Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalization

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Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: Marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Paragraph 1:

Marijuana has not caused turmoil in some of the countries where it has been legalized.

  • Marijuana does not increase violent, and property crimes as many suggest.
  • Studies reveal that in Colorado, violent crimes have declined following the legalization of marijuana.

Paragraph 2:

Prohibiting use of marijuana does not limit its consumption.

  • In spite of the many laws prohibiting the use of marijuana, it is one of the most highly abused drugs.
  • 58% of young people from all over the world use marijuana.
  • It has not been attributed to any health complications.

Paragraph 3:

Legalization of marijuana would help state governments save taxpayers money.

  • Governments spend lots of funds on law enforcement agencies that uphold laws restricting the use of marijuana.
  • They also spend vast sums of money on sustaining arrested dealers and consumers in prison.
  • Legalizing marijuana would result in saving vast sums of money.

Paragraph 4:

Marijuana is less noxious than other legal substances.

  • Marijuana has less health side effects than other legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
  • Alcohol is 114 times more destructive than marijuana.

Paragraph 5:

Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits.

  • Marijuana helps stop seizures in epileptic patients.
  • It helps stop nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .

Paragraph 6:

Marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever.

  • Marijuana relieves stress and depression in their users by causing excitement.
  • Its use reduces violence and deaths related to stress and depression.

Conclusion.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana existent in the modern world. People have continued to ignore health benefits linked to this substance citing their unproven beliefs. Owing to its ability to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals governments should highly consider marijuana legalization. Its legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from maintaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption.

Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay

The argument that marijuana use should be made legal has gained momentum both in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world in recent years. This has seen the drug being legalized in some states in the U.S. such that by 2013, twenty states had legalized medical marijuana. As of the same year, Colorado and Washington had legalized recreational marijuana. The arguments behind the push for legalization majorly revolve around the idea that the drug has medicinal effects. However, there are also arguments that there are serious health effects associated with the drug and this has only further fueled the already raging debate. This paper argues that marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Marijuana has not caused any notable negative effects in countries where it has been legalized. There is a general belief that marijuana consumers are violent. However, no authentic research can prove these assertions. As already seen, some states in the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. In spite of this, no cases of marijuana-related violence have been recorded so far in such states (Markol, 2018). Reports reveal that the rate of violence and property crimes have decreased in Colorado following the legalization of the drug. If marijuana does not increase violent crimes, there is no reason as to why it should not be legalized.

It is also noteworthy that prohibiting marijuana use does not limit its consumption. Less than 10% of countries in the world prevent the use of marijuana, but according to research, 58% of young people in most of these countries are marijuana users (Head, 2016). General reports reveal that marijuana is one of most commonly abused drug in the world. It is also readily available in most states as it is a naturally growing plant (Head, 2016). In spite of its continued use, there are few cases, if any, of marijuana-related health complications that have been reported in any of these countries (Head, 2016). Therefore, if the illegality of marijuana does not limit its consumption, then state governments should consider its legalization.

Legalization of marijuana would further help state governments save taxpayers’ money. It is widely known that in countries where marijuana is illegal, authorities are stringent and will arrest any individual found in possession of the drug (Sanger, 2017). However, as earlier mentioned, laws prohibiting the use of the drug do not prevent its consumption, and this means that many people are arrested and prosecuted for possessing it (Sanger, 2017). State governments therefore use a lot of funds to support law enforcement agencies that seek to uphold laws prohibiting the use of marijuana (Sanger, 2017). Many people have been arrested and incarcerated for either possessing or consuming the drug, and the government has to use taxpayers’ money to sustain such people in prison. Since these actions do not limit consumption of marijuana, state governments should legalize the drug so as to save taxpayers money.

Another advantage of marijuana is that it is less noxious than other legal substances. According to research, marijuana is the least harmful drug among the many legal drugs existent in the world today (Owen, 2014). There are millions of campaigns every year cautioning people against smoking cigarettes, but there has been none seeking to warn people about marijuana consumption (Owen, 2014). Lobby groups have even been making efforts to push for legalization of marijuana. If marijuana had severe health effects as many purport, state governments would be investing heavily in campaigns aimed at discouraging its consumption (Owen, 2014). According to studies, alcohol, which is legal in many countries, is 114 times more harmful than marijuana (Owen, 2014). Therefore, if such harmful substances can be legalized, then there are no justifications as to why marijuana should not be legalized.

Further, marijuana has been proven to have medicinal benefits. Several countries, particularly in Europe, and the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. Their move to legalize marijuana was based on medical reports that showed a variety of health benefits linked to the drug (Noonan, 2017). Research shows that marijuana can reduce seizures in epileptic persons. Several studies have also proven that the drug indeed has a variety of health benefits. For instance, Charlotte Figi, who is now aged 10, used to have more than 100 seizures every month at age three, but since Colorado legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana, her parents started treating her with the substance, and today her seizures have significantly reduced (Noonan, 2017). Marijuana has as well been proven to reduce nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Owing to this medicinal value, state governments should consider legalizing the drug.

Additionally, marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever. Consumption of the drug causes excitement among its users enabling them to forget about troubling situations. Unlike alcohol which is likely to aggravate stress and depression, marijuana works wonders in alleviating anxiety and depression (Sanger, 2017). There are many health and social effects associated with stress, including mental disorders and violence against others (Sanger, 2017). To avoid cases of stress-related violence and mental disorders, state governments should make marijuana consumption legal.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana in the world today. People have continued to ignore the health benefits linked with this substance and have instead focused on citing yet-to-be proven misconceptions. Owing to the ability of the drug to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals, governments should seriously consider its legalization. The legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from sustaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption. So far, there is more than enough evidence proving that marijuana has lots of benefits to individuals, the society, and the government, and therefore should be legalized.

Head, T. (2016). “8 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. ThoughtCo . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.thoughtco.com/reasons-why-marijuana-should-be-legalized-721154

Markol, T. (2018). “5 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. Marijuana Reform . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from http://marijuanareform.org/5-reasons-marijuana-legalized/

Noonan, D. (2017). “Marijuana treatment reduces severe epileptic seizures”. Scientific American . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/marijuana-treatment-reduces-severe-epileptic-seizures/

Owen, P. (2014). “6 powerful reasons to legalize marijuana”. New York Times . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.alternet.org/drugs/6-powerful-reasons-new-york-times-says-end-marijuana-prohibition

Sanger, B. (2017). “10 legit reasons why weed should be legalized right now”. Herb . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://herb.co/marijuana/news/reasons-weed-legalized

Why Marijuana Should be Legal Essay Outline

Thesis:  Marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells.

  • Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer.
  • In an experiment, researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with Cannabidiol.

Marijuana helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy.

  • Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains and nausea.
  • This can further complicate their health.
  • Marijuana can stir up their appetite, decrease nausea, and reduce pain.

Paragraph  3:

Marijuana can control epileptic seizure.

  • Marijuana extract stopped seizures in epileptic rats in ten hours.
  • The seizures were controlled by the THC.

Disadvantages of Marijuana

Marijuana is addictive.

  • One in ten marijuana users become addicted over time.
  • If one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms.

Marijuana use decreases mental health.

  • Users suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain.
  • Users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia.

Marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking .

  • Marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer.
  • The likelihood of lung cancer can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal

Paragraph 7:

Improved quality and safety control.

  • Legalization would lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control.
  • Users would know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer.
  • There would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana.

Paragraph 8:

Marijuana has a medicinal value.

  • Medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions.
  • Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain.  

Paragraph 9: 

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving.

  • This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it is a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes.
  • It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

Legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay

There is an ongoing tension between the belief that marijuana effectively treats a wide range of ailments and the argument that it has far-reaching negative health effects. There has nevertheless been a drive towards legalization of the drug in the United States with twenty nine states and the District of Columbia having legalized it for medical and recreational purposes. It was also found by a study that there is a sharp increase in the use of marijuana across the country (Kerr, Lui & Ye, 2017). Major public health concerns are being prompted by this rise. This should however not be the case because marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells. A study found that Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer. A 2007 report by researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco also indicated that the spread of cancer may be prevented by Cannabidiol. In their lab experiment, the researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with this component (Nawaz, 2017). The positive outcome of the experiment showed that Id-1 expression had been significantly decreased.

Marijuana also helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains, appetite loss, vomiting, and painful nausea. This can further complicate their already deteriorating health. Marijuana can be of help here by stirring up the appetite, decreasing nausea, and reducing pain (Nawaz, 2017). There are also other cannabinoid drugs used for the same purposes as approved by the FDA.

