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. The California Narcotic Officers' Association consists of over 7,000 criminal justice professionals who are dedicated to protecting the public from the devastating effects of substance abuse, whether cocaine, methamphetamine, or marijuana. We have seen first hand the debilitating and often tragic results, both psychologically and physically, of those who choose intoxication as part of their lifestyle. We have studied the medicinal use of marijuana issue, compiling information from medical experts to present to those we are sworn to protect. It is our firm belief that any movement that liberalizes or legalizes substance abuse laws would set us back to the days of the '70s when we experienced this country's worst drug problem and the subsequent consequences. In the '80s, through the combined and concerted efforts of law enforcement, prevention and treatment professionals, illicit drug use was reduced by 50 percent. Teenagers graduating from the class of 1992 had a 50 percent less likely chance of using drugs than those who graduated in the class of 1979. Substance abuse rises whenever public attitude is more tolerant toward drugs, i.e., they are safe and har... ... middle of paper ... ...inal marijuana movement and its media campaign have helped contribute to the changing attitude among our youth that marijuana is harmless, therefore contributing to the increase of marijuana use among our young people after 12 years of steady decline. The overriding objective behind this movement is to allow a minority (less than five percent) of our society to get "stoned" with impunity. This small minority is willing to put our citizens at risk from all the negative and disastrous effects caused to and by those who are intoxicated. What we don't need in this society is more intoxicated people on our highways, in workplaces, schools, colleges, or in our homes.
Throughout history people have used marijuana for its dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds to relieve pain, stress, and other medical issues from one’s life. Within the recent years it has become one of the most debated issues in the United States. In the 1930s, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) claimed that marijuana was a “gateway” drug and was a powerful, addicting substance. During the sixties marijuana became a symbol for rebellion against authority so it became very popular by college students and “hippies”. So in 1982, Drug Enforcement Administration increased pressure on drug farms and houses which decreased the use of marijuana. In the past twenty years marijuana has become a
In January of 1919, the 18th amendment, the prohibition of alcohol, was ratified due to progressive movements. It was soon repealed in 1933, when crime increased and issues spread throughout the country. The concept of “gangsters” was established and unsafe alcohol became apart of America’s diet. This problem is now evident in this country today. Marijuana, an all natural plant that is known to get someone “high,” or to alter the state of mind, has been illegal since 1937 when the Marijuana Tax Act was put into action. But, this has caused problems throughout the country, just like the prohibition of alcohol. Making marijuana illegal has affected the social and cultural aspects of America negatively, by increasing the crime rate, making our country somewhat unhealthier, and weakening the economy.
“Marijuana.” Current Issues: Macmillian Social Science Library. Detroit: Gale 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpointsnin Context. Web. 9 June 2011
The debate between prohibitionists and citizens who believe in the legalization of illegal drugs provide many arguments. Since there are many drugs that are illegal there are many different arguments on what should be legal and what shouldn’t. The biggest debate, and the argument that I will mostly focus on, is the reform of marijuana. Prohibitionists argue that marijuana has adverse health, safety, social, academic, economic, and behavioral consequences (Goldberg 183). Not only do they claim that it causes all of those consequences but it also can cause harm to others including family and friends (Rachels 228). The obvious argument in harming others is driving under the influence of the drug but proh...
With the opinion of the American people becoming more allowing of low-level drug use, and the successful monetary generation in states like Colorado, we are now seeing viable alternatives to spending billions of dollars in failed efforts to restrict drug use, unfair imprisonment of minorities, and a dependence of drug users on violent cartels. The opinions of society is ever-changing, and this will certainly have an effect on our drug laws an policies. It is apparent that the negative stigma surrounding recreational drug use -at least with marijuana- is slowly diminishing.
The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has long been at the centre of much controversy. Some studies have shown results that the benefits of using marijuana for medicinal reasons far outweigh the negative health matters that may be associated with its use, and therefore should be an accepted method of treatment for some patients who are suffering with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS, and eating disorders (Okie, 2005). Still, other studies have proven that there is not enough scientific evidence on the drug, there for it should not be legalized for the use of medication (Hutchings, 2002). Currently the issue is moving forward, although not without controversy, but it is unclear when a clear decision will be made.
The legalization of marijuana is a very prominent and controversial topic in today’s society. Many people will argue against the legalization because of the lies and stereotypes that have been posed against the typical “pot smoker.” The skewed perception of lazy and unmotivated Americans spread over the last century have distorted the truth about cannabis. There are many different reasons for legalizing marijuana including an easy tax to profit from, medical reasons, and also many drugs and substances that are already legal are much more dangerous.
Through recent years, society has been faced with the controversial and obtrusive issue of whether or not to legalize marijuana. In the past, and even still in the present, marijuana has often been regarded as an illicit and malicious drug. However, research shows that marijuana is not nearly as bad as society deems it to be. Rather it can be used to greatly benefit humanity. Cannabis’ (marijuana) range of beneficial uses include: helping former veterans cope with life after war, alleviate symptoms for people who suffer with Parkinson 's and epilepsy, and replace prescription drugs. This disputation regarding marijuana can be solved by simply legalizing it for recreational purposes, and implementing laws and regulations similar to that of alcohol.
