Marijuana Today: The Under Ground Market
analytical Essay
1010 words
The underground market allows the trade of illegal goods and services. Within this market there are many goods traded. Americans use fuel, weapons, animals for medicine, and alcohol to boost the economy growth as well as satisfy the needs of citizens. Yet, one of the goods in the underground market generates billions of dollars and it isn’t legal for us throughout the U.S. due to its effects on humans and it’s heavily supported opposition spanning from parents to some doctors. The illegal good that is being talked about is the one drug that most teens and college students are exposed to daily: marijuana. Did you know that marijuana is used more by people between the ages of 12- 25? The question I am asking, should marijuana be legalized nationally? Marijuana has created a disagreement in the U.S. by making people view the pros and cons of the drug. In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a “War on Drugs” to attempt to stop the illegal drug trade, and shape America’s drug policy. In order for the “War on Drugs” to be carried out, they used the newly created Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the U.S. military to stop trade coming in and out of the country and stop smuggling in the U.S. In today’s world, this has become a trillion dollar effort to stop the illegal trade in America. About $51 billion is spent annually towards the “War on Drugs” in America. According to the Drug Policy, the amount of non-violent drug arrests in the U.S. had amounted to 1.5 million in 2011. Of those 1.5 million, 800,000 of them were marijuana related arrests, and 90% of those arrests were simple possession charges. People have different views on whether or not marijuana should be legal between the Republicans and... ... middle of paper ... ...ouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/marijuana-legalization>. Schick, David. "Study: Marijuana Use Increases Risk of Academic Problems." USA Today. Gannett, 7 June 2013. Web. 16 June 2013. . Belville, Russ. "Who Are You? US Government Statistic on Adult Marijuana Users." NORML Blog Marijuana Law Reform Who Are You US Government Statistics on Adult Marijuana Users Comments. N.p., 10 Apr. 2009. Web. 16 June 2013. . Fairchild, Caroline. "Legalizing Marijuana Would Generate Billions In Additional Tax Revenue Annually." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 20 Apr. 2013. Web. 17 June 2013.
In this essay, the author
- Explains marijuana: some straight answers. the university of oregon, 2010.
- Explains that the underground market allows the trade of illegal goods and services, which generates billions of dollars and isn't legal in the u.s.
- Argues that marijuana can help save money due to the loss of arrests and incarcerations for possession, keeping the u.s. at the number 1 spot.
- Analyzes schick, david, belville, russ, and fairchild, caroline. "legalizing marijuana would generate billions in additional tax revenue."
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- Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalizationexplanatory essayFor years the United States of America has been waging a war against drugs. The U.S federal government has spent well over fifteen billion dollars annually on combating illegal drugs. Marijuana in this day and age seems to be one of the most controversial drugs, and is at the forefront of the discussion boards on whether or not one should legalize the drug. Marijuana should be legalized not only because the government could tax it while reducing the national deficit, but also because some patients need it for medicinal purposes, and this will lead to a reduction in the crime rate by removing the taboo from the drug itself.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that marijuana should be legalized because the government could tax it while reducing the national deficit, and some patients need it for medicinal purposes.
- Explains that legalization of marijuana is a touchy subject. people consider it dangerous, lay people say it causes injuries to the brain and lungs, and it has even been called the gateway drug.
- Explains that marijuana is not as addictive as tobacco or heroin. it's a physiological addiction rather than chemical addiction.
- Explains that marijuana is one of the most prevalent drugs in the world, so when crime statistics are reported, the crime is linked with the use of marijuana, based on the reporting method.
- Explains that marijuana has been proven in study after study to effectively cure a wide range of illnesses. the plant is shown to contain roughly 400 individual chemicals.
- Explains that the illegal marijuana industry rakes in thirty-six billion dollars a year, which funds illegal practices and creates more crime. if legalized, marijuana would create revenue for local and state economies.