It was additionally shown by a 2003 study that the use of marijuana can control epileptic seizure. Synthetic marijuana and marijuana extracts were given to epileptic rats by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robert J. DeLorenzo. In about ten hours, the seizures had been stopped by the drugs (Nawaz, 2017). It was found that the seizures were controlled by the THC which bound the brain cells responsible for regulating relaxation and controlling excitability.

Some scientists claim that marijuana is addictive. According to them, one in ten marijuana users become addicted over time. They argue that if one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms as anxiety and irritability (Barcott, 2015). However, the same argument could be applied to cigarette smoking, which is notably legal. There is need for more studies to be conducted into this claim being spread by opponents of marijuana legalization.

It is also argued that marijuana use decreases mental health. Those opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana like to cite studies that show that users of the drug suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain. They also argue that users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia. However, these assertions have not yet been completely ascertained by science (Barcott, 2015). The claim about depression and schizophrenia is particularly not clear because researchers are not sure whether the drug triggers the conditions or it is used by smokers to alleviate the symptoms.

It is further claimed that marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking. It is presumed that marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer. The likelihood of lung cancer, according to this argument, can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens. However, the argument touches not on the frequency of use between marijuana and cigarette smokers (Barcott, 2015). It neither takes into account such alternative administration methods as edibles, tinctures, and vaporizing.

Legalization of marijuana would lead to improved quality and safety control. Purchasing the drug off the street provides end users with no means of knowing what they are exactly getting. On the other hand, legalizing it would immediately lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). This would certainly work in the marijuana industry just as it is working in the tobacco and alcohol industries. Users would be able to know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer. Additionally, there would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana sold on the streets.

Marijuana should also be legal because it has a medicinal value. It has been proven that medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions. These include problems due to chemotherapy, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain if medical cannabis products were made available to those suffering from the mentioned conditions. Consequently, more public funds would be available for such other public service initiatives as schools and roads.

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving. This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it has already been cited to be a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes. Among the surveys those arguing along this line might cite is one that was conducted back in 2010, revealing that of the participating weekend night-time drivers, “8.6 percent tested positive for marijuana or its metabolites” (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It was found in yet another study that 26.9% of drivers who were being attended to at a trauma center after sustaining serious injuries tested positive for the drug (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

As the discussion reveals, legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people. There are also other health conditions that can be controlled through the drug. Arguments against its legalization based on its effects on human health also lack sufficient scientific support. It is thus only safe that the drug is legalized in all states.

Barcott, B. (2015).  Weed the people: the future of legal marijuana in America . New York, NY: Time Home Entertainment.

Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2016).  Marijuana legalization: what everyone needs to know . New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Kerr, W., Lui, C., & Ye, Y. (2017). Trends and age, period and cohort effects for marijuana use prevalence in the 1984-2015 US National Alcohol Surveys.  Addiction ,  113 (3), 473-481.

Nawaz, H. (2017).  The debate between legalizing marijuana and its benefits for medical purposes: a pros and cons analysis . Munich, Germany: GRIN Verlag.

Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana. (2010). In  CNBC . Retrieved June 25, 2020 from  https://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223 .

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The arguments for and against marijuana legalization in the u.s. [infographic].

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Towards the end of last year, a Gallup poll found that U.S. public support for marijuana legalization surged to 66%. Especially noteworthy was a newfound majority support for legalization among Republicans and Americans aged 55 and older. The increasing popularity behind the notion of giving pot the green light raises an obvious yet seldom asked question: why do people want to legalize it? Gallup recently released more polling about marijuana , this time focusing on the arguments for and against legalization.

86% of supporters say that the medicinal benefits of marijuana are a very important reason for legalization. Freeing up law enforcement to focus on other types of crime is cited as a very important reason by 70% of respondents while 60% say it's a matter of freedom and personal choice. Given that Colorado passed $1 billion in marijuana state revenue this week, how did the survey's respondents feel about the economic benefits of the drug? Gallup found that just over half of supporters, 56%, say that tax revenue for state and local governments is a very important reason for legalization.

When the roughly one-third of Americans opposing legalization were asked about the most important reasons for keeping legal marijuana out of circulation, driver safety was the chief reason. 79% said that an increase in the number of accidents involving drivers using marijuana is a major reason for their opposition. Those opposed also fear a general increase in drug usage with "leading people to use stronger and more addictive drugs" and legal marijuana "encouraging more people to use it" cited as very important reasons for opposition by 69% and 62% of opponents respectively.

* Click below to enlarge (charted by  Statista )

U.S. marijuana supporters/opponents views on marijuana legalization

Niall McCarthy

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2018 Theses Doctoral

Essays on Cannabis Legalization

Thomas, Danna Kang

Though the drug remains illegal at the federal level, in recent years states and localities have increasingly liberalized their marijuana laws in order to generate tax revenue and save resources on marijuana law enforcement. Many states have adopted some form of medical marijuana and/or marijuana decriminalization laws, and as of 2017, Washington, Colorado, Maine, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alaska, and the District of Columbia have all legalized marijuana for recreational use. In 2016 recreational marijuana generated over $1.8 billion in sales. Hence, studying marijuana reforms and the policies and outcomes of early recreational marijuana adopters is an important area of research. However, perhaps due to the fact that legalized recreational cannabis is a recent phenomenon, a scarcity of research exists on the impacts of recreational cannabis legalization and the efficacy and efficiency of cannabis regulation. This dissertation aims to fill this gap, using the Washington recreational marijuana market as the primary setting to study cannabis legalization in the United States. Of first order importance in the regulation of sin goods such as cannabis is quantifying the value of the marginal damages of negative externalities. Hence, Chapter 1 (co-authored with Lin Tian) explores the impact of marijuana dispensary location on neighborhood property values, exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in marijuana retailer location. Policymakers and advocates have long expressed concerns that the positive effects of the legalization--e.g., increases in tax revenue--are well spread spatially, but the negative effects are highly localized through channels such as crime. Hence, we use changes in property values to measure individuals' willingness to pay to avoid localized externalities caused by the arrival of marijuana dispensaries. Our key identification strategy is to compare changes in housing sales around winners and losers in a lottery for recreational marijuana retail licenses. (Due to location restrictions, license applicants were required to provide an address of where they would like to locate.) Hence, we have the locations of both actual entrants and potential entrants, which provides a natural difference-in-differences set-up. Using data from King County, Washington, we find an almost 2.4% decrease in the value of properties within a 0.5 mile radius of an entrant, a $9,400 decline in median property values. The aforementioned retail license lottery was used to distribute licenses due to a license quota. Retail license quotas are often used by states to regulate entry into sin goods markets as quotas can restrict consumption by decreasing access and by reducing competition (and, therefore, increasing markups). However, license quotas also create allocative inefficiency. For example, license quotas are often based on the population of a city or county. Hence, licenses are not necessarily allocated to the areas where they offer the highest marginal benefit. Moreover, as seen in the case of the Washington recreational marijuana market, licenses are often distributed via lottery, meaning that in the absence of an efficiency secondary market for licenses, the license recipients are not necessarily the most efficient potential entrants. This allocative inefficiency is generated by heterogeneity in firms and consumers. Therefore, in Chapter 2, I develop a model of demand and firm pricing in order to investigate firm-level heterogeneity and inefficiency. Demand is differentiated by geography and incorporates consumer demographics. I estimate this demand model using data on firm sales from Washington. Utilizing the estimates and firm pricing model, I back out a non-parametric distribution of firm variable costs. These variable costs differ by product and firm and provide a measure of firm inefficiency. I find that variable costs have lower inventory turnover; hence, randomly choosing entrants in a lottery could be a large contributor to allocative inefficiency. Chapter 3 explores the sources of allocative inefficiency in license distribution in the Washington recreational marijuana market. A difficulty in studying the welfare effects of license quotas is finding credible counterfactuals of unrestricted entry. Therefore, I take a structural approach: I first develop a three stage model that endogenizes firm entry and incorporates the spatial demand and pricing model discussed in Chapter 2. Using the estimates of the demand and pricing model, I estimate firms' fixed costs and use data on locations of those potential entrants that did not win Washington's retail license lottery to simulate counterfactual entry patterns. I find that allowing firms to enter freely at Washington's current marijuana tax rate increases total surplus by 21.5% relative to a baseline simulation of Washington's license quota regime. Geographic misallocation and random allocation of licenses account for 6.6\% and 65.9\% of this difference, respectively. Moreover, as the primary objective of these quotas is to mitigate the negative externalities of marijuana consumption, I study alternative state tax policies that directly control for the marginal damages of marijuana consumption. Free entry with tax rates that keep the quantity of marijuana or THC consumed equal to baseline consumption increases welfare by 6.9% and 11.7%, respectively. I also explore the possibility of heterogeneous marginal damages of consumption across geography, backing out the non-uniform sales tax across geography that is consistent with Washington's license quota policy. Free entry with a non-uniform sales tax increases efficiency by over 7% relative to the baseline simulation of license quotas due to improvements in license allocation.

