The NIDA published many claims concerning marijuana use, but they did not have evidence to support their claims (Weir 26). This misinformation and the government’s campaign against marijuana made the legalization of marijuana impossible. Marijuana is a harmless drug, but it has not been legalized because people believe most of the anti-marijuana claims. Research studies have proven that marijuana helps the individual experience a sense of well being, relieves fatigue, stimulates the appetite, and induces a feeling of mild stimulation (McDonough 50). Another advantage of marijuana is that experienced users can control the degree and quality of the intoxication by “coming down” when it is necessary to perform (McDonough 50).
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... ... middle of paper ... ...ere is a side affect of this individual drug. As stated before, marijuana affect our health, such as short term memory and our logical thinking.
The use, sale and possession of marijuana is still illegal under federal law in the United States. However, it is allowed in 20 states and the District of Columbia to use marijuana in some form. In two states, Colorado and Washington, the sale and possession of marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use, while it is only use medically in the other states ("State Marijuana Laws map"). These states have had some serious reasons for changing their laws concerning this drug. Opponents of marijuana (cannabis) legalization claim that cannabis is a narcotic drug which could become a great addiction for the consumer over the time.
Some states have allowed marijuana consumption for medicinal purposes, while others have completely outlawed the drug. Those who are against the legalization and regulation of marijuana suggest the economical and health risk associated with consumption of the drug are too high. Although there is risk involved with the legalization of the marijuana, our country has already been risking too much banning the drug. As a result, many police officers and American citizens lives are at risk as task force attempt to control the black market. It has limited the treatment possibilities of the ill as marijuana can be prescribed for various sicknesses (Fisher, par.
Should Marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes? Yes, when you consider that in the treatment of cancer and HIV patients, medical Marijuana is used successfully to increase appetite and decrease pain without the serious side effects of other more modern drugs. However, there is a stigma that surrounds Marijuana and this stigma dates back to the Nixon Administration’s war on drugs. Even today the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration defines Marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. To them, it is a drug that has no accepted medical utility and has an elevated probability of addiction.
THC (Cannabis) Between 1840 and 1900, European and American medical journals published more than 100 articles on the therapeutic use of the drug known then as Cannabis indica (or Indian hemp) and now as marijuana. It was recommended as an appetite stimulant, muscle relaxant, analgesic, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant. As late as 1913 Sir William Osler recommended it as the most satisfactory remedy for migraine headaches . Today the 5000-year medical history of cannabis has been almost forgotten. Its use declined in the early 20th century because the potency of oral ingestion was high, and alternatives became available -- injectable opiates and, synthetic drugs such as aspirin and barbiturates.
Those opposed to the legalization of the cannabis plant in a September 11th 2003 article claim that with legalization of cannabis will come further problems. They say that legalization would lead to greater drug use especially with children as well as drug trafficking from legalized areas. They claim the tobacco and alcohol cause enough problems and there is no reason to add a new product into the mix. The claim is also made that drugs such as cannabis lead to poverty, crime, and violence. They argue that although the drug war cannot be completely successful it is worth it to slow down drug trade and that truly very few people are brought up on a simple possession charge of cannabis.
There are an innumerable amount of reasons as to why marijuana should be legalized. But first we should begin where it originally started and how it became illegal. It started in 1937 with the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act. The Marijuana Tax Act imposed taxes that were so punitive that they effectively outlawed marijuana (which was the goal). The Marijuana Tax Act effectively banned marijuana but it wasn't literally made illegal until the passing of the Controlled Substances Act in the 1970's.
Many states are moving in the direction to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes while a few have casted a ballot to legalize it and create revenue off of it. Legalizing marijuana should be up to the people. Decriminalizing it does not seem to be enough. This means that marijuana would still be illegal but the consequences of using it are not criminal. This still leads to corruption, drug cartels, the black market, and prohibiting the right to make choices.
Medical marijuana use is cited throughout world history through ideas such as peer-reviewed articles and reports documented by the government. The enemies of medical marijuana would argue that it’s too dangerous, FDA approval is lacking and the use is unnecessary for society. According to Should Medical Marijuana Be Approved for Medical Use, “Most of the controversy surrounds whether marijuana and its plant properties are