...Introduction Marijuana is one of the most controversial drugs in the world and is a subject to serious discussion in the United States today concerning its illegal status. Marijuana should be legalized in all 50 states because the positive effects outweigh the bad effects, especially when it is associated with medicinal usage. “In the last two years, four states have voted to decriminalize it within their specific jurisdictions” (Allen, 2015). “In December 2013, Uruguay, a South American country, became the first country to make marijuana possession and use nationally legal. In other countries such as the Netherlands, retail sales are allowed but commercial production is still widely prohibited” (Netzley, 2014). Marijuana growth and use in...
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...INTRODUCTION Legalizing marijuana in the United States would benefit our country in many different ways. The legalization of marijuana has the potential to have a positive impact on the United States because it would allow the United States government to spend less on enforcing laws against recreational use, could possibly save American’s money on pharmaceutical drugs, and could create tax revenue for the United States government. BODY According to the American Civil Liberties Union, from 2001 to 2010 there were approximately 8.2 million drug related arrests. As you can see in figure 1, marijuana possession arrests claimed nearly 50% of all drug related arrests made in 2010. That means that we, as taxpayers, paid $31,000 per prisoner per...
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...Legalization of medical marijuana Like any other drug marijuana can affect each person differently. Some people claim cannabis can cause lung problems, addiction ,and increase chances of cardiac arrest (Negative side effects…). Although, marijuana seems dangerous it is less addictive than tobacco products or alcohol. Some people claim marijuana has a lot of medical value such as, treating symptoms of parkinson disease, alzheimers, and a stroke. Legalization will lead to numerous positive outcomes for the US. Originated in Central Asia around 500 BC marijuana, otherwise known as cannabis has been around for many years. In the early 1600s people would use marijuana to make hemp rope and invent new medicines. It was not until the 20th century that the government started criminalizing people nationwide for having anything to do with the plant(. Legalizing medical marijuana nationwide would result in...
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...The consequence of marijuana legalization in adolescents is a topic of concern in the public. Even though there is no recorded death due to excessive consumption of marijuana, society fears its legalization increases youth intake, health problem, and violence. In the article “Teens will suffer if R.I. decriminalizes marijuana”, the author Brendan P. Doherty argues that use of marijuana results in effect to brain, violence, and public safety (par 1). Doherty is a law prosecution veteran and a criminal investigator (par 4). He is experienced in operating drug arrests and interviewing teens, adults, and juveniles indulged in marijuana (par 4). He is a 28-year-old adult; fearing decriminalization will encourage young people to smoke pot, which impairs their health. Therefore, he writes the article to make teachers, counselors, parents, and any person concerned about young adults of the country aware of the effects of decriminalization (par 2). Furthermore, he...
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...The Blunt Truth Many people wonder what marijuana is and if it should it be legalized. Marijuana comes from the hemp plant, it is the dried leaves of female flowers. Marijuana has been called a gateway drug for years, making many people believe that if they use it they will then become addicted to hard drugs. However, unlike cigarettes that contain tobacco and other illegal drugs such as speed, cocaine, and heroin, marijuana is not addictive. Marijuana is a misunderstood plant that many people assume is dangerous. The usage of marijuana (also known as cannabis) can actually be very beneficial not only to oneself but also to their country. The legalization of marijuana in the United States would benefit the States society economically, socially, and medically. The economic benefits that the legalization of marijuana would bring to the U.S are enormous. Oregon, Colorado, and Washington have already legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. When the rest of the U.S legalizes marijuana and places the high tax on it, it will create a larger budget for every state. In the state of Colorado, According to the article Experimenting with Pot: The State of Colorado's Legalization of Marijuana “By regulate marijuana like alcohol the state collect about $134 million in taxes from medical and recreational marijuana sales in fiscal year 2014-2015” HICKENLOOPER, G. W. (2014). If all of the states in the U.S was able to bring in at least that much extra revenue imagine what...
