...Price Legalization and Marijuana Consumption By: Mert Daryal (University of Western Australia) Undergraduate Journal of Economics The paper analyzed the effect of legislation on the consumption of marijuana. Methodology • Application of demand theory to illicit commodities to analyze the effect of legalization • Specially conducted survey of first-year students at the University of Western Australia to estimate effects of legalization and a possible fall in price on consumption Assumption • Price of marijuana would decrease following legalization Results • Consumption of marijuana is expected to increase by 4% if legalized; however, if legalization is accompanied with a 50% fall in price, consumption is expected to go up by 11% • Price is an important determinant of marijuana consumption; this is contradictory to the general perception of consumption to be price-inelastic • For frequent users, the gross and net price elasticities are estimated to be -0.6 and -0.4 respectively; for occasional smokers, the figures are -0.3 and -0.1 The net elasticity figures are arrived at by excluding the effects of legalization. Demand Theory and Estimation Consumption of marijuana involves the risk of being caught and subsequently the risk of fines and/or imprisonment. Hence its net cost should be considered as a sum of its cost in conventional money terms and the expected “other costs”. Legalization eliminates this component of “other cost” which thus comes down to zero. The net cost, as a...
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...Running head: LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA 1 Legalization of Marijuana Communications and Thought 1 February 23, 2015 LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA 2 Abstract The debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana has been raging decades. The debate is centered on the issues of health, addiction and economics. Arguments and claims supporting the legislation are countered by contrary arguments and claims. Scientific claims from one side are disputed by scientific claims from the other. The tug-of-war is beginning to show signs of a clear winner. Time has brought about changes in the thinking and behavior of a large segment of our population. Marijuana usage is now considered acceptable behavior by a clear majority of Americans. Social mores have changed and the use of marijuana is commonplace. We have reached the point in the debate where the trend is leaning toward legislation. LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA 3 Legalization of Marijuana Introduction There is an ongoing national debate about the legalization of marijuana. According to a 2013 Gallup poll, a clear majority of Americans (58%) favor legalization. The age group most likely to support legalization is young adults from the age of 18 to 29 years. Surprisingly, the majority of the 30 to 64 years age group also favors legalization. The opposition to legalizing marijuana comes mostly from Americans 65 and older. Changing social...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in the United States. Despite the harsh laws against marijuana use, approximately twenty five million Americans have used the drug in the past year and more than fourteen million continue to use marijuana on a regular basis (norml.org). In turn, not only is the criminal justice system over-flooded with marijuana cases, but law enforcement is focusing valuable time on finding marijuana “criminals”. With the legalization of marijuana, the United States judicial system would be able to handle more important cases in a timely manner and law enforcement officers would be able to spend more time on more important crimes. However, the judicial system is not the only one standing to benefit from the legalization of marijuana. The United States stands to greatly benefit economically on the legalization of marijuana as well. The legalization of Marijuana would benefit our society in many ways. Being aware of all of this, I was curious to know why so many people oppose legalization of the drug. However, it was important for me to gather knowledge from credible sources. I did not want to learn the benefits of marijuana from a “stoner” blogging from his parent’s basement, nor did I want to learn about the negatives of the drug from an extremely right wing conservative who will stand against it- just to be against it. First, I went straight to George Mason University’s online library in the hopes...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Tina Washington Everest University March 3, 2015 Abstract The prohibition of marijuana has brought forth multiple passionate debates for many years in reference to its effects on the human body, its medicinal properties, and its effect on society. Even though there are many people who are opposed to the legalization of marijuana, this paper will dispute that the legalization of marijuana is justified. This paper will provide proof by measuring marijuana’s effects on the human body when ingested by inhalation against the effects on the body when consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking tobacco, by submitting research facts on its medicinal qualities, and providing you with information on how the use of marijuana can benefit a lot of people as well as our nation as a whole. Legalization of Marijuana Legalization of marijuana is wide spread. There are so many benefits to it such as helping those with medicinal issues like anxiety, AIDS, Cancer, glaucoma, etc. Being able to assist someone without throwing pills down their throat is certainly a better approach. Most people don’t know this, but there are 18 states that have already gotten on the band wagon of legalizing marijuana. Colorado and Washington are the two most recent states that adopted this law. Not only is it a great way to aid in certain medical issues, but it is also a way for the states and our government to generate revenue...