  • Cannabis--Law and legislation
  • Marijuana industry
  • Drug legalization
  • Drugs--Economic aspects

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Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is typically consumed for its mind-altering effects, which can induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered sensory perception. The plant contains various chemical compounds called cannabinoids, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most well-known and responsible for its psychoactive properties.

Marijuana legalization in the United States refers to the process of legalizing the recreational and/or medicinal use of marijuana at the state level. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant shift in public opinion and policy towards marijuana, leading to various states enacting their own laws to regulate its use. The movement towards marijuana legalization gained momentum in the 1990s with the passage of medical marijuana laws in California and other states. These laws allowed patients with certain medical conditions to access marijuana for therapeutic purposes. Since then, many states have followed suit, legalizing medical marijuana and establishing regulated systems for cultivation, distribution, and consumption. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the legalization of recreational marijuana. As of now, several states, including Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and California, have legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults. These states have implemented strict regulatory frameworks to control its production, sale, and use. It's important to note that while some states have legalized marijuana, it remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. This has created a complex legal landscape, with variations in regulations and enforcement across different jurisdictions.

The historical context of marijuana legalization in the world and the United States is marked by changing perceptions, legal battles, and evolving social attitudes. Globally, the prohibition of marijuana can be traced back to the early 20th century when various countries, influenced by international treaties, criminalized its use. However, in recent decades, several countries have started to challenge this approach. The Netherlands, for example, adopted a tolerant stance towards marijuana in the 1970s, allowing small quantities to be sold and consumed in designated coffee shops. Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize marijuana in 2013, followed by Canada in 2018. In the United States, marijuana was criminalized with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937. The federal government classified it as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, considering it to have no medical value and a high potential for abuse. However, starting in the 1990s, a wave of states began to pass medical marijuana laws to allow its use for medicinal purposes. This paved the way for further changes, and as of 2021, recreational marijuana is legal in several states, with more considering or implementing similar measures.

Public opinion on marijuana legalization has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While marijuana was once heavily stigmatized and associated with criminality, the general attitude towards its legalization has become more favorable. Polls and surveys consistently show that a majority of Americans now support the legalization of marijuana. Public opinion has shifted primarily due to changing perceptions of marijuana's potential benefits and a reevaluation of the social and economic consequences of its prohibition. Supporters argue that marijuana legalization can generate tax revenue, create job opportunities, and redirect law enforcement resources towards more pressing issues. They also highlight the medicinal properties of marijuana, advocating for its use as a treatment option for various conditions. Opponents, on the other hand, express concerns about the potential risks associated with marijuana use, particularly among young people. They worry about increased accessibility, impaired driving, and the potential for marijuana to serve as a gateway drug.

1. Medicinal benefits: Marijuana has proven medical benefits for conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and nausea associated with chemotherapy. 2. Economic opportunities: Legalizing marijuana can create a new industry, generate tax revenue, and create jobs. 3. Individual freedom: Advocates emphasize that adults should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, including the choice to use marijuana responsibly. 4. Criminal justice reform: Marijuana legalization would help reduce arrests and convictions related to marijuana possession, alleviating the burden on the criminal justice system and addressing racial disparities in law enforcement. 5. Regulation and safety: Legalization allows for the regulation of marijuana production, quality control, and sales. This would help ensure product safety, discourage the use of illicit substances, and promote responsible consumption.

1. Health risks: Marijuana use can have negative health effects, including respiratory problems, cognitive impairment, and addiction. 2. Gateway drug: Marijuana can serve as a gateway drug, potentially leading to the use of more dangerous substances. 3. Impaired driving: Legalization may lead to an increase in impaired driving incidents, posing risks to public safety. 4. Youth exposure: Legalization may make marijuana more accessible to minors. 5. Public health and societal costs:Marijuana legalization could lead to increased healthcare costs, workplace productivity issues, and other social problems.

In recent years, there has been an increase in media coverage that highlights the potential benefits and challenges of marijuana legalization. Documentaries like "Weed" by CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta and "The Culture High" shed light on the medical uses of marijuana and the impact of prohibition on individuals and communities. News outlets have covered various aspects of marijuana legalization, including its economic impact, public health concerns, and criminal justice reform. Publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post have published opinion pieces and investigative reports discussing the pros and cons of legalization. Popular TV shows like "Weeds" and "High Maintenance" have depicted the marijuana industry and its cultural influence, showcasing both positive and negative aspects. Additionally, social media platforms have provided a space for diverse voices and perspectives on marijuana legalization. Online discussions, podcasts, and YouTube channels have emerged, allowing individuals to share their experiences and opinions.

1. According to a report by New Frontier Data, the legal cannabis industry in the United States was projected to generate $30 billion in annual sales by 2025, creating numerous job opportunities and contributing to tax revenues. 2. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2021 found that 91% of Americans believed marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, indicating a significant increase in support over the years. 3. In states where marijuana is legal, there has been a decrease in marijuana-related arrests, reducing the burden on the legal system and freeing up resources for more serious crimes. For example, a study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that states with legalized medical marijuana experienced a 20% decrease in arrests for possession of marijuana.

The topic of marijuana legalization is important to write an essay about due to its multifaceted impact on society, economy, and public health. With shifting attitudes and changing laws surrounding marijuana, understanding the implications of its legalization is crucial. Firstly, marijuana legalization has significant social and criminal justice implications. It affects the lives of individuals who use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, as well as those who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Exploring the social justice aspects, such as racial disparities in marijuana-related arrests and convictions, can shed light on the need for equitable policies. Secondly, the economic impact of marijuana legalization is noteworthy. Legalizing and regulating the cannabis industry can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and generate tax revenue. Analyzing the economic benefits and potential challenges, such as market competition and taxation, can provide insights into the broader economic landscape. Lastly, the public health implications of marijuana legalization cannot be overlooked. Studying the effects of marijuana on physical and mental health, as well as its potential therapeutic uses, can inform public health policies and interventions.

1. Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. A. R. (2016). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press. 2. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. The National Academies Press. 3. Pacula, R. L., Kilmer, B., Wagenaar, A. C., & Chaloupka, F. J. (Eds.). (2014). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 4. ProCon.org. (2021). Should marijuana be a medical option? Retrieved from https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/ 5. Caulkins, J. P., & Bond, B. M. (2019). The marijuana legalization paradox. Addiction, 114(9), 1614-1620. 6. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). State medical marijuana laws. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Marijuana and public health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/index.htm 8. Rosenthal, E. (2013). The big book of buds: Marijuana varieties from the world's great seed breeders. Quick Trading Company. 9. Caulkins, J. P., Hawken, A., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. A. R. (2012). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press. 10. Drug Policy Alliance. (2021). Marijuana legalization and regulation. Retrieved from https://drugpolicy.org/marijuana-legalization-and-regulation

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  • In Debate Over Legalizing Marijuana, Disagreement Over Drug’s Dangers

In Their Own Words: Supporters and Opponents of Legalization

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Survey Report

Opinion on Legalizing Marijuana: 1969-2015

Public opinion about legalizing marijuana, while little changed in the past few years, has undergone a dramatic long-term shift. A new survey finds that 53% favor the legal use of marijuana, while 44% are opposed.  As recently as 2006, just 32% supported marijuana legalization, while nearly twice as many (60%) were opposed.

Millennials (currently 18-34) have been in the forefront of this change: 68% favor legalizing marijuana use, by far the highest percentage of any age cohort. But across all generations –except for the Silent Generation (ages 70-87) – support for legalization has risen sharply over the past decade.

The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted March 25-29 among 1,500 adults, finds that supporters of legalizing the use of marijuana are far more likely than opponents to say they have changed their mind on this issue.

Supporters of Legalization More Likely Than Opponents to Have Changed Minds

Among the public overall, 30% say they support legalizing marijuana use and have always felt that way, while 21% have changed their minds; they say there was a time when they thought it should be illegal. By contrast, 35% say they oppose legalization and have always felt that way; just 7% have changed their minds from supporting to opposing legalization.

When asked, in their own words, why they favor or oppose legalizing marijuana, people on opposite sides of the issue offer very different perspectives. But a common theme is the danger posed by marijuana: Supporters of legalization mention its perceived health benefits, or see it as no more dangerous than other drugs. To opponents, it is a dangerous drug, one that inflicts damage on people and society more generally.

