Legalize The Weed Essay, Research Paper
Marijuana is the flower of the cannabis plant, and if smoked, gives the smoker an euphoric high, but really has much more to offer than just the high. Using marijuana and the growing of hemp are presently illegal in the United States, with the exception of medicinal uses in some states. The legalization of marijuana has many advantages including for simple personal enjoyment, the usage of hemp and its by-products, and medicinal purposes.
Why should marijuana be illegal when people just use it to help themselves enjoy their lives more? Tobacco and alcohol are both used, and abused for the same reasons, but with many more negative side effects than pot. "Government’s surveys indicate more than 70 million Americans have smoked marijuana at some point in their lives, and that 18-20 million have smoked during the last year" (Rose, 1). Marijuana has no solid negative effects, and "the U.S National Institute of Drug Abuse’s bureau of mortality statistics report that per year there are zero deaths caused by marijuana. In comparison tobacco causes 400,000 deaths, where alcohol causes 100,000" (Rose, 1). People generally believe that marijuana is addicting, but "marijuana is not a narcotic and is not a mentally or physically addicting drug. One can use mild cannabis preparations such as marijuana in small amounts for years without physical or mental deterioration" (Adams 1). People who smoke marijuana feel relaxed and sociable, tend to laugh a great deal, and lose the sense of time. Those under the influence of marijuana also do show loss of coordination and have an impaired ability to perform skilled acts. As long as people don’t drive, or operate heavy machinery, these effects although maybe not positive, are certainly not negative. It should be up to the individual if they want to enjoy marijuana. America is supposed to be a free country, where everyone has basic human rights, including privacy. What happened to the Declaration of Independence speaking of every citizen’s right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" If the United States is to be persuasive in promoting freedom in other parts of the world, it must respect the privacy of it’s own citizens.
Why is a plant that was proclaimed by Popular Mechanics magazine to have the potential to be manufactured into more than 25,000 different environmentally friendly products being systematically withheld from U.S. farmers? (Popular Mechanics Magazine, 238-239). The reason is simply because hemp has a small tie to the feared marijuana, but in essence is completely different containing virtually no THC (the active ingredient of marijuana.) Hemp is possibly one of the strongest crops in nature, depending on the part of the plant it can be used for clothing, textiles, paint, plastics, cosmetics, insulation and even animal feed. It can also be used to make paper, where one acre will equal the amount of four acres of trees. "In addition, hemp has an average growing cycle of only 100 days and leaves the soil virtually weed-free for the next planting" (NORML, 1). Also there is the hemp seed, which some refer to as nature’s perfect food. The oil from hemp seeds has the highest percentage of essential fatty acids and the lower percentage of saturated fats than any food, and also is second only to soy in protein content. Steps are being made to at least legalize the use of hemp, for there are really no disadvantages in growing it. "In 1996, politicians in four states introduced legislation allowing for domestic hemp cultivation and by legislative session’s end, both Hawaii and Vermont had passed measures promoting industrial hemp research." (NORML, 1).
Marijuana is now legal for medicinal purposes due to Proposition 215 in California, and Proposition 200 in Arizona. Also, the House has introduced bill 912, "The medical use of marijuana act." People with specified physical pains such as headaches, arthritis, and others can now legally use marijuana. If someone is really upset or depressed, marijuana could help him or her calm down and get into a better mood so they can enjoy the rest of their day. Marijuana could be used to cure manic-depressives and would have fewer side effects than current medication used. "Clinical and anecdotal evidence also points to the effectiveness of marijuana as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of a variety of spastic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, epilepsy, and quadriplegia" (NORML, 1).
The areas of cancer and AIDS studies have also been greatly benefited from the introduction of marijuana as a treatment. AIDS patients have been proven to receive benefits from smoking marijuana, "most recently, a federally commissioned report by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) determined that, ‘Marijuana’s active components are potentially effective in treating pain, nausea, the anorexia of AIDS wasting, and other symptoms’" (NORML, 1). It has also been proven that the introduction of marijuana to an HIV patient has no effect on accelerating the virus to clinical AIDS. The NAS has also completed studies with cancer determining "short term marijuana use appears to be suitable in treating conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea for patients who do not respond well to other medications" (NORML, 1).
One negative view of marijuana is that even though it is not addicting, it may be habituating. The individual may become psychologically rather than physically dependant on the drug. Heavy marijuana smokers might feel the need to be high before they do anything, including work, school, or play because it makes things easier to tolerate and more enjoyable. These symptoms are very much alike with the habits that can develop with the abuse of alcohol and tobacco. So needless to say without the abuse of pot, there really is no reason to keep it from ones life.
A major complication of marijuana use is the tendency on the part of some users to progress to more dangerous drugs. Marijuana is often called the "gateway drug." After prolonged use of the drug, the individual might feel the need for different or more intense drugs. They drug of choice after marijuana can depend on finances and area, for example, "Users in economically deprived areas usually go on to heroin, whereas more affluent individuals tend to move from marijuana to more potent hallucinogens such as LSD" (Adams 2).
