Decriminalization or Legalization: Notoriously Marijuana
Problems in Criminal Justice
Medical Marijuana and the Fight against Decriminalization
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 95 million Americans age 12 and older have tried marijuana at least once, and three out of every four illicit-drug users reported using marijuana within the previous 30 days. In 1937 the United States successfully passed the Marijuana Tax Act, banning the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. In 1996, California passed Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, so that the sick and dying patients could use marijuana for medicinal purposes only. The ideas toward marijuana are looked upon differently as was in the 1970’s. Thirteen of fifty US states have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes for patients who qualify (“Marijuana Myths”). The in-depth debate on whether to keep marijuana illegal on all levels or to monitor the possible positive effects on the sick or terminally ill, opens the minds of all citizens and legislators by expanding their thoughts and beliefs on this issue. There is a wide variety of controversy dealing with this subject. Should we fight to decriminalize marijuana for its ‘listed’ purposes of medical use? Or should we continue the strict penalties and a deterrent stance by law enforcement to prevent the use of marijuana and fight against decriminalization?
Marijuana comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant and it was believed to be used for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and even absent-mindedness. Other countries were also open to the use of marijuana such as India, North Africa and Persia (now known as Iran). The use of Marijuana rose due to the 18th amendment in 1920 known as Prohibition, which was proposed to outlaw alcohol. Ironically, from 1850 to 1942 marijuana was registered within the Pharmacopeia and was prescribed for various... [continues]
Problems in Criminal Justice
Medical Marijuana and the Fight against Decriminalization
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 95 million Americans age 12 and older have tried marijuana at least once, and three out of every four illicit-drug users reported using marijuana within the previous 30 days. In 1937 the United States successfully passed the Marijuana Tax Act, banning the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. In 1996, California passed Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, so that the sick and dying patients could use marijuana for medicinal purposes only. The ideas toward marijuana are looked upon differently as was in the 1970’s. Thirteen of fifty US states have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes for patients who qualify (“Marijuana Myths”). The in-depth debate on whether to keep marijuana illegal on all levels or to monitor the possible positive effects on the sick or terminally ill, opens the minds of all citizens and legislators by expanding their thoughts and beliefs on this issue. There is a wide variety of controversy dealing with this subject. Should we fight to decriminalize marijuana for its ‘listed’ purposes of medical use? Or should we continue the strict penalties and a deterrent stance by law enforcement to prevent the use of marijuana and fight against decriminalization?
Marijuana comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant and it was believed to be used for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and even absent-mindedness. Other countries were also open to the use of marijuana such as India, North Africa and Persia (now known as Iran). The use of Marijuana rose due to the 18th amendment in 1920 known as Prohibition, which was proposed to outlaw alcohol. Ironically, from 1850 to 1942 marijuana was registered within the Pharmacopeia and was prescribed for various... [continues]
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