Marijuana: The Blunt Truth
Marijuana has many names; pot, weed, Mary Jane, herb, kush, green, dope and many more. As the third most used recreational drug in the United States, behind alcohol and tobacco, marijuana has become a big deal in the United States (Winstock). The use of marijuana is a highly controversial topic throughout the country, but it hasn’t always been. Prior to the 1930s, cannabis was used in daily lives, but not for the reason it is now. Today, politicians and citizens alike go back and forth looking at consequences and benefits to the illicit drug, trying to decide whether or not it should become legal in the United States. A lot of support comes from those that use the drug, as well as those that recognize its benefits. The use of cannabis
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The United States spends around $7.7 billion to enforce marijuana laws (The Union). This includes money funneled into federal drug agencies, funding of local narcotics units and maintaining the prisons that house the many people convicted for marijuana. In 2011, 1.5 million people in the U.S. were arrested for marijuana possession or use. This number exceeds the total arrests for violent crimes that year (Wegman). The government is so determined on arresting people for marijuana, unrealistic sentences are given for minimal offenses. In 2010 Patricia Spottedcrow was sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling $31 worth of marijuana to an undercover officer, and possessing an illegal substance in the presence of a minor (The Culture High). After a huge petition and grassroots movement, Patritia was released on parole after only 2 year behind bars. TRANSITION By legalizing marijuana, the government could save the billions of dollars that are put into enforcing marijuana laws and put that money into something more useful such as education, like the state of Colorado is
Marijuana is an emergent problem in the United States; the main reasons behind this problem are the extensive use of the drug and the federal government’s determination to put an end to the drug’s illegal sale and use. The government’s efforts to stop the use of marijuana inside the country have been ineffective and actually caused the problem to increase. Its efforts have only added on to an enormous national debt. Jeffrey Miron, a professor of Economics at the University of Harvard, estimates that the total expenditures of enforcing the ban of marijuana of local, state, and federal government combined to be 7.7 billion dollars in 2003. The U.S. government simply cannot afford these extra expenditures while struggling economically. The fact that the government is spending so much money in its attempts to stop the use of marijuana has actually helped to create another problem. Overcrowding in U.S. prisons is also on the increase; marijuana laws are a driving force behind the overcrowding. Eric Schlosser, ...
Marijuana has had a negative appearance towards the public and government, but that all seems to be changing. Medical marijuana has started to have a huge impact on the United States and the world. It is a borderline substance that some people frown upon, but it has boosted the economy and has helped thousands of people across the United States overcome illnesses. But most people relate medical marijuana to recreational marijuana, which is still illegal in some states. Although many individuals find medical marijuana illegal, and unnecessary, it is a natural herb used to help symptoms caused by chronic illnesses. Over three million Americans use medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is the most widely used drug used to treat chronic illnesses. The use of medical marijuana has been a controversial issue here in America. Although, there are healthcare professionals that do believe that the use of medical marijuana can be very beneficial for certain patients. Just as there are benefits associated with the use of medical marijuana there are also negative effects associated with it.
People should stop arguing about the use of marijuana and how marijuana is bad, because people only like to research the cons instead of including the pros. Despite the fact that people believe everything they hear, they should look up more and try to see how good marijuana can be for them. Marijuana is good for their health, and it has helped to cure people who are very ill. Marijuana is less harmful than tobacco or alcohol, there has been studies proven that people have died over drinking other than by smoking marijuana. Marijuana will be able to have less people prosecuted for the possession of carrying it around, which will help people not get arrested for a small amount of marijuana.
Medical Marijuana: Why or Why not? Marijuana was first introduced by the Chinese back in the B.C (before Christ) time period where it existed as a substance that carried the ability to achieve euphoria or a “high” as we refer to it today. In the early 4200s B.C. Marijuana was better known for its medicinal value where it was being used to treat rheumatism, gout and malaria (Narcocon International). Of course, society at the time was aware of the other effects marijuana had, however at the time, they primarily focused on the medication capacity marijuana contained. Fast forward to 2015, where the medical use of marijuana is the biggest controversial topic, where society views marijuana more of a harmful substance than a solution to nearly all of the medical conditions people encounter.
When many people think of using marijuana, the image of Woodstock, “Cheech and Chong” or Willy Nelson immediately pops into their heads, but marijuana isn’t just used to have a good time. Marijuana has generally been used recreationally. In recent years, however, research has found new ways to implement its effects. Marijuana has the ability to help bring comfort to patiens who have nausea and appetite loss, chronic pain, and mental disorders. I believe that marijuana should be legalized, not for recreation, but for the betterment of the lives of people suffering from illnesses throughout the United States.
“Synthetic marijuana has played a role in multiple accidents and crimes in the past several weeks: a boyfriend while high on the drug, and a D.C. homeless shelter experienced multiple overdoses. Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she wants to crack down on all synthetic drugs”.
