Argumentative Essay On Marijuana

Marijuana should be legalized because it effectively treats symptoms of many chronic diseases. Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders stated,

“The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS -- or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day" (Elders).

Elders not only disproves the FDA’s claim of the lack of accepted medical treatment, she also introduces a fantastic point; marijuana can actually be less harmful than the prescribed drugs typically used. In fact, in 2010 the number of prescription medicine abusers in the U.S. was 8.76 million people (Popping 3). The amount of painkillers prescribed in 2010 is enough to “medicate every American adult every 4 hours for 1 month” (Popping 3). Talk about potential for abuse… why aren’t these Schedule I drugs? Oh right, because they are an accepted medical treatment. So why isn’t cannabis? It can be argued that prescription drugs are actually more dangerous than cannabis, because although the medical benefits are there, so is the very great potential for abuse. The stronger, more effective drugs tend to

With the growing acceptance of its legality, people can embrace the benefits of reductions in crime and the strain on the criminal justice system; symptoms relief and maybe even cellular reconstruction; and revenue gained by legalizing medicinal marijuana production and sales. The legalization of marijuana does have negative effects, but the benefits of its legalization outweigh them. It is time for the government to stop being too proud to admit that it mislabeled a drug that will benefit society, and jump on the legalization train towards a healthier and Progressive