Many Supporters of Legalization Cite Marijuana’s Health Benefits

The most frequently cited reasons for supporting the legalization of marijuana are its medicinal benefits (41%) and the belief that marijuana is no worse than other drugs (36%) –with many explicitly mentioning that they think it is no more dangerous than alcohol or cigarettes.

With four states and Washington, D.C. having passed measures to permit the use of marijuana for personal use, 27% of supporters say legalization would lead to improved regulation of marijuana and increased tax revenues. About one-in-ten (12%) cite the costs and problems of enforcing marijuana laws or say simply that people should be free to use marijuana (9%).

Why Should Marijuana Be Legal? Voices of Supporters

Main reason you support legalizing use of marijuana…

“My grandson was diagnosed with epilepsy a year ago and it has been proven that it helps with the seizures.” Female, 69

“I think crime would be lower if they legalized marijuana. It would put the drug dealers out of business.” Female, 62

“Because people should be allowed to have control over their body and not have the government intervene in that.” Male, 18

“I think that we would have more control over it by allowing a federal agency to tax and regulate it like alcohol.” Male, 25

Opponents of Legal Marijuana Cite Dangers to Individuals and Society

The most frequently mentioned reason why people oppose legalization is that marijuana generally hurts society and is bad for individuals (43% say this). And while many supporters of legalization say that marijuana is less dangerous than other drugs, 30% of opponents have the opposite view: They point to the dangers of marijuana, including the possibility of abuse and addiction.

About one-in-five opponents of legalization (19%) say marijuana is illegal and needs to be policed, 11% say it is a gateway to harder drugs and 8% say it is especially harmful to young people. A small share of opponents (7%) say that while the recreational use of marijuana should be illegal, they do not object to legalizing medical marijuana. 1

Why Should Marijuana Be Illegal? Voices of Opponents

Main reason you oppose legalizing use of marijuana…

“It’s a drug and it has considerable side effects. It should not be used recreationally, only for medicinal use.” Female, 20

“It’s a drug that makes you stupid. It affects your judgment and motor skills and in the long term it makes you lazy.” Male, 52

“It gets too many people on drugs. It would put too many drugs on the street, we don’t need that.” Male, 84

“I’m thinking of my child. I don’t want her to try this. I know it’s not good for her health or brain.” Female, 33

“We have enough addictive things that are already legal. We don’t need another one.” Male, 42

Current Opinion on Legalizing Marijuana

Whites and Blacks Favor Legalizing Marijuana; Hispanics Are Opposed

The pattern of opinion about legalizing marijuana has changed little in recent years. Beyond the wide generation gap in support for legalization, there continue to be demographic and partisan differences.

Majorities of blacks (58%) and whites (55%) favor legalizing marijuana, compared with just 40% of Hispanics. Men (57% favor) continue to be more likely than women (49%) to support legalization.

Nearly six-in-ten Democrats (59%) favor legalizing the use of marijuana, as do 58% of independents. That compares with just 39% of Republicans.

Both parties are ideologically divided over legalizing marijuana. Conservative Republicans oppose legalizing marijuana by roughly two-to-one (65% to 32%); moderate and liberal Republicans are divided (49% favor legalization, 50% are opposed).

Among Democrats, 75% of liberals say the use of marijuana should be legal compared with half (50%) of conservative and moderate Democrats.

Other Opinions: Federal Enforcement of Marijuana Laws

Broad Opposition to Fed Enforcement of Marijuana Laws in States Where Legal

The new survey also finds that as some states have legalized marijuana – placing them at odds with the federal prohibition against marijuana – a majority of Americans (59%) say that the federal government should not enforce laws in states that allow marijuana use; 37% say that they should enforce these laws. Views on federal enforcement of marijuana laws are unchanged since the question was first asked two years ago.

In contrast to overall attitudes about the legal use of marijuana, there are only modest differences in views across partisan groups: 64% of independents, 58% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans say that the federal government should not enforce federal marijuana laws in states that allow its use.

A substantial majority of those who say marijuana should be legal (78%) do not think the federal government should enforce federal laws in states that allow its use. Among those who think marijuana should be illegal, 59% say there should be federal enforcement in states that allow marijuana use, while 38% say there should not be.

Concerns About Marijuana Use

Most Would Be Bothered If People Used Marijuana in Public, But Not at Home

While most Americans support legalizing marijuana, there are concerns about public use of the drug, if it were to become legal. Overall, 62% say that if marijuana were legal it would bother them if people used it in public; just 33% say this would not bother them. Like overall views of legalizing marijuana, these views have changed little in recent years.

There is less concern about the possibility of a marijuana-related business opening legally in people’s own neighborhood: 57% say it would not bother them if a store or business selling marijuana opened legally in their neighborhood, while 41% say this would bother them.

And just 15% say they would be bothered if people used marijuana in their own homes; 82% say this would not bother them.

As might be expected, there are sharp differences in these concerns between people who favor and oppose legalizing marijuana. A large majority of opponents of marijuana legalization (85%) say they would be bothered by public use of the drug, if it were legal; about four-in-ten supporters (43%) also say they would be bothered by this. On the other hand, a majority of opponents of legalization (65%) say they would not be bothered if people used marijuana in their own homes; virtually all supporters of legalization (97%) would not be bothered by this.

And while 77% of those who oppose legalizing marijuana say, if it were legal, they would be bothered if a store or business selling marijuana opened in their neighborhood, just 12% of supporters of legalization say this would bother them.

About Half Say They Have Tried Marijuana

Have You Ever Tried Marijuana?

Overall, 49% say they have ever tried marijuana, while 51% say they have never done this. Self-reported experience with marijuana has shown no change over the past two years, but is higher than it was early last decade: In 2003, 38% said they had tried marijuana before, while 61% said they had not.

About a quarter of those who have tried marijuana (12% of the public overall) say they have used marijuana in the past year. Similar percentages reported using marijuana in the prior 12 months in two previous surveys, conducted in February 2014 and March 2013.

Women Less Likely Than Men to Say They Have Tried Marijuana

Men (56%) are 15 points more likely than women (41%) to say they have ever tried marijuana.

About half of whites (52%) and blacks (50%) say they have tried marijuana before. Among Hispanics, 36% say they have tried marijuana, while 63% say they have not.

Across generations, 59% of Baby Boomers say they’ve tried marijuana before; this compares with 47% of Generation Xers and 52% of Millennials. Among those in the Silent generation, only 19% say they have ever tried marijuana. Nearly a quarter of Millennials (23%) say they have used the drug in the past year, the highest share of any age cohort.

There is little difference in the shares of Democrats (48%) and Republicans (45%) who say they’ve tried marijuana. However, there are differences within each party by ideology. By a 61%-39% margin, most conservative Republicans say they have never tried marijuana. Among moderate and liberal Republicans, about as many say they have (52%) as have not (48%) tried marijuana before.

Among Democrats, liberals (58%) are more likely than conservatives and moderates (42%) to say they’ve tried marijuana.

While a majority of those who say marijuana should be legal say they’ve tried the drug before (65%), 34% of those who support legalization say they’ve never tried marijuana. Among those who say marijuana should be illegal, 29% say they have tried it before, while 71% say they have not.

  • These are volunteered responses among those who oppose legalizing marijuana. A 2013 poll found that, among the public overall, 77% said that marijuana had “legitimate medical uses.” ↩

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How to Write Legalization of Marijuana Essays

By: Angelina Grin

How to Write Legalization of Marijuana Essays

Since the legalization of marijuana has been a heated subject in recent years, many teachers give essay writing assignments on this to judge a student's knowledge of current affairs. Although you may have a basic understanding of what an essay on the legalization of marijuana is and how to write one, it is critical to continue to improve your research, composition, and essay structure. You can always build in some respects.

Essay Sample: Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

Health benefits of legalizing marijuana, negative effects of legalizing marijuana, use of medical studies, use of sub-headings and sub-points, references to use in the essay.

Studybay has provided a sample essay, its analysis, reviewed some essay fundamentals, and what the examiner will be looking for. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also seek   homework help . 

Marijuana is one most vehement adversaries in the war on drugs by Americans. And, given that alcohol and tobacco, two life-threatening drugs, are legal, it's fair to wonder why medical marijuana is prohibited. When taxpayers in America fill out their tax forms and hear the government's hash argument against marijuana, they will partially address this issue.

Marijuana, which is derived from Cannabis plants, is known by a variety of names. Marijuana has a variety of nicknames, ranging from cannabis to ganja to weed. Marijuana is made up of the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis plant. 

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary active ingredient in marijuana. It enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. This substance induces a state of relaxation in the body.