977 wordsRead More - Decriminalization and Regulation of Marijuanaopinion essayMarijuana has a long standing history of being one of the most controversial substances in America. While the history or the Cannabis plant indicates not only acceptance as a useful plant, but even advocated as a source of revenue and medicinal usage, much of the United States government propaganda over the last 100+ years has led Americans to accept very slighted and often false information about the plant and its uses. Based on the origin of the illegalization of marijuana and the inconsistent findings of its effects in comparison to other substances, both legal and illegal, marijuana should be decriminalized and treated as a recreational substance just as alcohol and tobacco are.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that marijuana should be decriminalized and treated as a recreational substance, just as alcohol and tobacco are.
- Explains that the cultivation and utilization of the central asia native cannabis plant dates back over 10,000 years when plants were cultivated for their hemp.
- Explains that american colonists planted the first hemp crops near jamestown, virginia in 1611. king james i of england mandated the cultivation and relied heavily on the new american crop.
- Explains that the us pharmacopoeia listed cannabis as a medicine in 1870, while further research and use dwindled by the end of the 19th century
- Explains that the intoxicant effects of cannabis became more widely recognized during the 1920s and 30s.
- Compares anslinger's efforts to convince americans of the so-called evil of marijuana to those of hitler'
- Analyzes how anslinger's campaign led to the passage of the marijuana tax act by the 75th congress.
- Explains that while the act did not outright illegalize marijuana, it lumped it into the same proverbial category as cocaine and opium products.
- Opines that the false and slighted opinions of anslinger and his propaganda efforts of the 1930’s have continued over the last 80 years.
- Explains that 34% of americans admit to having used marijuana at some point in their lives and over 10 million americans continue to enjoy it regularly as one enjoys alcohol.
- Estimates that marijuana legalization would yield tax revenue of $2.4 billion annually if marijuana were taxed like all other goods, and $6.2 billion annual, despite the government's refusal to recognize marijuana as the lucrative cash crop.
- Explains that opponents of the regulation of marijuana continue to support their position based on outdated and scientifically disproven evidence.
- States that scientific data indicate the potential therapeutic value of cannabinoid drugs, primarily thc, for pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation. there is no conclusive evidence that marijuana causes cancer in humans.
- Opines that historical opinions have also implied marijuana as a gateway drug, highly addictive and either directly or indirectly related to mortality.
- Explains that marijuana dependence among marijuana users is relatively rare and less severe than dependence on other drugs. kaiser permanente released a study in 2003 stating that there was no link between regular marijuana use and mortality.
- Explains that colorado voters have spearheaded a ballot initiative to decriminalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol. the regulate marijuana like alcohol act would allow adults 21 years and older to use, possess, and have limited home-growing of marijuana.
- Opines that it is time to make educated decisions and laws based on common sense in light of the unsubstantiated illegalization.
- Cites the campaign to regulate marijuana like alcohol, pub. 238, 75th congress, 50 stat. 551.
- Cites the institute of medicine, division of neuroscience and behavioral health, mehling, r., and iron, j.
- Cites norml report on sixty years of marijuana prohibition in the u.s.
2184 wordsRead More - The Legalization of Marijuanaopinion essayThe United States has been tricking its people for over 50 years, the government continues to say that marijuana is harmful to one’s health and well-being, yet the positives of this drug outweigh the very few negatives. There have been countless studies trying to pin at least one serious side effect of smoking or ingesting marijuana, but these studies are ultimately unsuccessful. Marijuana in fact, has many health benefits, ones that can cure or suppress many modern diseases, some of which can modern medicine to shame, why would we need anything else? There are many other more dangerous drugs on the market. Tobacco, Alcohol and prescription pills, these three things kill hundreds of thousands of people annually, but the government continues to keep these killers on store shelves? The United States Government is greedy, and will do anything to make money. The tax revenue they receive from these products is up over 50 billion, which looks great on paper but all that cash comes at a hefty price. Marijuana needs to be legal, it’s a great medicine, its safe for recreational use, and it will make the government billions annually without costing people their lives.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the united states government is greedy and will do anything to make money from marijuana.
- Explains that marijuana has countless health benefits, unlike prescription drugs, such as oxycontin, xanax, and vicodin. serious, life-threatening diseases like cancer have been effectively treated from medical marijuana.
- Explains that marijuana's health benefits come from the two compounds that make up the plant, thc and cbd.