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...Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a form of the cannabis plant. In 1923, marijuana was added to the Confidential Restricted List as a prohibited drug in Canada. However, many Canadians believe that marijuana should be legalized because it can play a significant role in the medical industry. However, others hold the opposite attitude toward Marijuana legalization. This serious controversy has lasted for many decades. Canada’s neighbor, the U.S. government, has forbidden this drug since the early 1900s. However, this implementation didn’t produce a satisfactory result. (National Prevention Strategy, 2011) Marijuana should be legalized in Canada because its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. These advantages are likely to promote the Canadian economy, eliminate social issues and benefit the health of its residents. In terms of the economy, legalizing marijuana could conduct not only negative effects, but also positive effects. In the past decade, underground trade of marijuana has caused harm to Canada’s income. Werner Antweiler, the UBC professor, believes that the marijuana market is sizable. (2013) In B.C., the estimates show that Canadians consume at least 3 billion dollars in marijuana products annually. (Barmak, 2013) Other data from The International Journal of Drug Policy indicate that the retail value of marijuana consumption in B.C is between $443 million and $564 million. In addition, further estimates point out that marijuana legalization is likely to help the...
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...recent legalization of marijuana in some states will there be a widespread across the united states? While Federal and State Laws may prohibit Marijuana use, many states are Considering legalization and some have already done so with both medicinal and recreational, its Likely of a widespread across the United States. Federal government has set regulations that are developed, these regulations are followed by what is called the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), which does not recognize the difference in the use between recreational and medicinal use. (Americans For Safe Access, 2014) According to Americans for safe access(2014) The Controlled Substance Act has classified Marijuana as a schedule one drug, its a controlled substance that is treated as any other drugs such as heroin, or cocaine. Along with the CSA, there is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), According to Dea.gov (n.d.) The Drug Enforcement Administration has a mission to “is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States " Marijuana is illegal, and use is prohibited through federal laws, but many state laws have legalized the use for recreational and medicinal. State laws vary state to state. There are so many different laws on marijuana use, whether it be for recreational or medicinal. Many people feel that the laws on marijuana have to do with whether the state considering legalization is a...
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...| Marijuana Legalization: Why Marijuana Should be Legalized in All Fifty States English 102 Final Paper Table of Contents I. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………… 1 II. Is Marijuana a “Gateway Drug?” ……………………………………………………... 2 III. Arguments against Legalization ………………………………………………………. 3 VI. Recent Legalization Efforts …………………………………………………………… 4 V. Medicinal Uses of Marijuana …………………………………………………………. 5 VI. Economic Arguments Against Criminalization ………………………………………. 7 VII. Marijuana Cultivation and DTO ……………………………………………………... 8 VIII. From Decriminalization to Legalization …………………………………………… 8 IX. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………… 10 Marijuana Legalization: Why Marijuana Should be Legalized in All Fifty States I. Introduction The issue of marijuana legalization in the United States is a charged one that brings forth supporters and opponents arguments alike. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Uniform Crime Reports, one marijuana-related arrest occurs every forty-two seconds in the United States. The government conducted over 1.53 million drug-related arrests in 2011, 90% for possession alone, and nearly 50% due to marijuana (FBI Uniform Crime Report). State governments are currently responding to shifts in public opinion, especially given the recent legalizations that passed in Colorado and Washington. According to Gallup Polls, more Americans supported the legalization of marijuana than not in 2011 (50% vs. 46%)...