There have been several debates on whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Many people assume that this substance is toxic to the human body, but there is hard evidence to the contrary. Marijuana has real advantages that can outweigh the ostensibly negative consequences. Arguments for drug legalization began in the United States of America. It has been shown to have many medical benefits, including anxiety relief, pain relief, nausea relief, and the reduction of epileptic seizures. A significant number of states in the United States allow for the use of marijuana on a prescription basis.

Medical Cannabis is commonly used to treat sleeping problems, appetite deficiency, autism, and cancer therapies such as chemotherapy. Cannabis can also be used to cure anorexia until it is approved. Emotion and mood control are two immediate effects of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Marijuana has been shown to have mild side effects when used in controlled doses.

The legalization of marijuana is expected to improve the country's economic development. If state officials vote to legalize marijuana, they will save a lot of money for taxpayers. 

State officials spend a lot of money on the branches of law enforcement that are in charge of enforcing drug prohibition laws. Every year, thousands of people are prosecuted for either using or possessing marijuana, and governments pay vast sums of money to keep them locked up. Legalizing marijuana would save this money.

Marijuana has not caused any apparent harm in countries where cannabis has been legalized. Marijuana users are thought to be abusive, according to some stereotypes. However, there is no concrete evidence to back up this claim to date. In the United States, several states have allowed marijuana for both medicinal and recreational uses, with no harmful consequences. In contrast, Colorado has seen a decline in marijuana-related property destruction and crime.

Essay Analysis

The essay example above is a fairly insightful work that covers many of the essential facets of essay composition. There are, however, certain main segments and points that are required. The aspects that should have been included are as follows:

A Strong Argument

Since we don't necessarily agree with what's right or rational, a well-crafted argument will assist us in determining what's fair or real. It's used to resolve disagreements to find the facts. Argument shows us how to analyze competing theories, as well as how to evaluate proof and inquiry processes. Argument teaches one how to explain our views and express them clearly and objectively and how to respectfully and critically evaluate the ideas of others.

In the above sample, the following sections on the effects of marijuana can be added:

  • Pharmaceutical cannabis has been   shown in studies   to reduce nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy and almost entirely prevent vomiting.
  • Marijuana can help with muscle spasticity, which is   often linked to multiple sclerosis   and paralysis.
  • Marijuana can aid in the   treatment of appetite loss   caused by HIV/AIDS and some forms of cancers.
  • Certain forms of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, may be   relieved by marijuana .
  • When isolated, as CBD has been, these compounds can contribute to   further advances in medical treatment options   without the "high" provided by THC.
  • Regular usage of marijuana causes a   negative impact   on your short-term memory.
  • Smoking any substance, whether nicotine or marijuana,   will cause significant lung harm .
  • Due to drug abuse, marijuana has a high potential for violence and addiction.
  • Marijuana has been linked   to a large number of car collisions and industrial accidents.

No wild claims have been made. All the pros and cons are back up with solid evidence from studies and proper medical research journals. 

On this point, there are some vital benefits you should note while writing your essay:

  • It adds creativity and interest to your essay.
  • You have a lot of options for adding information.
  • Your essay would be 100% original.
  • Your ideas would be clearer and more efficient.

Headings describe the paper's main themes and supporting theories, subheadings, bullets, numbered lists, etc. They use visual cues to communicate significance levels. Readers can discern the key points from the others thanks to differences in text size.

For instance, in point 1, we see the sub-headings as 'Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana' further by sub-points in alphabetical order. 

The sample essay lacks a summary, an analysis, or a conclusion to the topic. The following paragraph could have been added as a conclusion:

While medical marijuana is still controversial, it is gaining popularity as a legal treatment option for several ailments. Although many states have approved cannabis for medical uses (and a few for commercial use), it would require more lawmakers and the federal government to make it accepted and sold around the country. However, proving or disproving the effectiveness of medical marijuana and eventually loosening the prohibitions on its use would almost certainly necessitate a much broader body of legal clinical study.

Additional Points

The following points can be expanded upon in this essay:

  • History of drug use in the medical history and as a recreational drug
  • Recreational purposes of marijuana
  • Decriminalization on the federal level
  • How to approach the marijuana-related drug policy
  • Other illegal drugs and their usage

You can also opt for   essay help   in covering the main points from professional services.

Here are some valuable research papers and sources to include and quote to get good grades:

  • FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
  • Legalization of Marijuana: Potential Impact on Youth
  • Experimenting with Pot: The State of Colorado's Legalization of Marijuana 
  • Legalizing Marijuana: California's Pot of Gold?   (Covers the economic benefits)
  • Medicinal and Recreational Marijuana Use by Patients Infected with HIV

After you've finished writing your cannabis Sativa legalization essay, be sure to address the following points:

  • The grammar and distinctiveness of the marijuana essay have been double-checked and revised.
  • A solid a backed up by ideas, arguments, and proof.
  • The overview and analysis of the research and opinions of other authors.
  • An introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion are all part of a coherent framework.

Keep in mind that you can get expert essay assistance from Studybay when writing your   research paper .

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The Evidence—and Lack Thereof—About Cannabis

Research is still needed on cannabis’s risks and benefits. 

Lindsay Smith Rogers

Although the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law, medicinal and recreational cannabis use has become increasingly widespread.

Thirty-eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical cannabis, while 23 states and D.C. have legalized recreational use. Cannabis legalization has benefits, such as removing the product from the illegal market so it can be taxed and regulated, but science is still trying to catch up as social norms evolve and different products become available. 

In this Q&A, adapted from the August 25 episode of Public Health On Call , Lindsay Smith Rogers talks with Johannes Thrul, PhD, MS , associate professor of Mental Health , about cannabis as medicine, potential risks involved with its use, and what research is showing about its safety and efficacy. 

Do you think medicinal cannabis paved the way for legalization of recreational use?

The momentum has been clear for a few years now. California was the first to legalize it for medical reasons [in 1996]. Washington and Colorado were the first states to legalize recreational use back in 2012. You see one state after another changing their laws, and over time, you see a change in social norms. It's clear from the national surveys that people are becoming more and more in favor of cannabis legalization. That started with medical use, and has now continued into recreational use.

But there is a murky differentiation between medical and recreational cannabis. I think a lot of people are using cannabis to self-medicate. It's not like a medication you get prescribed for a very narrow symptom or a specific disease. Anyone with a medical cannabis prescription, or who meets the age limit for recreational cannabis, can purchase it. Then what they use it for is really all over the place—maybe because it makes them feel good, or because it helps them deal with certain symptoms, diseases, and disorders.

Does cannabis have viable medicinal uses?

The evidence is mixed at this point. There hasn’t been a lot of funding going into testing cannabis in a rigorous way. There is more evidence for certain indications than for others, like CBD for seizures—one of the first indications that cannabis was approved for. And THC has been used effectively for things like nausea and appetite for people with cancer.

There are other indications where the evidence is a lot more mixed. For example, pain—one of the main reasons that people report for using cannabis. When we talk to patients, they say cannabis improved their quality of life. In the big studies that have been done so far, there are some indications from animal models that cannabis might help [with pain]. When we look at human studies, it's very much a mixed bag. 

And, when we say cannabis, in a way it's a misnomer because cannabis is so many things. We have different cannabinoids and different concentrations of different cannabinoids. The main cannabinoids that are being studied are THC and CBD, but there are dozens of other minor cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis products, all of varying concentrations. And then you also have a lot of different routes of administration available. You can smoke, vape, take edibles, use tinctures and topicals. When you think about the explosion of all of the different combinations of different products and different routes of administration, it tells you how complicated it gets to study this in a rigorous way. You almost need a randomized trial for every single one of those and then for every single indication.

What do we know about the risks of marijuana use?  

Cannabis use disorder is a legitimate disorder in the DSM. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people who develop a problematic use of cannabis. We know there are risks for mental health consequences. The evidence is probably the strongest that if you have a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, using cannabis early in adolescence is not the best idea. We know cannabis can trigger psychotic symptoms and potentially longer lasting problems with psychosis and schizophrenia. 

It is hard to study, because you also don't know if people are medicating early negative symptoms of schizophrenia. They wouldn't necessarily have a diagnosis yet, but maybe cannabis helps them to deal with negative symptoms, and then they develop psychosis. There is also some evidence that there could be something going on with the impact of cannabis on the developing brain that could prime you to be at greater risk of using other substances later down the road, or finding the use of other substances more reinforcing. 

What benefits do you see to legalization?

When we look at the public health landscape and the effect of legislation, in this case legalization, one of the big benefits is taking cannabis out of the underground illegal market. Taking cannabis out of that particular space is a great idea. You're taking it out of the illegal market and giving it to legitimate businesses where there is going to be oversight and testing of products, so you know what you're getting. And these products undergo quality control and are labeled. Those labels so far are a bit variable, but at least we're getting there. If you're picking up cannabis at the street corner, you have no idea what's in it. 