One final negative aspect of legalizing marijuana is that many people claim there will be an increase in the amount of people who use and try it. That is simply not true. There is some evidence suggesting that drug use under a relaxed system might not increase at all, for example, "Many states have removed the penalties for marijuana possession that were on the books in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The change occurred during a reform movement that swept the nation in the mid 1970’s. Yet in spite of the less stringent laws, studies show that the use of marijuana in the affected states has, after an initial increase, declined. Although marijuana became easier to use (from a legal standpoint), it also became less popular" (Adams 2).
With all these benefits, why is marijuana still illegal. The positive effects of legalization clearly outweigh the negative effects. Think of how many things would benefit if marijuana was legal: the economy, trees, unemployment, the national debt, and people who need that extra help to relax and have a good time. We should take advantage of what the plant has to offer, and stop trying to prevent a couple of kids getting high.
Другие работы по теме:
Legalize It Essay Research Paper We should
Legalize It Essay, Research Paper We should legalize marijuana, because it causes more problems that it is illegal then it ever would if it were legal. I feel that the prohibition of marijuana is a
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Has the time
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Has the time come to legalize marijuana? Marijuana has been known to man for quite some time now and has been used for centuries. The Marijuana prohibition has been in effect since 1937 and continues today. The real question is, is it time that we as Americans reconsider this prohibition and look closer at the possible positive effects that marijuana can offer?
Marijuana Paper Essay Research Paper MarijuanaMarijuana is
Marijuana Paper Essay, Research Paper Marijuana Marijuana is an illegal narcotic drug and is a green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It is also known by its many slang names like pot, weed, Mary Jane, dope and chronic. The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Drugs Essay Research Paper How do we
Drugs Essay, Research Paper How do we define a drug? Who makes a drug illegal and why do they make it illegal? Marijuana is considered a drug; but why is it considered a drug? In this essay I hope to persuade you that marijuana doesn’t deserve the label it has been given. I will use several different examples that will prove to you that marijuana isn’t as harmful as people portray it to be.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Most users roll
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Most users roll loose marijuana into a cigarette commonly known as a “joint.” A typical joint contains between 0.5 and 1.0 gram of Marijuana plant matter, which varies in THC content between 5 and 150 milligrams. The drug also can be smoked in a pipe. One well-known type of water pipe is the bong.
Should Marijuana Be Used To Relieve Aids
Patients Essay, Research Paper AIDS is a disease that causes great pain to its sufferers and has no cure. People with AIDS must live much of the rest of their lives in agony because there are few effective treatments available for their pain. There is one treatment, however, that can give relief to AIDS patients and has been proven in studies to do so, but is illegal and cannot be used.
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper The
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare the issue of legalizing it from both sides. We have two factions fighting each other, those who are pro-marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. These two factions have been fighting on this issue in the halls of justice for years.
Marijuana 2 Essay Research Paper MarijuanaMarijuana is
Marijuana 2 Essay, Research Paper MarijuanaMarijuana is the name given to any drug made from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Different forms of this drug are known by different names all around the world. Some of these names are kif in Morocco, dagga in South Africa, and ganja in India. In the last decade marijuana has gotten many street names like grass, pot, tea, reefer, weed, and Mary Jane.
Wed2viewA Essay Research Paper Legalization of Marijuana
Wed2view(A) Essay, Research Paper Legalization of Marijuana—–The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare bothsides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two factions fighting each other ; onethose who are pro marijuana and those who are anti marijuana. These two factions have beenfighting on this issue on the halls of justice for years.
Teen Smoking Essay Research Paper Negative effects
Teen Smoking Essay, Research Paper Negative effects of Marijuana Marijuana is the least harmful drug, but it does have negative health effects. Though moderate users of marijuana are taking less risks than a moderate
The Drug War Essay Research Paper Everyday
The Drug War Essay, Research Paper Everyday someone is thrown in state prison for anywhere from 3 years to life for the “illegal” use of the drug known as marijuana. It has come down to it that thousands of pounds of marijuana are smuggled over the border of Mexico and into the United States. Regardless of the fight or struggle of people to insure the so said safety of our younger generations from the use of these drugs more and more comes into the Unites States.
Drugs Essay Research Paper DrugsMarijuana is widely
Drugs Essay, Research Paper Drugs Marijuana is widely available in the black market. It has a slew of names, the most popular being pot and grass. It is in actuality a weed and will grow anywhere. An example of this is in New York a special kind of pot grows there its called New York White. It gets its name from the white hue in its leaves.
Marijuana Legalization Essay Research Paper I personally
Marijuana Legalization Essay, Research Paper I personally don?t smoke marijuana I?ll admit I tried it once but quickly rethought my decision after having the feelings that my lungs were going to collapse and my throat was on fire. However I have more friends that partake is smoking marijuana than not, in truth at least 75% of my friends are smokers.
Weed Essay Research Paper The Marijuana Reform
Weed Essay, Research Paper The Marijuana Reform Party believes: That adults who choose to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes should not be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.
Legalizing Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalizing MarijuanaMarijuana
Legalizing Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana becoming legal is a topic every American should agree on. The reason being is it would benefit Americans in three ways; there would be less crowding in jails, it would create more tax income, and it would cut down the amount of crime in the country.