- Opines that marijuana is a healthy and safe alternative to using tobacco or alcohol. the addiction rate is higher than any other drug, legal or illegal.
- Opines that the government needs money from selling alcohol and tobacco, yet they know that it causes cancer and kills millions annually. colorado's licensed dispensaries generated $14 million, putting about $2 million of tax revenue into state coffers.
- Opines that legal marijuana will change the world as we know it; its positives outweigh its few negatives; it will suppress cancer, cure countless mental illnesses and even help hiv.
- Analyzes the health benefits of marijuana in colorado. the huffington post reports that coffee is more dangerous than marijuana.
1390 wordsRead More - Medical Marijuana Legalizationexplanatory essayIn America, according to The American Journal of Public Health, the average retail sales of marijuana are $10 billion. This is money that the government could be getting instead of crazed drug dealers. The p...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that marijuana is a multipurpose plant that can be used for hundreds of different products. it is also known for its wide variety of medical purposes. the legalization of marijuana in the us for medical purpose/reasoning could be the next big revolution.
- Opines that if medical cannabis was legalized, the police could focus their attention more toward violent crimes and dangerous drugs. the mexican drug cartel makes a part of their profit smuggling marijuana into our country.
- Opines that the government could profit from the legal sale of medical marijuana and hemp products to further our economy and strengthen our country financially.
- States that even though there are no significant studied health or psychological side effects on long-term heavy cannabis use, it hasn't been shown to cause mental illness.
- Explains that medical cannabis has been shown to hurt short term memory and somewhat impair drivers. when used in not so gigantic doses it can do good and not cause any memory impairment.
- Opines that medical marijuana could be beneficial to the united states if it was legalized for medical production and use.
- Cites proquest staff's "at issue: marijuana legalization." leading issues timelines. 2013: n.p.
569 wordsRead More - Failures of the Drug Warexplanatory essayAmerican law enforcement has made drug enforcement one of its highest priorities for almost forty years. However, more people than ever are beginning to question the true benefits of the Drug War. The President of the United States, Barack Obama has even referred to the Drug War as an “utter failure” in the YouTube video “Barack Obama on Marijuana Decriminalization (2004).” These kinds of negative opinions on the Drug War are not unjustified. The Drug War has cost Americans 33 billion dollars and countless lives (Miron Par. 1). The Drug War is a poor alternative to combat drug use in America as evidenced by the history of Prohibition, the crime it creates, the harmful effects it has on the lives of users, and the numerous deaths it results in. The Drug War is a failed policy and the government must respond by legalizing all recreational drugs.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that society is suffering from the unsuccessful and costly results of prohibition. although drug regulation has been increasing, drug use and drug related deaths have increased steadily.
- Explains that the drug war leads to significant increases in violent crime. drug dealers are unprotected under the same laws as other business owners.
- Describes the crimes and deaths among drug dealers and users, as well as innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
- Explains that the drug war makes the lives of users much more difficult. the demand for drugs is inelastic because of their addictive qualities and is resistant to fluctuations in prices.
- Opines that the increased hazards and deaths created by prohibition outweigh the miniscule amount of lives saved by preventing potential users in the drug war.
- States thornton, mark, "alcohol prohibition was a failure." policy analysis, cato institute, 17 july 1991.
- Explains that american law enforcement has made drug enforcement one of its highest priorities for almost forty years, but more people are beginning to question the true benefits of the drug war.
- Opines that the current drug war is an unwinnable war. it does not serve the goal of directly targeting demand.
- Opines that drug war crimes are the consequences of prohibition.
1023 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay On Legalizing Marijuanaanalytical essayThe selling and smuggling of marijuana “provide billions of dollars annually for smugglers and distributors.” Although the drug lords earn millions of dollars from smuggling marijuana into the United States, most of the money comes from the more hardcore drugs. These include cocaine, heroin and other methamphetamines and are what cause most of the crime and violence around our southern border. “Mexico has become a major cocaine route to the US,” and that is why legalizing marijuana would not stop the war on drugs. Prisons in the United States are not full of people who were caught with a few grams of pot or a few joints. Most arrests and charges dealing with marijuana come from people who have been arrested before and are repeat offenders. Seven-Hundred Thousand of the arrests because of marijuana come from those people who repeatedly get caught for other misdemeanors as well. For those who are in prison due to marijuana related charges, the majority have been caught with over one-hundred pounds of the drug. One-hundred pounds is a colossal amount of marijuana that not an average person could obtain or even afford. Drug dealers are the only people that would need to obtain that much marijuana for selling purposes. The legalizing of marijuana would not stop the violence or the war on drugs with
In this essay, the author
- Argues that marijuana is a menace to society and does not benefit the greater good of the nation.