And we know that drug laws in general have been used to criminalize communities of color and minorities. Legalizing cannabis [can help] reduce the overpolicing of these populations.

What big questions about cannabis would you most like to see answered?

We know there are certain, most-often-mentioned conditions that people are already using medical cannabis for: pain, insomnia, anxiety, and PTSD. We really need to improve the evidence base for those. I think clinical trials for different cannabis products for those conditions are warranted.

Another question is, now that the states are getting more tax revenue from cannabis sales, what are they doing with that money? If you look at tobacco legislation, for example, certain states have required that those funds get used for research on those particular issues. To me, that would be a very good use of the tax revenue that is now coming in. We know, for example, that there’s a lot more tax revenue now that Maryland has legalized recreational use. Maryland could really step up here and help provide some of that evidence.

Are there studies looking into the risks you mentioned?

Large national studies are done every year or every other year to collect data, so we already have a pretty good sense of the prevalence of cannabis use disorder. Obviously, we'll keep tracking that to see if those numbers increase, for example, in states that are legalizing. But, you wouldn't necessarily expect to see an uptick in cannabis use disorder a month after legalization. The evidence from states that have legalized it has not demonstrated that we might all of a sudden see an increase in psychosis or in cannabis use disorder. This happens slowly over time with a change in social norms and availability, and potentially also with a change in marketing. And, with increasing use of an addictive substance, you will see over time a potential increase in problematic use and then also an increase in use disorder.

If you're interested in seeing if cannabis is right for you, is this something you can talk to your doctor about?

I think your mileage may vary there with how much your doctor is comfortable and knows about it. It's still relatively fringe. That will very much depend on who you talk to. But I think as providers and professionals, everybody needs to learn more about this, because patients are going to ask no matter what.

Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast , an editor for Expert Insights , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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Argumentative essay marijuana legalization

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Addiction (Abingdon, England)

To examine briefly the (i) rationales for two policy proposals in the United States to make it mandatory for cigarettes to contain very low levels of nicotine and to legalize cannabis for recreational use by adults; and (ii) possible lessons that participants in each policy debate may learn from each other. We briefly describe the diverging policies towards cannabis and tobacco in the United States, explain and critically analyse their rationales and discuss possible policy lessons. Advocates of cannabis legalization have argued that prohibition has been an ineffective and expensive policy that penalizes ethnic minority users unjustly of a drug that is far less harmful than alcohol. The prohibition of traditional tobacco cigarettes has been advocated as a way to eliminate cigarette smoking. These proposals embody very different attitudes towards the harms of recreational adult drug use. Advocates of nicotine prohibition demand that alternative methods of nicotine delivery must be sh...

argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

If caffeine and other such banalised psychoactive substances are left out of consideration, almost everywhere in Europe today cannabis is one of the 'big three'of psychoactive substances, along with alcohol and tobacco. Although the international drug control system applies continuing pressure against it, cannabis has taken on a semi-legal status in many parts of Europe, at least at the level of the user.

Anna Shahrour

Chloe Mutch

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)

John Strang

The Medical Journal of Australia

David Penington

World Medical & Health Policy

James A Swartz

Frontiers in psychiatry / Frontiers Research Foundation

Sunil Aggarwal

Healthcare Policy | Politiques de Santé

Tom Noseworthy

Rachel A Barry

Summary Points • The US states that have legalized retail marijuana are using US alcohol policies as a model for regulating retail marijuana, which prioritizes business interests over public health. • The history of major multinational corporations using aggressive marketing strategies to increase and sustain tobacco and alcohol use illustrates the risks of corporate domination of a legalized marijuana market. • To protect public health, marijuana should be treated like tobacco, not as the US treats alcohol: legal but subject to a robust demand reduction program modeled on successful evidence-based tobacco control programs. • Because marijuana is illegal in most places, jurisdictions worldwide (including other US states) considering legalization can learn from the US experience to shape regulations that prioritize public health over profits.

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Argumentative Essay on Legalization of Marijuana

Marijuana or is the name given to the cannabis plant and more specifically the drug that is prepared from it. Marijuana as a word has different uses, legal applications, and definition all over the world. The use of the drug is regulated in many countries. In the recent years, however, there has been mounting pressure on governments across the world to legalise the drug. A leading example is the U.S where the drug was recently legalised for medicinal use in some states. The legalisation debate draws many views from various factions of the society. We are going to explore some of those factors and argue out some of the points in regards to the thesis statement of this paper.

Thesis statement: The legalisation of marijuana will bring about the more responsible use and distribution of the drug.

To understand better the issues revolving around the legalisation of the drug, it is necessary to understand ho it ended up being illegal in the first place. One of the most common arguments against the legalisation of the drug in most governments is the irresponsible use of marijuana which results in the users developing a high tendency of crime and cease from socially responsible behaviour (Art, 29). This was the main argument that resulted in the legalisation of the drug back in the early 20th century. There is however not a proven fact since no previous studies have pointed to its correlation to the use of marijuana. The main campaign was aimed at derailing the influence brought about by Mexican immigrants following the Mexican revolution. The unfounded claims were spread by the media, leading to its illegalization.

Marijuana has mostly been associated with crime and the elevation of criminal activities. This is mostly due to the tendency of relative use by criminals. However, the argument posited mostly among the youth, and the middle-aged is that it can be used as an analgesic and also as a stress reliever. In as much as many criminals use the drug it is by no means a connotation that the drug causes criminal tendencies since the legalisation policy has worked in Jamaica where fairly normal individuals make use of marijuana(Marco, 75). Besides, the drug has been proven to be efficient treating several conditions among them the successful treatment of nausea linked with chemotherapy treatments and raising the appetite of individuals suffering from acute illnesses such as cancer. Such individuals have always been disadvantaged due to the restrictions imposed against the drug. By legalising the sale and use of the drug in controlled environments, such groups of individuals can be allowed to take advantage of its numerous healing benefits without the fear of repercussions.

Legalisation of the drug is also likely to lead to a reduction in the abuse cases related to the drug. Among the major controversies surrounding marijuana use, teenage abuse of the drug has been established to be the most prominent problem. The tendency of ill-treatment by the youth has been linked to rebellious behaviour and the desire for adventure by the youth in experimenting with illegal drugs(Art, 29). The legalisation of its use is, therefore, likely to take away the element of illegality that induces rebellious behaviour among the youth who might want to experiment with it, thus reducing the incidence of occurrence since the would-be users would be in a monitored on use. This concept is evident in states that have legalised the drug, Colorado for example, where cases of teenage addictions and abuse have decreased in the years following its legalisation.

Another positive impact of legalising the drug is that it would lead to a change in the societys view towards the drug and enable the formulation of legislations regarding its use and distribution. The prohibition of the drug has not eradicated its use so far besides creating a negative attitude by the society towards its users and the drug itself, who view them as savages and crooks on the low end of the social circle. This has lead to an increase in black market activities dealing in the drug. Formulation of laws that address its legal distribution and use would wipe away those illegal networks set to distribute the drug and thus leading to a more controlled environment surrounding its use and distribution(Marco, 75).

Legalisation of the drug will also lead to an increase in research on the drug. One major factor that has fueled misconceptions about the drug is the lack of adequate information about its use and the possible effects that may result from the drug(Art, 29). This is because the restrictions surrounding the drug have prevented research into the drug and its effects. Legalisation is, therefore, likely to lead to more research with the drug enabling us to understand it better and therefore make it possible to harness its benefits while at the same time avoiding its adverse effects.

Pro illegalization enthusiasts argue that a legalisation would lead to an increase in the cultivation and distribution of the drug. One other negative impact of prohibiting the drug, however, is that it has resulted in the development of harmful ways to cultivate and consume the drug (Alaine and Yancy, 77). This is more harmful than what could occur with its legalisation. Legalisation would allow for the cultivation of the drug in safe environments monitored by the government, thus reducing the harm that may be encountered due to poor cultivation and storage practices.

Another argument by pro-legalization enthusiasts is that legalization would lead to an increased exposure of the youths to the drug(Art, 29). On the contrary, its illegalization has led to the exposure of young users to criminal activities due to the nature of its trade in the black market. Its legalisation wold, therefore, assist in the fight against crime due to the elimination of the need for an underground sector.