Legalizing Marijuanna Essay Research Paper Legalizing MarijuanaThe
Legalizing Marijuanna Essay, Research Paper Legalizing Marijuana The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare both sides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two opposite opinions fighting each other, those who are pro marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. These two sides have been fighting on this issue for years.
Should Medicinal Marijuana Essay Research Paper
Weeding Through the Debate: Should Medicinal Marijuana be Legal? Legalize Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes The debate is hot. Each side has its argument and is ready to fire away with statistics and
Medical Marijuana Essay Research Paper On November
Medical Marijuana Essay, Research Paper On November 5, 1996, Californians voiced their honest opinion. Californians voted yes on a very controversial proposition – proposition 215. This law allows doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with diseases that have severe symptoms. For example, cancer patients that undergo chemo-therapy and suffer from severe nausea and aching can benefit from smoking marijuana.
Legalizing Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalizing marijuana
Legalizing Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalizing marijuana What this can’t be true, marijuana can’t be good for you it causes asthma and bronchitis. Oh wait I almost forgot thats just another misconception of marijuana in truth it is actually good for people suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Yeah right, this wonder of a drug isn’t only not bad for you, but it can actually promote good health.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Marijuana also called
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana (also called mary-jane, pot, grass, weed, doobey and reefer) is the most commonly used illegal street drug in North America. Marijuana is a depressant. It is one of the cheapest illegal drugs in the world. It is also one of the easiest drugs to get. Because of this it is one of the most dangerous drugs.
Weed Essay Research Paper WeedWether you call
Weed Essay, Research Paper Weed Wether you call it Hemp, Mary Jane, Pot, Weed; it doesn’t matter. It is still Cannabis Sativa, or cannabis for short. And it is still illegal. The use of
Legalization Of Marijuana 5 Essay Research Paper
Legalization of Marijuana Legalization of Marijuana has quickly become a controversial issue in America. In the United States, legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes is spreading to the state level. For example, in November 1996, the people of California and Arizona voted to legalize marijuana for medicinal reasons.
Legalize It Essay Research Paper In the
Legalize It Essay, Research Paper In the words of Peter Tosh “legalize it do not criticize it!” Marijuana Should ve legalized for medicinal, recreational, and religioys purposes. Legalization has been a big issus for the last couple of years. Arizona and Califouria have both instated medical Marijuana laws.These laws are a huge step for universal legalization.
Why It Should Be Legal Essay Research
Paper Why Marijuana Should be Legal For my final paper I am going to do it on why marijuana should be legal. I will provide factual information that will prove that there are more reasons that it should be legal than illegal. Using studies done by doctors and scientist that prove that it is used to cure many illnesses and medical conditions.
Mary Jane The Devil Weed Essay Research
Paper Mary Jane: The Devil Weed ABSTRACT: This paper, entitled “Mary Jane: The Devil Weed?” attempts to examine what we know about marijuana and what problems are associated with its
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper I for
Legalize Marijuana Essay, Research Paper I, for one, believe that Marijuana should be legalized. I have several reasons for this, the main one is that it would almost completely eliminate the crime and other
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper Should Marijuana 2
Legalize Marijuana? Essay, Research Paper Should Marijuana be Legalized? The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare both sides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two factions fighting each other; one those who are pro marijuana and those who are anti marijuana. These two factions have been fighting on this issue for many, many years.
Should Marijuana Be Legalized Essay Research Paper 2
Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay, Research Paper Should Marijuana be Legalized? Aaron Roberts Mr. Marshall 4/5/00 Marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana s composition is complex, and has a number of physiological effects. Also, a reason for marijuana legalization is the potential wealth of health benefits that have largely been ignored (www.howardcc.edu).
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper MarijuanaLegalize itOne
Legalize Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana?Legalize it? One question that has haunted Americans for a long time is ?Should the use of marijuana be legalized?? Some say, ?Yes?, while others say, ?No?. Owning marijuana was made a criminal offence in 1937 when Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act.
Legalize Hemp Essay Research Paper Legalize HempLegally
Legalize Hemp Essay, Research Paper Legalize Hemp! Legally defined, marijuana consists of the dried leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa. Cannabis is one of the most ancient and historically important of cultivated plants. Hemp or Cannabis has been cultivated for at least 6000 years (Frank 3).
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalize marijuanaFor
Legalize Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalize marijuana For the past 30 years there has been an issue throughout the United States on whether marijuana should be legalized. Supporters believe marijuana legalization would decrease drug-related crime while also posing a new drug for medicinal purposes.
Why I Think They Should Legalize Pot
Essay, Research Paper Why I Think They Should Legalize Pot By Hagbard Celine There has recently been lots of contreversy over whether they should legalize marijuana, or not. I think they should, and there is lots of important
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalization
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalization of medical marijuana This act may be cited as the ? legalization of marijuana? Sec. 1 This bill will be for the well being of the pain stricken patients in our nation’s hospitals, a doctor that will decide if a patient is illegible to receive marijuana.