- Explains the origins of marijuana, which dates back to 4000 b.c.e., and is commonly used for recreational purposes.
- Opines that legalizing marijuana would not stop the violence or the war on drugs with mexico.
- Argues that the negative effects of marijuana outweigh what could be positive for the nation by legalizing the drug.
- Explains that legalizing marijuana would lead to many problems in the work environment. employers can still enforce their zero-tolerance policy on their employees and press charges.
- Opines that if marijuana was legal, many people would still rely on the black market, which would make legal purchases more expensive and inconvenient.
- Argues that legalizing recreational or medical marijuana would not lead to a positive outcome for the united states, since it contains psychoactive ingredients and alters people's minds.
2085 wordsRead More - Legalization of Marijuana: More Research is Neededopinion essayAmerica spent around $18.1 billion last year fighting the war on drugs. The very controversial issue of should marijuana be legalized has been asked for the longest time. Owning marijuana was made a crime in 1937 when Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act. Despite this law, the drug was still somewhat commonly used. Here we are years later, still without a satisfactory answer to the question. Legalizing the use of marijuana could have psychological effects on people, provide medical benefits to people needing it, along with economical benefits it would provide there could also be a decrease in the incidence of crime.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that legalizing marijuana could have psychological effects on people, provide medical benefits to people needing it, and provide economic benefits.
- Explains that the active chemical in marijuana, thc, causes a lack of motivation, ambition, and creativity. marijuana users struggle with inner turmoil, depressed, scared and low self-esteem.
- Explains the many medical benefits of marijuana, including glaucoma, cancer, and asthma. marijuana is legal in one state for medical purposes only.
- Explains that ethan nadelman, an assistant professor of politics and public affairs at the woodrow wilson school of public and international affairs at princeton university, wrote about several strategies of legalizing the use of marijuana.
- Opines that legalizing marijuana would have many economic benefits on the united states. former baltimore mayor kurt schmoke was a strong believer in legalization of drugs.
- Opines that by legalizing marijuana, the crime rate would decrease in the united states. drug dealers would be put out of business, and the shootouts over drug related crimes would end.
- Opines that legalizing marijuana could have a positive effect on the public. opponents feel that it could lead to psychological and personality problems.
- Cites works from the institute of medicine, 1999 nat. academy of sciences, feb. 2, 2002.
1087 wordsRead More - Legalization of Marijuanaanalytical essayPuff up the lighter to the legalization of marijuana on a federal level, while we take a look at some major important reasons why pot needs to become legal. Marijuana is clearly unlike cigarettes and alcohol, which are extremely toxic and fatal to the human body and those that surround it. Marijuana is not a drug that has side effects that last as long as cigarettes or alcohol. Unlike alcohol and cigarettes one argument is that it’s probably the safest drug in the world unlike how the federal government controls it. We also have various arguments from the medical perspective and how they claim it can be beneficial to various individuals. Then there is another argument which brings up the fact that while marijuana remains to be illegal we will see an increase in criminal activity not just from the United States but the international borders as well.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the public feels that marijuana should be legalized and that it is not a threat in comparison to our federal government.
- Opines that the obama administration doesn't see marijuana being legalized as a criminal activity. they need to focus their efforts on reducing heroin and cocaine use.
- Argues that legalizing marijuana would create a sense of revenue within the united states without the problems that alcohol and cigarettes bring.
- Opines that marijuana legalization is key to boosting the economy on many levels.
- Analyzes danovitch, itai, joffe, alain, and samuel yancy's "legalization of marijuana: potential impact on youth."
