The Legalization of Marijuana
The Legalization of Marijuana – A Compelling Case for a Misunderstood Plant
Abstract
The prohibition of marijuana has sparked heated debates for years about its effects on the human body, its medicinal properties, and its effect on society; just to name a few. Although many are against the legalization of marijuana, this paper will argue that the legalization of marijuana is warranted. It will prove this by weighing marijuana’s effects on the body when smoked against the effects on the body when drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, by presenting research facts on its medicinal qualities, and showing how the prohibition ultimately contributes to organized crime.
The Legalization of Marijuana – A Compelling Case for a Misunderstood Plant
The prohibition of marijuana has been a heated debate for many years. Just like the prohibition of alcohol in the early1900’s, the prohibition of marijuana in 1937 is having an adverse effect on society. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2010), marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with 60 percent of users using marijuana only. Clearly, prohibition fails to eliminate or even significantly deter the use of marijuana among the American public. Why do so many people smoke marijuana when it is illegal? There are many personal reasons why people smoke marijuana and there are logical ones, as well. As research proves, marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco; and actually has been proven to be less harmful than these two leading recreational drugs. The recorded therapeutic properties of marijuana have helped medical patients cope with the side effects of many illnesses and disabilities. The prohibition also forces those who continue to smoke marijuana to interact with the black market, ultimately contributing to organized crime. This paper will show you that marijuana should be legalized because it is less harmful than legal substances like
Abstract
The prohibition of marijuana has sparked heated debates for years about its effects on the human body, its medicinal properties, and its effect on society; just to name a few. Although many are against the legalization of marijuana, this paper will argue that the legalization of marijuana is warranted. It will prove this by weighing marijuana’s effects on the body when smoked against the effects on the body when drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, by presenting research facts on its medicinal qualities, and showing how the prohibition ultimately contributes to organized crime.
The Legalization of Marijuana – A Compelling Case for a Misunderstood Plant
The prohibition of marijuana has been a heated debate for many years. Just like the prohibition of alcohol in the early1900’s, the prohibition of marijuana in 1937 is having an adverse effect on society. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2010), marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with 60 percent of users using marijuana only. Clearly, prohibition fails to eliminate or even significantly deter the use of marijuana among the American public. Why do so many people smoke marijuana when it is illegal? There are many personal reasons why people smoke marijuana and there are logical ones, as well. As research proves, marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco; and actually has been proven to be less harmful than these two leading recreational drugs. The recorded therapeutic properties of marijuana have helped medical patients cope with the side effects of many illnesses and disabilities. The prohibition also forces those who continue to smoke marijuana to interact with the black market, ultimately contributing to organized crime. This paper will show you that marijuana should be legalized because it is less harmful than legal substances like
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