | 2 Pages

    Gustafson, Craig, Donald Abrams, Md: Evidence-based Efficacy of Medical Use of Cannabis, 2013. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.trident.edu:2048/docview/1463113438

    Read More

  • Medical Marijuana Should Be Legal

    928 Words  | 2 Pages

    Cowley, Geoffrey and Mary Hager. “Can marijuana be      medicine?” Newsweek Feb. 1997: Vol.129 Issue 5 page 22.      <http://ehostvgw8.epnet.com/delivery.asp?…&startHitNum=     13&delType=FT>.

    Read More

  • Medicinal Marijuana in Texas

    1717 Words  | 4 Pages

    Wingerchuk, Dean. "Cannabis for Medical Purposes: Cultivating Science, Weeding Out the Fiction." The Lancet 364.9431 (2004): 315-16. Print.

    Read More

  • Informative Speech: The Pro’s And Con’s Of Medical Marijuana

    784 Words  | 2 Pages

    Marijuana is one of the oldest cultivated plants (Nahas 8). Since it became illegal in 1967, there have been questions of whether or not it is good for purposes, such as medicine, other than being a leisure drug. Debates between pro and con groups for the use of marijuana in the medical profession, have been heated and in recent months, referendums have been pasted in a least three states to make it accessible for medical treatment. Personally, I feel that marijuana has the potential to be a significant help with certain aliments, however, more research needs to be done to maximize its potential.

    Read More

  • Legalization of Marijuana: Annotated Bibliography

    1099 Words  | 3 Pages

    in Colorado and Washington as not only medicinal, but recreational use. They have also begun

    Read More

  • Legalization of Marijuana

    1053 Words  | 3 Pages

    Ever since marijuana’s introduction to the United States of America in 1611, controversy of the use and legalization of the claimed-to-be Schedule I drug spread around the nation. While few selective states currently allow marijuana’s production and distribution, the remaining states still skepticize the harmlessness and usefulness of this particular drug; therefore, it remains illegal in the majority of the nation. The government officials and citizens of the opposing states believe the drug creates a threat to citizens due to its “overly-harmful” effects mentally and physically and offers no alternate purposes but creating troublesome addicts hazardous to society; however, they are rather misinformed about marijuana’s abilities. While marijuana has a small amount of negligible effects to its users, the herbal drug more importantly has remarkable health benefits, and legalizing one of the oldest and most commonly known drugs would redirect America’s future with the advantages outweighing the disadvantages.

    Read More

  • Proposal of Marijuana Legalization

    1514 Words  | 4 Pages

    Marijuana has a greater beneficial impact on society then many people realize. Marijuana should be legalized for medical as well as recreational purposes. This is a highly controversial issue that is being debated throughout the country. In essence marijuana is evaluated by the effectiveness of the drug. It is defined as the dried flowered clusters and leaves of a hemp plant smoked for the intoxicating effect. Whether it should be legalized or not is the real question.

    Read More

  • Legalization Of Marijuana Argumentative Essay

    1513 Words  | 4 Pages

    “The immorality of marijuana use can only be based on one set of moral beliefs. For example, it is discriminatory to claim that Judeo-Christian abstinence from intoxication is the correct set or moral beliefs” (Arguments For And Against Legalization Of Marijuana). The legalization of Marijuana has many advantages and disadvantages. If this product is legalized, then it would be acceptable to skyrocket the taxes to purchase in-order to maintain control. The disadvantage may be a slight increase of individuals driving while high or intoxicated. “Legal prohibition does not stop consumers from consuming drugs, it does not stop trafficants from producing and selling it. The price of the final product increases to abnormally high values because of the black market status, which together with the powerful effects of drug addiction causes users to commit crimes in order to fund their addiction” (Arguments For And Against Legalization

    Read More

  • Pros and Cons of Marijuana

    850 Words  | 2 Pages

    The legalization of marijuana has been a highly debated topic for many of years. Since the first president to the most recent, our nation’s leaders have consumed the plant known as weed. With such influential figures openly using this drug why is it so frowned upon? Marijuana is considered a gateway drug, a menace to society, and mentally harmful to its consumers. For some people weed brings a sense of anxiety, dizziness, or unsettling feeling. Like alcohol, tobacco or any other drug, those chemicals may not respond well with their body. For other people marijuana brings joy, a sense of relief, and takes the edge off of every day stress. For those who are associated with cannabis, purposes usually range from a relaxant, or cash crop, to more permissible uses such as medicine, and ingredient to make so many other materials. We now need to look at what would change if marijuana were legal. Benefits to the economy and agriculture, health issues, and crime rates are three areas worth looking at. Deliberating on the pros and cons of this plant we can get a better understanding for marijuana. From there it will be easier to make a clear consensus on what is best for the nation.