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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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...Marijuana, an immense and controversial topic currently being discussed and debated in the United States. The question is, should it be legalized on the Federal level or not? Both the Washington Post and Time Magazine have recently released articles, discussing the political and monetary effects of legalizing the drug. On the monetary side of the debate, within three years of its legalization in Washington State, the price has dropped at a dramatic rate. The price currently has dropped at an impressive 67% since its 2014 debut in July. Based on Steven Davenport’s study, he believes that the prices will continue to drop and highlights the effects of prohibition for drug companies. On the political side of the debate, Time has released an article...
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...Invitational Speech Outline Name: Nick Hart Date: July 1, 2015 Topic: The legalization of marijuana General Purpose: To invite Specific Purpose: To invite my classmates to discuss the legalization of marijuana Thesis: We will discuss the pros and cons of marijuana legalization Introduction: I. Attention: Hi my name is Nick Hart and today I will be talking to you guys about the legalization of marijuana II. Reveal topic: Now today I am going to talk to you guys about marijuana being legalized III. Credibility: IV. Preview/thesis: We will discuss the pros and cons of marijuana legalization Body: I. Main point 1: First we will learn about the pros of marijuana A. B. (Transition) II .Main point 2: First we will learn about the cons of marijuana A. B. (Transition) III. Main point 3: Thirdly, let’s discuss these pros and cons we’ve learned about. A. sub-point 1: What do you think about the pros? B. sub-point 2: What do you think about the cons? (Transition) Conclusion: I. Summary Discussion: II. Summary/Thesis: We will discuss the pros and cons of marijuana legalization II. References: Hint: To help remember how to properly list your references go to http://www.sinclair.edu/facilities/library/research/index.cfm Audience analysis information: In the space below discuss how you have tailored your speech for this particular audience and...
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...PHY-105 Shelley Evans 05/08/2016 Should Marijuana Be Legal? Marijuana has long been labeled a Schedule I drug by the US government. A Schedule I drug, has no medical benefits, known to have high a potential for abuse, and is declared not safe even with medical supervision. How can that be you ask, when many studies have shown the benefits of the use of marijuana for certain medical conditions. It is prohibition at its finest, serves no purpose and is a violation of our rights of liberty, due to the misrepresentation of marijuana. The legalization of marijuana has many benefits with increase revenue for the state, enormous medical benefits, and a significant decrease in violent crime and gang activity. A study done in 2010, by Cato, legalizing marijuana would generate over $8 billion in federal and state revenue annually. (HuffingtonPost, 2013) The cost of keeping marijuana illegal to this day is astronomical. “In 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana for full recreational use. The state now stands to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes over the next decade.” The largest boost of revenue from the sale of marijuana comes from taxes. In 2014, Colorado, had a vast number of pot tourists visit the state and bring in over $10 billion in funds, even with the increased snow activity that would normally lower their tourism. Another benefit that comes with the legalization of marijuana is the money saved from unnecessary use of...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Name: Institutional Affiliation: Marijuana is one of the many names that are used to refer to Cannabis in different parts of the world. The drug is well known in cultures all around the globe and any topic that is tied to it generates intense reactions that are aligned in different directions. The conversation on the legal status of the use of Marijuana is always heated, with supporters and opponents all convinced that they are right (Hudak & Wallack, 2016). However, this essay analyzes this issue since it is one that cannot be ignored. Even the opponents must agree to consider what legalization of cannabis achieves, given that public support for it is only growing. It also seeks to lay out the negative implications of the legalization and finally balances them off against the benefits and makes its conclusions based thereon. Proponents argue that marijuana has been proved to have the ability to influence life positively. This is best captured by the medical use of marijuana in treating diseases. The drug has been proven to have palliative qualities and it has been accepted as a palliative agent in civilizations such as Canada on prescription. Additionally, opinion polls discovered that more than half of the American population would vote in support of using the drug for recreational purposes among adults (Ghosh, 2010). It would be imprudent to ignore the opinions of such a big proportion of the population for political leaders. The widespread...
