Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalization
THE BLUNT TRUTH:
THE NECESSITY BEHIND REFORM OF MARIJUANA PROHIBITION
Ashley Samolej
December 9, 2013
FYS 112 2A: Reform Topic Research Paper
Dr. Sager
What comes to mind when thinking of our country’s fight for marijuana legalization? Depending on the information that one has been exposed to, consideration of the possibility may bring forth an initially negative reaction. For many, the extent of factual awareness on the subject falls to the prevalent stereotypes and assumptions, which portray a generally negative view. Misleading information exists on both ends of the debate, and to move toward a more fact-based opinion requires consideration in several different areas; the question of legalizing marijuana …show more content…
It is common knowledge that alcohol has a tendency to increase aggressive behavior, and that drunk individuals may pose a threat to the public. The study-based site “Drug War Facts” claims that “rather than inducing violent or aggressive behavior . . . marihuana was usually found to inhibit the expression of aggressive impulses . . . generally producing states of drowsiness, lethargy, timidity and passivity.”17 A concern regarding many drugs is that they induce dangerous behavior, extending the threat of harm from themselves to others. Marijuana does not seem to incite risky behaviors, and any negative health effects that it may present are tied primarily to the user. Because of this, simple possession of marijuana does not pose a direct threat to anyone but the user, yet the punishment reflects an objectively worse …show more content…
Some of the more well-known individuals falling into this category include: Rick Steves, Michael Phelps, Barack Obama, Stephen King and Arnold Schwarzenegger.31 This is proof that every marijuana user does not automatically become unproductive. Some users are the ‘worst case’ scenario, while some end up extremely successful. However, the vast majority of users are nothing other than the average working adult, lying somewhere in the middle of the extremes.32 Just like alcohol, marijuana is a substance requiring the user to be responsible and control the extent to which it affects their life. Anyone who decides to get high every day will face problems with school or a job, but is it not the exact same case for an individual who gets drunk every day? When we talk of the average alcohol user, we do not assume them to be an alcoholic; most individuals are capable of drinking on occasion and continuing a normal life. Occasional marijuana use inhibits success no more than the occasional alcoholic beverage
THE NECESSITY BEHIND REFORM OF MARIJUANA PROHIBITION
Ashley Samolej
December 9, 2013
FYS 112 2A: Reform Topic Research Paper
Dr. Sager
What comes to mind when thinking of our country’s fight for marijuana legalization? Depending on the information that one has been exposed to, consideration of the possibility may bring forth an initially negative reaction. For many, the extent of factual awareness on the subject falls to the prevalent stereotypes and assumptions, which portray a generally negative view. Misleading information exists on both ends of the debate, and to move toward a more fact-based opinion requires consideration in several different areas; the question of legalizing marijuana …show more content…
It is common knowledge that alcohol has a tendency to increase aggressive behavior, and that drunk individuals may pose a threat to the public. The study-based site “Drug War Facts” claims that “rather than inducing violent or aggressive behavior . . . marihuana was usually found to inhibit the expression of aggressive impulses . . . generally producing states of drowsiness, lethargy, timidity and passivity.”17 A concern regarding many drugs is that they induce dangerous behavior, extending the threat of harm from themselves to others. Marijuana does not seem to incite risky behaviors, and any negative health effects that it may present are tied primarily to the user. Because of this, simple possession of marijuana does not pose a direct threat to anyone but the user, yet the punishment reflects an objectively worse …show more content…
Some of the more well-known individuals falling into this category include: Rick Steves, Michael Phelps, Barack Obama, Stephen King and Arnold Schwarzenegger.31 This is proof that every marijuana user does not automatically become unproductive. Some users are the ‘worst case’ scenario, while some end up extremely successful. However, the vast majority of users are nothing other than the average working adult, lying somewhere in the middle of the extremes.32 Just like alcohol, marijuana is a substance requiring the user to be responsible and control the extent to which it affects their life. Anyone who decides to get high every day will face problems with school or a job, but is it not the exact same case for an individual who gets drunk every day? When we talk of the average alcohol user, we do not assume them to be an alcoholic; most individuals are capable of drinking on occasion and continuing a normal life. Occasional marijuana use inhibits success no more than the occasional alcoholic beverage