The debate on legalisation of marijuana is likely a never ending one. While several concerns may be raised regarding its legalisation, there are several benefits that could be reaped by legalising its trade. Research into the effects of using the drug alongside its benefits may be improved as a result of legalisation(Alaine and Yancy, 77). Criminal exposure to marijuana using youths can also be reduced hence lowering the crime rates. Legalising the trading of marijuana would also lead to the formulation of legislations that could assist in enhancing responsible use in a government monitored environment. Furthermore, its legalisation would eradicate the rebellious mentality that leads most youths to abuse it, thus leading to a reduction of abuse cases by the youth related to the drug. Therefore, the legalisation of marijuana trade is more likely to bring about responsible use and distribution of the drug.

WORKS CITED

Joffe, Alain, and W. Samuel, Yancy. Legalization of Marijuana: Potential Impact on Youths. Pediatrics Journal 113.6 (2014): e632-e638.

Leyton, Marco. Legalizing Marijuana. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience 41.2 (2016): 75-76. Web

Swift, Art. For the First Time, Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana. Gallup Politics (2013)

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Local News | Lawmakers, advocates, attorney general defend…

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Local News | Lawmakers, advocates, attorney general defend Child Victims Act in Maryland Supreme Court

Baltimore Sun reporter Alex Mann

Offering testimonials from sex abuse survivors and historical analysis of the law’s creation, the separate legal briefs, taken together, made one unequivocal message: The Supreme Court of Maryland should uphold the law, rejecting arguments by the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and other institutions sued for child sexual abuse that the law violates the state’s constitution.

Three cases — two arising from state Circuit Courts, one from U.S. District Court — raising identical questions about the law’s constitutionality are before the state Supreme Court. The high court has effectively combined those cases ahead of oral argument, scheduled for Sept. 10.

At the center of the legal debate is the precursor to the Child Victims Act, a 2017 law in which the Maryland General Assembly extended the period survivors could sue their abusers, and the institutions that enabled their torment, to a victim’s 38th birthday.

Attorneys for the Washington diocese , the Harford County Board of Education and the Key School in Annapolis — all of which have been sued under the child victims law — argue that 2017 law granted them permanent immunity from sex abuse lawsuits after a victim turns 38. The provision providing them protection, they contend, is called a “statute of repose.” They say that the legislature can’t take away their “vested right” to immunity.

Lawyers for those suing those institutions disagree. They contend the 2017 law amounted to a statute of limitations, which legislators can change or do away with at any time. Even if the Supreme Court finds that it was a statute of repose, the plaintiffs lawyers argue, the legislature changed such a law in 1991, so it can do so again.

Seven current or former state lawmakers who either sponsored the 2017 law or the 2023 law — or both, in several cases — signed onto a brief authored by Kathleen Hoke, a law professor at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in Baltimore, who has become one of the foremost experts on the Child Victims Act and the legal questions surrounding it.

“The General Assembly did not intend to eliminate their power to allow the filing of certain time-barred claims for child sexual abuse,” Hoke wrote on behalf of the lawmakers and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP. “It is clear and unequivocal that in 2023, the Maryland General Assembly used that power to give all living survivors of child sexual abuse the opportunity to file a lawsuit against an organization responsible for the abuse, regardless of when the sexual violence occurred.”

Attorney Jonathan Schochor is representing a group of men suing the Washington diocese, which covers five Maryland counties and is headquartered in Hyattsville. The proposed class-action complaint says the alleged abuse they suffered as young children at the hands of priests, deacons or other diocesan employees fits a pattern of abuse committed in the archdiocese.

Schochor’s is one of the cases before the Supreme Court, and he told The Baltimore Sun that the input from lawmakers could be significant to the justice’s analysis.

“They were sponsors of the 2017 legislation. They knew what they were doing. It was a statute of limitations,” said Schochor, outlining the position presented in their brief.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, a Democrat, also weighed in on the debate, making good on his pledge to defend the Child Victims Act when lawmakers were still considering it in the 2023 legislative session.

“The 2017 statute was a lawful exercise of the General Assembly’s authority to prescribe and adjust the time periods within which plaintiffs can sue — but so is the Child Victims Act,” wrote Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey S. Luoma, on Brown’s behalf.

In addition to the Prince George’s County case, a federal lawsuit alleging that a woman was repeatedly sexually assaulted at Key School in Annapolis, and a complaint in state court targeting the Harford County Board of Education also are pending in the Supreme Court.

Circuit Court judges in Prince George’s and Harford counties deemed the Child Victims Act constitutional, leading to the appeals. A federal judge asked the Maryland Supreme Court to rule on the law before hearing a lawsuit against the Key School.

A spokesperson for the Washington diocese declined to comment. Attorneys for the Harford education board and a Key School spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. Their arguments mirrored each other in court papers, relying on the contention that the 2017 law created a statute of repose and that the legislature can’t take away their purported immunity.

The only other statute of repose in Maryland law exists in the construction industry, according to legal scholars. In that context, it protects the likes of builders and architects from liability related to injuries sustained in structures they designed and built after a certain amount of time passes following the completion of construction.

In a statute of repose, the clock for lawsuits starts ticking when the building is deemed operational, rather than when a person is hurt. With a statute of limitations, however, the law starts counting the period a person has to file a lawsuit from the time they sustain an injury.

Schochor, the attorney in the Prince George’s County case, said that fact bolsters their position that the 2017 law was a statute of limitations, not a statute of repose. The timeline, he said, is “triggered by the sexual abuse occurring and the injury to the plaintiff.”

In its own legal brief, the nonprofit organization Human Rights for Kids urged the Maryland Supreme Court to find the Child Victims Act constitutional, laying out the stories of three people who were abused in Maryland juvenile detention facilities as kids to support their position.

Since the Child Victims Act took effect Oct. 1, lawsuits have accumulated against the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services for abuse allegedly perpetrated in youth detention facilities.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore shakes hands with Dave Lorenz of SNAP as bill sponsor Del. C. T. Wilson, Economic Matters Committee Chair comforts him after Moore signed HB, the Child Victims Act.

The group noted that people abused as children often take decades to report the abuse, if they do at all. According to their brief, children abused in juvenile detention facilities, who are particularly vulnerable to abuse, are even less likely to report what happened to them. Even if they do come forward, they may be ignored, the brief said.

Almost three decades ago, a 15-year-old girl who lived in Salisbury public housing was arrested for shoplifting and sent to Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center, a juvenile detention facility in Laurel, according to the filing from Human Rights for Kids. The Sun does not name victims of sexual abuse without their consent.

“At Waxter, both male and female guards quickly began to groom (the girl), initially offering her special privileges such as extra food. This apparent kindness, however, came at a horrific cost,” the nonprofit’s attorneys wrote. “While alone in her cell or in the shower, the guards coerced her into undressing and molested her, fondling her breasts and genitals.”

The brief said the abuse worsened with time, with guards demanding her submission for basic privileges behind bars. When she was released, she reported the abuse to a juvenile services worker, “but no action was taken.” Now 42, the woman still struggles with depression stemming from her abuse.

“Despite her attempts to seek justice during the time of her abuse, she faced denial and shame at every turn. Now, over 20 years later, she has an opportunity to be heard,” the attorneys wrote, referring to the Child Victims Act. “Although her justice may be delayed, it does not have to be denied.”

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103 Marijuana Legalization Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best marijuana legalization topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on marijuana legalization, ⭐ most interesting marijuana legalization topics to write about, ✅ simple & easy marijuana legalization essay titles.