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...Marijuana Legalization: Pros and Cons BCOM/275 October 31 2011 The debate over the legalization of marijuana is a highly talked about and popular subject. Although we have been taught that marijuana is a gateway drug to other more harmful and toxic drugs; studies have shown that legalizing marijuana could bring more good then harm. We want to believe that the outcome will be better, but will it? As much as the public would love for this drug to be legal and available for consumption many Americans believe that it should still be considered a dangerous drug. Its hard to convince the public unless you provide proof and facts but, really only the individual can make up there own opinion. Marijuana Legalization: Pros and Cons Marijuana has been around for years and is the most commonly used illicit drug. Marijuana was legal in the United States up until 1937 but was rarely enforced until the 90’s. In the 1970’s the war on drugs campaign initiated. This campaign was designed to prevent new users from using this drug. Most of the advertisements the government established were based on false facts and biased opinions to lower the drug use in America. But, is marijuana bad? Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits and will be a great way to boost the economy. In the 70’s when the government conducted multiple tests on marijuana the assumption was that this was a harmful substance that can cause loss of brain cells, infertility, and even death...
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...2010, para 3). Today, the federal government has declared cannabis of all kinds illegal; however, 18 states have declared it legal for medicinal use only. Studies have been showing the impact legalization has been making on those legalized states, specifically Colorado and California are benefiting from medicinal marijuana by producing jobs, lowering state deficits, and showing a decreased crime rate. These findings offer an idea that the impact of national legalization of medicinal use marijuana may show true benefit to society. Since Marijuana is illegal at a federal level, if one is caught with this drug, it is a crime punishable by prison time. Attorney General Eric Holder made an announcement in October 2009 that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would work with the Non-Enforcement Policy (NEP) by stating they would no longer be enforcing the Federal regulations pertaining to the marijuana ban as long as those users were complying with state medical marijuana laws. This came as a relief to more than 400,000 users and their suppliers allowing them to feel confident and safe in their marijuana use (Mikos, 2011.). In 2007, a study showed individuals in jail from marijuana-related charges cost the United States prisons $1 billion annually (Armentano, 2007). Even if medical use marijuana were to be legalized nationally, does not mean this annual cost would disappear completely. However, the cost could decrease to a more cost effective amount because there would be less people...
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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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...children’s addiction. Marijuana is being marketed in candy form, bright intriguing packaging, used to attract youth. Marijuana is easier than ever to use with all the new gadgets coming out to make smoking undetectable, efficient, and easy. There is no more need to develop a bong out of a water bottle, now youth can buy items such as the third iteration of Pax Labs’ eponymous handheld vaporizer which is subtler than ever before. Or one can purchase a Puffco Peak, which is a battery-powered gizmo with four different heat settings, which allows smoking to go undetected. For older parents with children using marijuana, they may not even know what to look for to know that their child is using. Macro Perhaps the government perhaps sees this all as part of the consumer society. Using taxation, regulation, and prohibition to gain. “Most critics have argued that...
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... on if marijuana should be legalized for all purposes, to include medical and recreational. The question should lie as to what is the actual harm that comes from making the drug legal. Why not legalize the drug and place a tax, just like the tax occurred on tobacco. In the 1890’s, marijuana/hemp was replacing the cotton plantations and it was a major cash crop in the southern states. The product was being placed in some prescriptions; it was even listed on the United States Pharmacopeia from 1850 until 1942. During this time, using marijuana for recreational use was not illegal. In the 1950s it was an accessory of the beat generation; in the 1960s it was used by college students and "hippies" and became a symbol of rebellion against authority. It was being used by musicians and the people in show business. During this time clubs were opening in most major cities and these were tolerated by the community because the patrons did not disrupt after using the drug. The government has tried to use criminal penalties to prevent marijuana use for over 75 years and still to this day marijuana is now used by over 25 million people annually. Now that Colorado and Washington have legalized use and possession of marijuana and 20 states have legalized its medical uses, many people, including virtually everyone who has studied the matter, hope that other states will also legalize and ultimately force the federal government to repeal its strict criminalization of marijuana. Starting...
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