2240 wordsRead More - Legalizing Marijuana: Help or Hindrance?analytical essay"NIDA InfoFacts: Marijuana.” National Institute of Drug Abuse, Nov. 2010. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .
In this essay, the author
- Opines that legalizing marijuana could help solve the problems caused by the current marijuana laws in the united states.
- Analyzes the effects of marijuana prohibition on the economy and states that marijuana legalization would improve our economic state.
- Argues that marijuana would raise billions of dollars in revenue that could be used to reduce other taxes, pay international debts, or improve education or health care systems for future generations.
- Explains that marijuana is illegal because it is expensive, and drug users often don't have the means to pay for it. it is psychologically addictive and often causes the same symptoms.
- Opines that legalizing marijuana would allow the government to control the market, which would decrease the drug-related crime rates.
- Explains that almost sixty thousand people are incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses at a time. the yearly cost is over 1.2 billion dollars, paid for with tax dollars that could benefit the entire country.
- Argues that the legalization of marijuana would eliminate these high costs, and allow the courts to focus on more serious crimes, crimes that affect people besides the perpetrators.
- Argues that the government should not interfere with moral values because there is no common opinion as to what the moral implications of marijuana use are.
- Explains that it is common to see marijuana laced with other drugs, such as phencyclidine, or pcp. although marijuana is not physically addictive on its own, it can become addictive if users don't know about it.
- Argues that legalizing marijuana would require the food and drug administration to create standards for the drug. this would prohibit the lacing of marijuana with other, more dangerous drugs.
- Opines that legalizing marijuana would solve many of these problems and strengthen the government’s approach to the fight against more serious illegal drugs.
- Cites harrison, lana d., michael backenheimer and james a. inciardi. "marijuana supply, sales, and seizures."
- Opines that marijuana should be legalized under any circumstances.
1001 wordsRead More - The Economics of Marijuana Legalizationexplanatory essay...houses and paraphernalia stores. Establishments like these would create more jobs and increase industry sales thereby creating more revenue. Opponents may argue that marijuana legalization will create large health problems. The fact of the matter is that the amount of revenue brought in from marijuana will more then cover the costs of addiction and any other health problems. Opponents may also argue that regulating the sale and distribution of marijuana would be too difficult. Marijuana regulation would be very similar to that of alcohol and tobacco. These have proved to be very strong and worthwhile economic benefactors to the United States. The numbers provided above prove that legalized marijuana would be a very welcomed addition to our economy.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that marijuana is the most widely used and criminalized drug in the united states.
- Explains that in order to present a sound argument the middle, minor, and major terms will be defined. illegal drugs are classified as controlled substances.
- Explains that some uses of marijuana include distribution, possession, and use. there would be laws and regulations governing the mentioned legalities.
- Opines that marijuana would benefit the economy if legalized.
- Explains that illegal drugs are the single largest reason for america's ever expanding prison population.
- Opines that drug legalization could be used to rid people of drugs, since efforts to eliminate drugs from the nation have failed miserably.
- Explains that marijuana is the most easily attainable and widely used illegal drug in the united states. legalization would save the country $6-9 billion in enforcement costs.
- Explains that minorities have a huge effect on the economy when it comes to purchasing power. eliminating some marijuana crimes would decrease the amount of minority arrests, thereby keeping them eligible for federal benefits.
- Opines that if marijuana were legal, society would have to take up the burden of less fortunate women and their children.
- Opines that legalizing marijuana would allow mothers to stay with their children, stay off welfare, and have a greater opportunity at joining the work force.
- Explains the benefits of legalizing marijuana in the free market and states that it would be a welcomed addition to the us economy.
- Explains that illegal drugs can have beneficial effects on the nation's economy, and that some uses of marijuana should be legalized.
2503 wordsRead More - hgfdsopinion essayA 2012 poll showed that 58% of Americans are in favor of decriminalization of drugs like Marijuana, as opposed to 12% back in 1969. [1] Many Americans feel that the war on drugs has failed, and that our police officers and other federal institutions could be making better use of their time, effort, and fiscal resources. The cost of this war on drugs has become so great. Not only does the war cost billions to enforce, but countless lives are lost as the cartels become more violent in their pursuit of power.