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...National Legalization of Marijuana Shirley Pardo Lone Star College Cy-Fair Abstract The legalization of marijuana has become a major issue in the United States. There are many strong arguments both for and against marijuana legalization. Some would argue, its medicinal properties and its effects on the body. Others would argue about its effect on society and how the prohibition ultimately contributes to organized crime. Marijuana is a schedule I drug, and is the most illegal drug used in the United States. The effects of marijuana have been scientifically proven to be less harmful than alcohol, and it’s helpful in a treatment of many different diseases and health issues. National Legalization of Marijuana The marijuana plant or its scientific name cannabis, has been the topic of much debate throughout the history of this country. Many people do not know that it was not the effects of marijuana that originally prompted its banning. It was actually originally, the work of the cotton industry before and after WWII, who lobbied the illegalization because of the plant's mind altering effects. The cotton industry was afraid that hemp, a product of the marihuana plant, would soon overpower the strong hold of cotton since it was a more durable textile that required less work, there is less depletion of the soil, and could be produced virtually anywhere. Since the time it became illegal, it has been grouped with other narcotics as a counterpart. The truth is marijuana has...
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...The Legalization of Marijuana Known for being a psychoactive substance, marijuana, which derives from the flowering tops of the cannabis plant, is the most commonly used drug in the western world (Marijuana-Tobacco Facts). Although the use, distribution, and procession of marijuana are illegal under U.S. federal law there have been over 20 states that have legalized the use and distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, Colorado and Washington State have even legalized the use of marijuana for recreation (US New Laws). So while marijuana may be classified as a schedule one drug, meaning that it is believed to have a high abuse potential, a lack of accepted safety, and no accepted medical use, it is apparent that the use of marijuana is having a growing acceptance in the U.S., especially in regards to its potential economic and health benefits (Schedule I). It was found in a recent study conducted by the Drug Policy Alliance that about 42% of people in the U.S. have used marijuana at least one point in their lives, clearing indicating that our current federal laws are not stopping people from using marijuana (Health & Family). In actuality, the illegalization of marijuana is more harmful than the drug itself, since marijuana users have to constantly find ways around the law in order to obtain their desired product (marijuana/hash/sensimilla). By having no other choice than to turn to the Black Market, marijuana users can potentially put themselves...
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...Medical Marijuana Laws and their Effects Keith Reese COM/156 7/23/2014 Jennifer Preus Medical Marijuana Laws and their Effects In 1936, George Herliman produced the propaganda film “Tell Your Children”, later titled “Reefer Madness”(“IMBD”, 1990-2014). This film, financed by a church group to display the exaggerated consequences of marijuana usage, was intended to inspire fear in parents and children alike. Though marijuana legalization has become a front burner topic, one would assume that our technological advances would invoke more rational responses from the general public seeking facts to support claims. However, the same type of fear induced media messages are employed today by anti-marijuana groups and politicians to sway public opinion. Contrary to the seemingly credible publications throughout the media, the legalization of marijuana, medical or recreational, does not increase crime. As the debate regarding the legalization of marijuana, both medicinal and recreational, has heated up, several groups have been formed to speak out about the perceived consequences. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy has co-founded the anti-marijuana group, Project SAM, with Kevin Sabet who also is the director of the organization. After the Justice Department allowed Colorado and Washington to move forward with their respective marijuana legislation, Kennedy claimed, “we can look forward to more drugged driving accidents,...
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...consequences of the legalization of marijuana? The legalization of marijuana has been a hotly contested topic in the US and other countries for a long time. This is because many people disagree on the effects it will have on communities and the country in general. Some people argue that it may encourage abuse and thus result in promotion of negative aspects. Some people argue that legalizing it would increase its impact on teens because fo corporations marketing to them (Bodkin). A significant number of citizens argue that legalizing marijuana would reduce its criminal impact. Many scholars and members of the public argue that legalization of marijuana is beneficial for the community because of the increased revenue from taxation. This is based on the increased usage of the drug for recreational and medical purposes because of legalization. Marijuana is consumed by a lot of people for different purposes and legalizing it will provide a way for the government to benefit from the market. Currently, the market is highly regulated and sale of marijuana is not taxed resulting in lost revenue (Nitti). Legalizing it will provide a way for states to benefit from this large market and improve service delivery from the revenue. The debate on the effect of marijuana legalization on the level of drug abuse in the US does not hold much. This is because legalization will include introduction of regulations to reduce marketing and sale to teenagers. The effect of marijuana on the level...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana! Today, marijuana use has become a fad. If someone is feeling down, marijuana will get them back to that happy place. This is the façade that is helping marijuana to become the number one drug of choice for many Americans. It is said that marijuana helps with chronic pain. This is the premises that marijuana advocates are using to encourage its legalization. Many people have the perception that marijuana is a safe drug and are fighting to legalize it in the United States of America. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled substance that can be used for effective medical purposes but it can lead to many unstable citizens because of the impairments it may cause, the addictive agents, and the financial burden it may bring. Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis sativa that is grown in tropical climates. “The origin of the word marijuana is not known but it appears to be the Spanish name for Mary and Jane. The drug slang for marijuana includes such names as Mary Jane, pot, grass, tea, reefer, and weed” ((Marijuana - History, Effects, 2013). THC, the primary chemical in marijuana, is highly addictive. This chemical gives a feeling of relaxation and acts as an analgesic that aids in pain relief. This is why many marijuana advocates are fighting for the legalization of marijuana. The medical use of marijuana can help with symptoms of nausea and pain but there are many complications that may come with this treatment. Marijuana causes damage to...
