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argumentative essay about why marijuana should not be legalized
argumentative essay about why marijuana should not be legalized
abstract summary of the benefits of marijuana
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Should Marijuana be Legalized? Should marijuana be legalized? This is a question that, in recent years, has seen headlines of various news sources. It has become a big deal as a few states in the US have legalized it for recreational use and even more have legalized marijuana for medical use. There are many opinions on the legalization of marijuana. There are those who believe that marijuana should be legal for recreational use. Some believe that marijuana should only be legalized for medical use, and some who believe that marijuana should not be legal at all. There are multiple reasons on each stance that support that way of thinking. All these viewpoints, and reasons that support each view, will be looked at and discussed throughout this …show more content…
One of the various reasons why marijuana should not be legalized is the potential threat of driving while under the influence of marijuana. Under the effects of marijuana, the user can be prone to having weaker body movement, difficulty with problem solving and thinking in general (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2016). Should marijuana be legalized, it would become more widely available and more widely used by people; with that comes more opportunities for citizens to drive while under the influence of marijuana. A study on citizens in the Colorado and Washington states found that 43.6% of marijuana users have driven while feeling the effects of marijuana at least once (Davis et al, 2016). Furthermore, in Colorado, a state that has legalized recreational marijuana, 21.02% of all fatal traffic related deaths involved drivers that were under the influence of marijuana in 2015 …show more content…
Over the past few decades “90% of all cannabis research focused on the negative outcome of cannabis use” (Holt, 2016, para. 5). This was to support the 1937 Marihuana tax act (Holt, 2016), to show that using marijuana is bad for you and therefore even more reason why it should not be legal. There is not much known on the positive effects of marijuana usage because of this, There are many people that think marijuana is not addictive, although that is not entirely true as 30% of marijuana users may develop some degree of addiction; and minors that use marijuana before they are 18 are more likely to have addiction problems later on in their life (NIDA, 2016). Marijuana is usually known for causing mood changes when used and even giving altered senses (NIDA, 2016). This is why people use the drug, to get that feeling. There are many symptoms that come with the drug upon use; with heavier use, impaired body movement is a possible side effect (NIDA, 2016). To most, this is most likely an undesirable or unwanted effect of the drug; however, someone that has a disease such as cerebral palsy or huntington's disease may find this drug useful. Cerebral palsy is a disorder in which the patient experiences uncontrollable muscle behavior; such as lack of controlling muscle movement, stiffening of muscles, and even seizures (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2016).
Marijuana has been used by people over many centuries for medical uses. It is a natural pain killer used today as a recreational drug by people all over the world. According to Noel Merino in, “Introduction to Gateway Drugs: Opposing Viewpoints”, “a drug is something other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body”. Marijuana is a very controversial drug and has been outlawed in many countries for its affect on the function of the body. “Effects may involve hallucinations, impaired judgment, and mood swings.” Describes the effects of marijuana in “Marijuana” Current Issues Macmillian social science library. During the past century Marijuana has been legal, made illegal, strictly enforced, decriminalized, protested, used illegally by millions of people, protested for both views, legalized for medical uses, and the debate continues. People claim that marijuana is not harmful and should be made legal; others protest that it is a dangerous drug that leads to other serious problems personally, socially, and politically. Marijuana has been to cause physical effects such as breathing problems due to the inhalation of smoke if that is the method being used to take the drug. In “Marijuana is Dangerous for Teens”, by Joseph Califano he states that, “nine percent of those who use marijuana become dependent on it”, although it is not a big number it is because that is not the biggest problem with marijuana. Along with all of the health problems that marijuana use causes it also opens up the debate over the gateway theory.
Marijuana, the most abused drug in America, has had a lot of publicity recently. Marijuana has caused multiple economic problems within the U.S. A controversial question has arisen from the increased popularity and troubles of this drug. The question is whether or not the U.S. government should legalize marijuana possession and sale in the country. Many Americans believe that the drug should be legalized for various reasons; others, however, are against the legalization of the dangerous drug. While legalization has both pros and cons, the positives of legalizing marijuana for those people over the age of twenty-one far outweigh the negative aspects of legalization.