The legal status of marijuana is one of the most disputed topics of today. Once completely frowned upon, marijuana’s legality was never questioned; however, fast forward to the present and one will notice that this negative stigma is beginning to fade away. The negative claims regarding marijuana are gradually becoming discredited by science. Without this negative propaganda, the positive aspects of marijuana are beginning to surface. Marijuana should be legalized because it is relatively harmless when compared to other legal substances, entails economic benefits, and would allow the authorities to focus resources on illegal activity that affects the people they took an oath to serve.
It’s proven to be less harmful than cigarettes or alcohol. There have been more accidents involving cigarettes and alcohol than there are involving marijuana. Alcohol and cigarettes are addicting and cause permanent harm to your body, whereas marijuana is less addicting than caffeine. There has never been a documented overdose death from marijuana. The government allows it’s people to shrivel up their lungs from cigarettes and damage their livers from alcohol but they won’t allow marijuana, a harmless drug, be in the possessions of people who are doing no harm to anyone else around them. Alcohol and cigarette users inconvenience others around them with their drunken personalities or their toxic cigarette smoke, but marijuana users either zone out or become relaxed with the environment around them. Educating the people about the truths of marijuana will eliminate the bad reputation its gained over the years, and it will no longer be seen as a “gateway
Marijuana use and possession has been illegal across all states since the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. However, its usage and abuse were relegated more to the minority populations and had little to do with most of mainstream America. Laws were in place to punish offenders and since most were minorities at the time, there was little to no sympathy for the sentences being handed out from the courts. The outcry from those in mainstream America didn’t come until the 1970’s during President Richard Nixon’s proclaimed “War on Drugs.” This followed a massive increase in drug use during the 1960’s. People blamed the music of the era, politics and mostly the war in Vietnam for the sudden spike in users and ultimately abusers. The difference was that this time it wasn’t just isolated to the minority communities. Educated Caucasian students and even professionals had begun to use drugs and were very open about it. Thi...
Since 1923 when it was classified along with much more serious drugs (opium, morphine and cocaine) pot activists have protested and petitioned for the legalization. Times have changed significantly since the propaganda film Reefer Madness came out, targeted to parents to warn them of the devastating effect Marijuana has on teenagers. Every March 3rd there is a global Marijuana march held by people protesting their rights to consume. Because of the ever growing size of weed culture the laws are changing to accept it. Cannabis has been legalized for medical use in 19 states so far, and for recreational purposes in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. Currently Marijuana is only legal for medical purposes in Canada, although a large part of the liberal platform is to legalize it for recreational use, regulate the sales and restrict access to Marijuana (keep it out the the hands of minors.) Due to years of public protest the government has had to admit that people still use/want to use Cannabis and that instead of making the counter culture change, society has to change to accustom it. They plan to design a new system that works will accepting the counter culture. Legalizing give rise to a whole new economy selling things such as edibles, oils and lotions. Allowing people to experience Marijuana in ways not available before. On the downside of this there is a worry in the culture that commercialization of
The legalization of marijuana has been strongly debated since the 1920s and 1930s, when it was first recognized as a dangerous drug, and tabloid newspapers popularized exaggerated stories of violent crimes allegedly committed by immigrants intoxicated by marijuana (Grinspoon, Marihuana Reconsidered 118). In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act was signed to prohibit the use of marijuana because marijuana supposedly caused violent crimes, “sexual excess,” addiction, and led to the use of harder drugs (Grinspoon, Marihuana Reconsidered 118). In the 1970s, the government created the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) to study the effects of marijuana (Weir 26). The NIDA published many claims concerning marijuana use, but they did not have evidence to support their claims (Weir 26). This misinformation and the government’s campaign against marijuana made the legalization of marijuana impossible.
Medical marijuana has been a hot topic of debate for many years now. Despite it being illegal in most states and considered a gateway drug, many medical professionals and politicians alike have started to consider this plant to ease the symptoms of specific medical conditions, making it medically legal to a degree in many states across the U.S.. There are many things to consider in this debate, and people question if it is morally acceptable to break the law if the benefits will outweigh the risk. In this paper, we will look at the pros and cons of using medical marijuana for patients who have various illnesses, while also looking at a brief history of the plant, and lastly how it is currently being used to help patients of all ages.
In the mean streets of Los Angeles, marijuana is often called, “weed”, “pot”, “grass”, “tree”, “mary jane”, and many others. The plant that makes people either unite or divide. It has always been a very controversial topic that America’s been fighting through years. Drug wars, protests and speeches were heavily announced during the high of its peak during the 1960’s. Many influential people joined and fought for what they believed was right. Unfortunately, their words and battle towards the legalization of marijuana have not quite take place just yet. On a lighter note, pro-marijuana movement are continually crusading with high hopes on their goals. Their argument of its medical purposes have been clinically proven -- yet the drug is still commonly mistaken as a very deadly and evil drug. People who suffer from anorexia, AIDS, cramp and other illnesses are now seeking for other alternatives besides the very expensive traditional drugs given to them. Police and the law take possession and being under the influence of marijuana and may be ch...