Proposal of Marijuana Legalization

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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.

Many could argue that marijuana is destructive physically as well as mentally. “The National Institute on Drug Abuse says marijuana can cause heart irregularities, lung problems, and addiction” (Welch). “One joint can be just as damaging to [the lungs] as smoking at least two and a half cigarettes” (Ruff). According to Dr. Tom Wright, director of a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents in Rockford, “teens may be especially sensitive to marijuana’s effects because their brains are still being formed” (MJ Rebuttal). However, the marijuana legalization proposition would have tight restrictions and regulations by the states that would eliminate some of those issues, such as age. These facts are not consistent; the evidence is not backed from reliable sources. One institute is referred to, but more experts are needed to verify the information.

The public has been highly respondent to the idea of legalizing marijuana. Many states are making decisions independently from the federal government. “A growing share of the American public supports liberalizing marijuana laws. For years surveys by CNN and other news organizations have found that most Americans agree pot smokers should not go to jail. In polls taken this year by Zogby, CBS News, and Rasmussen Repor...

... middle of paper ...

...lowly, Limits on Pot Are Fading.” USA TODAY.

09 Mar 2010: A.1. SIRS Researcher. Web. 13 May 2010.

Works Cited

Klein, Joe. "Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense." Time Magazine 02 Apr. 2009: Print.

"Marijuana legalization? A White House rebuttal, finally." Christian Science Monitor 12 Mar.

2010: 1. MAS Ultra - School Edition. EBSCO. Web. 24 May 2010.

McKinley, Jesse. "Strategizing Legalization’s Pros and Cons." New York Times 23 April 2010,

New York ed.: A12. Print.

Ruff, Charlotte. “RISKY DECISION.” Current Health 1 33.8 (2010): 26. MAS Ultra-School

Edition. EBSCO. Web. 17 May 2010.

Welch William M. "Marijuana classes are on a roll." USA Today n.d.: MAS Ultra - School

Edition. EBSCO. Web. 24 May 2010.

Welch, William M., and Donna Leinwand. “Slowly, Limits on Pot Are Fading.” USA TODAY.

09 Mar 2010: A.1. SIRS Researcher. Web. 13 May 2010.

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