Marijuana while illegal on a federal level has been legalized in 18 states and the District of Columbia for medical use and also for personal use for anyone over 21 in Washington and Colorado. 48% of Americans admit to using marijuana according to a 2013 survey conducted by Scientific America. With the change in public opinion concerning marijuana the need to understand the effect and consequences associated with its use are vitally important. What are the effects on the brain and the rest of the body? Does it matter when you start using marijuana? Also what is the effect marijuana use has on a person’s life, to include school, work, family and friends.
According to Martin Luther King Jr., “There are two types of laws: there are just and there are unjust laws” (King 293). During his time as civil rights leader, he advocated civil disobedience to fight the unjust laws against African-Americans in America. For instance, there was no punishment for the beatings imposed upon African-Americans or for the burning of their houses despite their blatant violent, criminal, and immoral demeanor. Yet, an African-American could be sentenced to jail for a passive disagreement with a white person such as not wanting to give up their seat to a white passenger on a public bus. Although these unjust laws have been righted, Americans still face other unjust laws in the twenty-first century.
The legalization of marijuana has been a highly debated topic for many of years. Since the first president to the most recent, our nation’s leaders have consumed the plant known as weed. With such influential figures openly using this drug why is it so frowned upon? Marijuana is considered a gateway drug, a menace to society, and mentally harmful to its consumers. For some people weed brings a sense of anxiety, dizziness, or unsettling feeling. Like alcohol, tobacco or any other drug, those chemicals may not respond well with their body. For other people marijuana brings joy, a sense of relief, and takes the edge off of every day stress. For those who are associated with cannabis, purposes usually range from a relaxant, or cash crop, to more permissible uses such as medicine, and ingredient to make so many other materials. We now need to look at what would change if marijuana were legal. Benefits to the economy and agriculture, health issues, and crime rates are three areas worth looking at. Deliberating on the pros and cons of this plant we can get a better understanding for marijuana. From there it will be easier to make a clear consensus on what is best for the nation.
Marijuana is a relatively harmless drug that governments around the world have made illegal. If legalized, marijuana can be beneficial to society in a number of ways: whether it be for medical, economic, or public safety reasons. Marijuana has been proven to treat several life debilitating, and even life threatening diseases. Although it is not a cure, marijuana can ease the pain and suffering of a dying person. Another benefit of legalization is the financial gains that governments will accomplish through the taxation of marijuana. This is a realistic claim if marijuana sales are compared to that of cigarettes; governments make billions each year from cigarette taxes (Caputo and Ostrom 484). Every year law enforcement spends countless man-hours trying to apprehend marijuana dealers and growers. This time would be better utilized in dealing with more serious crimes. This essay will display some main reasons why marijuana is a substance with beneficial uses and applications. First, marijuana can be used as a treatment for the effects of diseases such as AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, and other terminal diseases. A study carried out in California clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of marijuana as a treatment for cancer: “Over 74 percent of the cancer patients treated in the program have reported that marijuana is more effective in relieving their nausea and vomiting than any other drug they have tried.”(Zeese 1990). Chemotherapy for cancer patients often produces nausea and vomiting. Marijuana has been proven to relieve these symptoms and there have been no known side effects recorded (Ad Hoc Group of Experts part 4).
Marijuana is claimed to be just a harmless plant but do you really know what people are inhaling into their body? Marijuana, also known as weed or pot, has over 350 different chemicals some of which are carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Marijuana legalization is starting to become a real controversy in the United States. Twenty years ago no one in their right mind would think that drugs would become legal for private use. That’s we need to move forth in our society not back, we needs to leave drugs behind and start to focus on more important things. Marijuana should not be legalized for recreational use because marijuana is addictive, marijuana presents health risks, and marijuana can have a negative effect on society.
People are often quick to judge those that use marijuana, but do not judge those who use alcohol. With medical marijuana on the rise, people are using marijuana almost as much as people using alcohol. People argue the health risk of both marijuana and alcohol, but do people really know what the health risks and benefits are? Excessive use of alcohol is accountable for 88,000 U.S. fatalities each year from 2006 to 2010. The fatalities cost the budget $224 billion according to a report released on January 10, 2014 from the centers for disease control and preventions (Kroll, 2014). In a 2010 survey done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 17.4 million people living in the United States agreed that they had consumed marijuana within the past month. The National Institute on Drug Abuse argues marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug (Cox, 2012). Both drugs can affect health in indirect ways. Marijuana and alcohol differ in how they affect the body and mind, in their long- term effects and in the number of fatalities resulting from their consumption.