Marijuana has been around for an exceptionally long time. Marijuana is the third most common recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and is used by nearly 100 million Americans. According to surveys, 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana within the past year and more than 14 million do so regularly despite harsh laws against its use. Our laws should reflect this, not deny it (Norml.org, 2013). Despite it’s many uses, Medical, recreational, and Industrial, the federal government still insists that the growth, cultivation, possession, and use of marijuana is a criminal offences, even though a plethora of evidence exists that the legalization of marijuana would have positive effects on America.
Marijuana, used by almost 100 million Americans, is the third most favored recreational drug in America. Legalizing marijuana has been a controversial topic of discussion in the media, general popular culture, and government. The War on Drugs, more specifically the War on Marijuana, has been an strenuous, ongoing battle for decades. The benefits of legalizing marijuana, such as the economic and business gain, the extension of medical marijuana research, and controversial recreational uses, outweigh the risk of addiction and other negative side effects. The actions taken by the government, both for and against the legalization of marijuana, are an attempt to resolve the controversial usage of this popular drug.
Medical Marijuana Marijuana is a very hot topic and also brings a lot of controversy among the topics in the U.S today. Many believe it has medicinal benefits and should be made legal when necessary. Many believe it has a really high risk of abuse. Amongst those arguments, some of the ingredients in medical marijuana have presented a greater argument for possible legalization through their use of research and evidence of beneficial use. Those against medical marijuana have given many reasons for why it should not be legalized.
The decriminalization of marijuana has been an intense debate since the end of the prohibition era. Although congress has their reasons for not legalizing marijuana, they are most likely clinging to their personal beliefs and failing to face the facts when it comes to this hot issue. Marijuana should be legalized because the cost of keeping marijuana illegal is expensive, prohibiting the use of it does not help the problem of over usage, and people deserve the freedom to use marijuana.
The drug marijuana has been around for many years. Until recently, the public opinion for the most part has been one of no tolerance. People were once appalled by marijuana and the drug was closely associated with many sketchy practices like gangs and criminals. But within the last few years, a trend has started that is shifting American’s minds into thinking that marijuana isn't so bad after all (Galston and Dionne Jr.). Many activists are pushing for the legalization of the drug for both medical and recreational purposes. Let’s start with medical marijuana. According to procon.org, there are twenty-three states where the use of medical marijuana is legal. Twenty of these states require the user to live in state (“23 Legal
Saraia Driver CC Comp Mrs. Johnson April 24, 2014 Marijuana The increase in marijuana use among teens and adults has risen substantially. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States and is slowly rising as more and more teens and adults start using the drug. According to the Health Service Administration, 7.3 percent of Americans over 12 reported using marijuana last year. Proponents of marijuana want to legalize the plant for medical purposes, but opponents claim that weed is a dangerous, addictive gateway drug that poses significant health threats to users.
I believe that marijuana should be legalized. Currently marijuana is legal, for both medicinal and recreational use in 24 states and The District of Columbia; with that, I don’t see why it can’t be legalized in all 50. Marijuana has more than 50 different uses, the main one being for medicinal purposes. I weed were to become legal, it would clear out a lot of space in our prisons. Which would help us to rebuild our economy. Also, it would fuel economic growth by creating a new income for the United States. People argue that marijuana is a gateway drug, meaning that it leads users to stronger, more dangerous drugs, but studies prove that assertion to be false. In conclusion, I believe that best thing for America is to legalize marijuana.
With America’s war on drugs being highly focused on the increased use of marijuana, there is not much time for officers to focus on crimes of greater importance. Crimes related to illegal marijuana use are becoming more problematic due to drug deals that go bad, occasionally ending with murder. It has been estimated that one marijuana-related arrest is made every 42 seconds. With marijuana being illegal, keeping crime related activities under control cost the United States approximately twenty billion dollars per year (Sledge). According to Brian Bremner and Vincent Del Giudice, “A 2010 study by the libertarian Cato Institute, forecasted that states could save $17.4 billion annually from reduced drug enforcement costs and increased tax revenue, assuming marijuana production and sales were legal nationwide” (11). Several law enforcement hours are exhausted with pursing, questioning, and arresting citizens that are in possession of or consuming marijuana. There would be a decrease in the number of misdemeanor possession cases that are pending hearing. These cases would be dismissed, decreasing costs affiliated with each case. There are excessive numbers of people who remain incarcerated for nonviolent crimes related to illegal marijuana use. Legalizing marijuana would allow these people to be released, opening jail space for the true criminals. Legalizing marijuana would free up law enforcement officers from focusing on illegal marijuana use and allow focus to be put on more serious
The legalization of marijuana is a controversial topic, but marijuana should be legalized because it has many positive effects and there is a lot of evidence to support why marijuana should be legalized in all states. Marijuana is a preparation of the cannabis plant and it can be used as a drug or as medicine. The primary component of cannabis is THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol). This drug has mind-altering and physiological side effects when consumed. Marijuana can be used for spiritual reasons or recreationally. It is the third most popular recreational drug used in America, referring to “About Marijuana.” According to government surveys, more than 14 million Americans, out of 25 million Americans who have smoked marijuana within the past year, use marijuana habitually. Although marijuana is illegal in most