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...10/20/2014 BCOM 275 Mr. Jenkins Debate Topic Pro Side The highly controversial topic of legalization of marijuana has many different angles to look at from both the pros and cons of the topic. We will discuss the pros of this topic and some of the benefits of legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use in the United States, The first pro for legalization we will will look at is the medical side. Marijuana has The next reason for the chose of legalization of marijuana was not only the legalization of just marijuana in general, but the debate of medical marijuana. In 1972, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use”. Since then, 23 of 50 US States and DC have legalized the medical use of Marijuana (procon.org, 2014). These medical uses include reduction of naseua and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. This has been proven to be more effect than other drugs available. Neurological problems have been shown to be reduced by the effects of marijuana. It is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in ten countries. There have been varying results in studies but it is viable options if other means have failed. These are just a couple examples of medical uses that so a positive for the legalization of marijuana. The next area of a debate for legalization of marijuana could be the revenue debate. This revenue is a positive for the federal and states. This money...
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...Legalization of Marijuana The legalization of marijuana will free up the resources that are currently being used in the fight against the illegal use of it and this means that the government will be able to redirect these resources into other areas. The name cannabis refers to the variety of products of the marijuana plant that are taken by a person through various methods such as ingestion or smoking and are meant to give a psychoactive effect to the user. The drug can also be taken in its raw dried form where it is usually smoked. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in the world (Levinson 9). It is illegal to grow, possess, or use the drug in its various forms. However there is an increasing debate for legalizing the drug. The first argument that proponents of the drug have pushed are that the drug is not as dangerous as the authorities and other parties against it have made it seem. Marijuana has the same, if not less than effect on the user’s body, in comparison to alcohol and tobacco, which are legal in many countries (Johnson 702). Studies have been conducted on the chemical compounds contained in marijuana such as the British Medical Association, and they found that the nicotine found in cigarettes is a lot more addictive than THC: the active compound found in cannabis. Another argument on the dangers of these legal drugs are the numbers of deaths that have been attributed to alcohol and tobacco use mainly through disease and accidents caused while...
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...Legalizing marijuana involves both lower stakes and less uncertainty than legalizing any of the other major illicit drugs. Not that the consequences of marijuana legalization would be small or easy to project; legalization would be a big change with unpredictable results. Many have supported the marijuana legalization they actively encourage the non-medical use of drugs. Even worse, they will discover that most of the public who listen to views that are sympathetic to drug legalization and or decriminalization perceive these views to be pro-drug, no matter how often the speakers disavow this interpretation of their views. A principal argument for legalization of drugs generally is the anticipated reduction in crime, violence, corruption and other problems associated with black markets associated with cocaine/crack, heroin, and meth not marijuana, so legalizing marijuana would not do much to solve those problems. Support for the legalization of currently illegal drugs strengthens those forces in the society that want to see the use of illicit drugs go up, including those who benefits from the lucrative but deadly illicit marijuana traffic. Aside from impairment and harm, marijuana prohibitions believe in the gateway theory in which users of a substance are introduced to more harmful drugs through underground trade. Marijuana consumption leads to situations in which users are presented harder drugs. As the theory goes, an individual slowly experiments with more drugs as he or...
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