First, the most important aspect of any drug is health. Marijuana, contrary to common beliefs, does not pose a serious health risk. It is accepted that while under its influence, people can experience hallucinations, impaired judgment, mood swings, and memory problems (“Marijuana”). Many people use marijuana because they enjoy its hallucinations and the feeling of happiness that accompanies them. Others with serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis, benefit from the pain and nausea relief, appetite stimulation, and reduced muscle spasms (“Marijuana”). Opponents of marijuana legalization argue that marijuana causes brain damage, lung diseas...
Marijuana has a zero fatality rate, it has never killed anyone alone. Overdoasing is impossible. You would have consume 1,500 pounds of marijuana within 15 minutes to die. Yes, it can be the reason you get into a car crash if you are under the influence of Marijuana but just like they have no drinking and driving signs, then it should be the same with smoking. But if you smoke a joint and you’re being responsible, nothing bad will happen. It has been proven to help with anxiety and pain. Marijuana is healthier than pain medicine.
The debate over marijuana is endless. Due to historical portrayals, marijuana is still often seen as a dangerous drug. This myth, however, is outdated. In fact, marijuana is actually a useful drug that, if legalized, would bring many positive consequences to society. Marijuana should be legalized and treated like alcohol with regards to its regulation. A change in the outdated federal policy of strict prohibition would be an advancement of society and its values.
Should Marijuana Be Legalized? In society today, many people look for a feeling of freedom. Many people go on vacation and spend money. The most common escape for people is drugs. Our American society is facing a tremendous drug problem. In order to eradicate the drug problem, a public debate is going on to find some solutions to this drug dilemma. It has become a highly controversial issue whether drugs such as marijuana should be legalized or not. Some people advocate this issue and believe that legalization is the only solution left for the nation while others oppose because it will increase the number of drug users and drug related crimes. Marijuana is a drug that is illegal in the United States. This drug as you know is bad and causes severe side effects to your brain and body. Scientist have found that smoking marijuana can cause you to loose your memory. Marijuana has many psychological and physical effects.
For thousands of years human beings have attempted to find ways to get passed the struggles of their lives. With the pain of the world stopping people from enjoying simple pleasures, sometimes there is a need for help. Marijuana brings millions of people relief from the pain they feel on a day-to-day basis. This completely natural plant which helped so many people has puzzled the leaders of our nation for a long time. The THC in marijuana causes its users to experience a mild-huluciginic or high. The effect that marijuana has on a person has prevented the product from being legalized. Many other details about the plant, like the speculation of it being a gateway drug, have put another blockage on its legalization. Even though there are speculations about the plant, the benefit that it brings to the table most definitely out way its disadvantages. The plants help benefit by supplying us as a natural ingredient for medicine; however, nowadays, some people have been using it wrongly. Should marijuana be legalized? Many Americans have this question roaming through their heads. Marijuana is an illegal drug in the U.S. and many other countries; it comes from dried flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It has been available since the 1960s, but is 20 times more potent than before. Many youngsters believe that marijuana should be illegalized. However, they fail to know its many long term side effects. In the long run marijuana usage has a very high effect on the person’s body. Also, it’s known for a fact that marijuana has a high rate for addiction. Some people also believe that marijuana is accepted as medical use; however this is not true. In my eyes, marijuana is illegal for extremely powerful reasons, and it should stay that way. As...
Should marijuana be legal? This has been a controversial debate for decades. There are both positive and negative aspects to the use of marijuana. A couple dozen states have medical marijuana programs, but recently several states and Washington DC (Robinson) have joined Colorado and Washington State in legalizing marijuana for recreational use, which has brought this subject to the frontline once again. Should marijuana be illegal and only regulated for medical use, or should it be legal to sell with the same treatment of other recreational substances that are legal yet potentially harmful, such as tobacco, e-cigarettes, and alcohol? The fact that it is a natural plant and not a chemical engineered by humans and has positive benefits certainly
In the perspective of America's war on drugs, marijuana is one of the biggest enemies. And since alcohol and tobacco, two life threatening substances, are legal it is a relevant question to ask why marijuana is illegal. The taxpayers of America can partly answer this question when they fill out their tax forms and when they hear the hash rhetoric used against marijuana by the government. The fact that marijuana is illegal is sufficiently caused by the amount of money, jobs, and pride invested in the drug war. In other words, the government cannot turn back now.