    Read More

  • Against Medical Marijuana

    1419 Words  | 3 Pages

    There currently exists some controversy concerning smoking marijuana as a medicine. Many well-intentioned leaders and members of the public have been misled by the well-financed and organized pro-drug legalization lobby into believing there is merit to their argument that smoking marijuana is a safe and effective medicine. A review of the scientific research, expert medical testimony, and government agency findings shows this to be erroneous. There is no justification for using marijuana as a medicine.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Legalization Of Marijuana

    1083 Words  | 3 Pages

    So far, twenty-three states have legalized cannabis for medical uses. Originally, medical marijuana was use for lesser ailment like pain or insomnia due to the lack or research. Then as people started to do more research they realized marijuana could actually help patient with more serious conditions like glaucoma, or to help those who suffer form seizures, or even to fight cancer. Marijuana helps people with cancer a great deal. For starters, the chemicals in marijuana make patients hungry and help to keep patients strong. Second, research has shown promising evidence that the chemicals in cannabis fight the spreading of cancer cells and even help to kill cancer cells. Medical marijuana also helps to prevent users from obtaining other serious afflictions. Currently, researchers are studying the way the chemicals in marijuana effect amyloid plaques. Amyloid plaques, are the number one cause of Alzheimer’s disease, and researchers now believe marijuana use can help fight and help prevent this horrible disease. All of these studies could help to one day make incredible break throughs in modern medicine, and possibly find cures for Cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Medicinal marijuana is just one reason for the legalization of

    Read More

  • Pros & Cons of Legalization of Marijuana

    1651 Words  | 4 Pages

    The legalization of marijuana is considered a controversial issue, something that can benefit people for medical purposes, but what about recreationally? Marijuana has been illegal since 1937, but there’s never been a bigger push for legalization. There are several reasons why it is illegal, because of government propaganda and big industry not wanting to lose money, but this will be discussed later. The purpose of this paper is to educate, theorize, and discuss various aspects of marijuana, such as its history, development, and the advantages and disadvantages of marijuana legalization. Finally, my personal reflection on legalization and marijuana in general will be discussed.

    Read More

  • The Benefits of Medical Marijuana

    718 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are many other uses for medical cannabis including treating symptoms of IBS, Chron’s disease and other gastrointestinal disorders, pain relief from cancer and multiple sclerosis, the prevention of Alzheimer’s and helping individuals suffering from ADD, seizures or Tourette’s. Unfortunately, the federal government fails to see the many benefits of cannabis and clear proof shown in the countless peer-reviewed studies done through the years and instead maintains its classification as one of the most dangerous drugs with no acceptable medical benefits. More and more states are taking steps to regain their rightful authority from an over-reaching federal government, and taking the necessary steps to offer relief to many patients suffering from a wide array of maladies.

    Read More

  • The Benefits of Marijuana

    2019 Words  | 5 Pages

    Stanley, Janet E., Stanley J. Watson, and John A. Benson. Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. Washington D.C.: National Academy P, 1999.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Legalizing Marijuana

    1500 Words  | 3 Pages

    Marijuana continues to be one of the most used illegal drugs in the United States. Marijuana has been used for many years and at one time was legal to consume. Throughout the years, marijuana has been used for treatment of different medical conditions and has been used recreationally by people of all ages. While the use of medicinal marijuana has proven to be effective in treating medically ill patients, society continues to question its recreational use and the long term effects it will have on its users. Some feel that legalizing marijuana will only open up avenues for the use of more potent drugs, causing an increase in criminal activity. However, a number of people question why it is considered illegal being it is a naturally growing

    Read More

More about Marijuana : A Plea For Its Legalization

Open Document