In this essay, the author
- Explains pilgrim, sophie, "cannabis advocates eye end to prohibition as colorado trade booms."
- Explains pilgrim, sophie, "cannabis advocates eye end to prohibition as colorado trade booms."
- Opines that the negative stigma surrounding recreational drug use -at least with marijuana- is slowly diminishing.
- Analyzes the social implications of the war on drugs, stating that 58% of americans are in favor of decriminalization of drugs.
- Opines that significant drug policy changes have taken place lately and might be able to offer alternatives to the problem.
685 wordsRead More - Cannabis Can Be Valuableexplanatory essayIn every life there occur seminal events that modify the seemingly established trajectory of one's personal history. For me, three of the four big ones were, in chronological order, the decision to go to medical school, the extraordinary good fortune of meeting the woman I married, and the gift of children. The fourth was my improbable encounter with cannabis, an event that divided my life into two eras; the before cannabis era, and the cannabis era (my son David refers to these phases of my life as BC and AD for before cannabis and after dope). My cannabis era began to unfold in 1967. As the senior author of a book on schizophrenia, I found myself with what I estimated would be two to three relatively free months before my co-authors would finish their chapters. Because I had become concerned that so many young people were using the terribly dangerous drug marijuana, I decided to use the time to review the medical literature so that I could write a reasonably objective and scientifically sound paper on the harmfulness of this substance. Young people were ignoring the warnings of the government, but perhaps some would seriously consider a well-documented review of the available data. So I began my systematic review of the medical and scientific literature bearing on the toxicity -- mental and physical -- of marijuana. It never occurred to me then that there were other dimensions of this drug that warranted exploration.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that if charles mackay, of the 19th century classic, extraordinary popular delusions and the madness of crowds were alive today, he would surely see 'cannabinophobia' as a popular delusion.
- Explains that the improbable encounter with cannabis divided their life into two eras — the before and the cannabis-era. they began a systematic review of the medical and scientific literature on the harmfulness of marijuana.
- Describes how they became hooked on learning about marijuana, and how it was capable of providing experiences worth exploring personally sometime in the future.
- Narrates how they were asked about their personal experience with marijuana after the publication of marihuana reconsidered. they realized that inexperience would invalidate their claim to expertise.
- Explains that they anticipated being called as an expert witness before legislative committees and in courtrooms, and wanted to be able to deny it so as to preserve at least the appearance of objectivity.
- Narrates how betsy and i went to a party in cambridge where some guests were smoking marijuana. they were cautious, as cannabis-naive people should be, and inhaled their first tokes ever.
- Recounts how they experienced a rhythmic implosion when they smoked cannabis and listened to the music of sgt. pepper's lonely hearts club band.
- Describes their worst career choice, which was to apply to the boston psychoanalytic institute as a candidate for training in psychoanalysis.
- Explains that cannabis can be used as a catalyst to the generation of new ideas.
- Opines that the debate on cannabis has been centered on its harmfulness and how a society should deal with the harm it causes.
- Explains that marijuana users are a subculture that has been present in the country since the 1960s.
- Explains that marijuana was once considered a recreational drug, but now thousands of people use it medicinally. many uses fall into the broad and distinctive third category of enhancement.
- Explains that james b. bakalar and i asked patients to share their experiences with cannabis as a medicine for their book, marihuana, the forbidden medicine. anecdotal evidence is not as persuasive as that from double-blind placebo controlled studies.
- Intends to follow the same format in the uses of marijuana project. they hope to present enough information about the witness to put their account into a meaningful context.
- Explains that linda and i are exploring ways in which cannabis can be valuable. they are discovering its usefulness in the task of achieving reconciliation with the aging process.
- Describes how they questioned what they believed they knew about marijuana, and how little their training in science and medicine had protected them from misinformation.
- Explains that they were disappointed with the initiation and wondered if it was a naive acceptance of the propaganda disseminated by the harry anslinger truth squad
- Describes how they experienced their first cannabis high at 44 years old. they have used it as a recreational drug, medicine, and as an enhancer of some capacities.
- Argues that it would be good for the country if more people in business, academic and professional worlds were known to use cannabis.
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