  • Reason Why Marijuana Should Be Legal This is an important consideration since data on the prevalence of Marijuana indicates that the US is still the world’s largest single market for the drug.
  • Legalizing Marijuana: Pros and Cons The focus of this paper will be on the impact of the legalization of the U.S.economy with possible positive and negative sides of the matter.
  • Analysis of Arguments: Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Pro Arguments: The majority of Americans agree on the necessity to legalize marijuana. This initiative is accompanied by concerns regarding the actual use of marijuana.
  • The Issue of Legalization of Marijuana The issue of the legalization of marijuana in the territory of the state is not unambiguous, therefore it is analyzed by a large number of specialists.
  • Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the cultivation and consumption of cannabis in 2018. Besides, the substance is addictive, and it is challenging to stop consuming it.
  • Marijuana Legalization and Issues to Consider If marijuana is fully legalized, there might be a rise in use among youth, which is dangerous from the physiological point of view, and there will be no legal justification to end it.
  • The Relationships Between Marijuana and the Legal System The most common ideas discussed within a framework of this debate are connected to the issues of permission to keep marijuana at home for personal needs such as medical needs, and a total ban on […]
  • Pros and Cons of Legalization of Medical Marijuana It is evident that medical treatment with the use of marijuana would be beneficial for both: patients and the government because of the opportunity to earn on taxation.
  • Legalization of Recreational Use of Marijuana The role of the Supreme Court in the specified case boils down to stating the conditions, in which the prescription and the following use of marijuana by the patient, can be deemed as legitimate.
  • Marijuana Legalization: Chronic Seizure Treatment With that said, despite numerous states already having legalized one or both applications, the federal government remains opposed to either form of legalization, and marijuana possession and use remain federal offenses.
  • Legalized Marijuana: Negative and Positive Sides The economy and finance from the very beginning were anticipating that this law will bring the largest income to the state’s budget and create plenty of job opportunities under the rule of law.
  • Ethical Perspective of the Legalization of Marijuana In spite of a popular view of the medical benefits of marijuana, doctors insist that the use of marijuana provides the same dangerous effect as other drugs.
  • Marijuana Legalize: Advanatages and Disadvantages The truth that marijuana is illegal and prohibited is suitably caused by the number of funds invested in the war against drugs.
  • Medical Marijuana Legalization Concerns This change raises political concerns and requires the government to review its economy to adapt to the use of MM. The representation of the legal process highlighted the history of previous legislations and reported on […]
  • Medical Marijuana: Legal and Research Concerns However, while the purpose of recreational marijuana is often disconnected from its long-term effects on people’s health in scholarly discussions, the use of medical marijuana is viewed from the point of patient’s health and the […]
  • Marijuana Legalization in California The muscle relaxation effect of marijuana also appears to be a positive effect that should be used to argue for its legalization.
  • Medical Marijuana Legalization by National Football League However, it must be realized that some of these players are usually in excruciating pain to the point that some may have lost consciousness.
  • Medical Marijuana Legalization Rebuttal The claim of fact is that A.C.A.continues to be beneficial despite the arguments of Republican politicians and current challenges. The claim of policy is the appeal to Republicans and Democrats to work together on the […]
  • Legal Marijuana Market Analysis and Taxes Impact Consequently, the primary goal of this paper is to understand the impact of taxes on the financial stability of the market for legal marijuana with the help of the law of supply and demand and […]
  • Controversy Around Medical Marijuana Legalization The consideration of the problem of marijuana legalization from the perspective of public safety involves such points as crime rates and traffic accidents. The fact of economic benefits of the Cannabis legalization is also apparent: […]
  • The Legalization of Marijuana: Regulation and Practice It is imperative to note that legalization of marijuana is a topic that has been quite controversial and has led to numerous discussions and disagreements.
  • Concepts of Legalizing Marijuana Although in most cases, most individuals associate Marijuana with numerous health complications and social problems, for example, brain damage, and violent behavior hence, supporting its illegalization, such individuals take little consideration of its significance in […]
  • Marijuana Legalization in Illinois The case for legalization of marijuana in Colorado evidences the need to alter federal laws prohibiting marijuana for its legalization law to have both statutory and federal backing in the state of Illinois.
  • Public Safety and Marijuana Legalization Some of the states have failed to tax marijuana. Hence, it is difficult to get the precise figures in terms of tax values that states could collect from marijuana.
  • History and Effects of Legalization of Marijuana As predicted, the legalization of marijuana in several states has led to an increase of marijuana abuse among youngsters Studies have shown a pattern of the use of cannabis and risky behavior of the individuals.
  • Debates Around Legalization of Medical Marijuana The supporters and opponents of the legalization of marijuana have opted to focus on either the positive or the negative aspects of the effects of the drug to support their views on policies to legalize […]
  • Should Marijuana Be Legal? It is perhaps very essential to be acquainted with an account of laws that surround marijuana in order to understand the reasons why the drug ought to be legalized.
  • How New York Would Benefit From Legalized Medical Marijuana The arrests resulting from possession of marijuana in New York is quite huge compared to those in California and New Jersey states in America.
  • Should Be It Legal to Sell the Marijuana in the United States? What I want to know is the reasons of why so many people use such serious psychoactive drug as marijuana of their own accord and do not want to pay special attention to their activities […]
  • Supporting of Marijuana Legalization Among the Adult Population Proponents argue that legalization of marijuana will lead to increased revenues for the government amid economic challenges. Legalizing marijuana will not lead to cancer and deaths but will spark the debate for apparent effects of […]
  • Marijuana: The Issues of Legalization in the USA To understand all the possible effects of the marijuana legalization, it is necessary to pay attention to the definition and classification of the drug with references to determining the most important social and legal aspects […]
  • Reasons for Legalization of Marijuana The legalization of the drug would bring to an end the discrimination of the African Americans in marijuana-related arrests, reduce the sales of the drug and its use among teenagers, encourage the development of hemp […]
  • Legalizing Marijuana: Arguments and Counter-Arguments On the other hand, many groups have outlined that the legalization of marijuana would lead to an increase in the rate of crime in addition to opening up of the gateway to the abuse of […]
  • Should We Legalize Marijuana For Medical Use? In addition to that, the use of Marijuana especially by smoking either for medical reasons or to heal ailments, is a social activity that will help bring them together and improve their social ties.
  • Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized? The government should save that money it uses in prohibiting the use of marijuana as it has no proved harm to the users.
  • Arguments on Why Marijuana Should Be Illegalized The greater part of the population believes that the sustained use of this product is beneficial in numerous ways. Therefore, it is clear that the negative effects of the drug outdo the constructive ones.
  • A Case for Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana is one of the drugs that the government policy targets and as it currently stands, the government uses a lot of resources in prosecuting and punishing marijuana consumers through the legal system.
  • Federal Government Should Not Legalize the Use of Marijuana On the other hand the use of marijuana actually increased in the country. It is not only the DEA or the federal government that is reluctant in the legalization of marijuana.
  • Issues with Marijuana Legalization in the United States This is the reason why the debate on the legalization of marijuana has been on the increase since the past 10 years.
  • Does Legalizing Marijuana Help or Harm the United States? The latter measure is not merely being advocated by the proponents of marijuana use since the legalization of marijuana has been supported by NAACP not because it fully backs the smoking of marijuana.
  • The Debates on the Legal Status of Marijuana This means that the use of marijuana encourages the consumption of other drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes. Additionally, the use of marijuana is associated with increase in crime and consumption of other illicit drugs.
  • Argument About Legalizing Marijuana in America Therefore, if at all the government of the United States is to prohibit the use of marijuana in the country, it should be ready to cater for the high costs that come in hand with […]
  • The Moral and Ethical Reasons Why Marijuana should be legal It is my humble opinion that the billions of dollars being spent on the war against marijuana should be diverted to more useful projects like feeding the less fortunate in the society.
  • The Problem of Legalization of Marijuana and Hemp Many individuals tend to believe that the use of Marijuana is morally wrong as it alters the mental state of the user and leads to dangerous addictions and actions in the end.
  • Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana Premises 1: If marijuana were to be legalized it would be impossible to regulate its’ sell to, and use by the minors. Making marijuana illegal is denying them a right to the use of this […]
  • The Reasons Why Marijuana Should be Made Legal Among the reasons that support the legalization of marijuana include: the medical basis that marijuana has some benefits and that the state could gain revenue from the trade of marijuana as opposed to the costs […]
  • Why Is Marijuana Legalized In Some States And Not Others? I consider the legalization of marijuana to be a positive step as its prohibition entails intrusion of personal freedom and just like any other substance it is only harmful when it is not taken in […]
  • Marijuana Legalization and Crime Rates The possible outcome of this effort will be the safe consumption of the drug, easy monitoring, and creation of awareness to the public on the dangers of excessive use of the drug and lastly the […]
  • The Effect of Legalization of marijuana in the Economy of California It has been predicted that if the government legalizes the drug, there will be a lot of changes pertaining to the demand for the drug in the market and as a result, there will be […]
  • Marijuana Must Not Be Legalized According to the national institute of drug abuse, the active chemical in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, act on the region of the brain responsible for time awareness, sensory, attention, thoughts, memory and pleasure.
  • Policy Brief: Why Marijuana Use Should Be Legalized in the Us In this perspective, it is valid to argue that marijuana users may be undergoing long incarcerations in US jails due to the misconceived fantasies that took root in the public mind in the 1930’s, and […]
  • Analyzing Arguments Against Marijuana Legalization
  • America Requirements Medicinal Weed: Marijuana Legalization
  • Arguing for Medical Marijuana Legalization
  • Benefits Associated With Marijuana Legalization
  • Analysis of Marijuana Legalization in Canada
  • The Relationships Between Marijuana Legalization and the DEA
  • Governmental Regulation of the Marijuana Legalization
  • Exploring the Pros and Cons of Marijuana Legalization
  • Defining the First Steps Toward Marijuana Legalization
  • Going Green: Analyzing Marijuana Legalization
  • How Marijuana Legalization Will Affect Public Health
  • Debate on Whether It’s Time for Marijuana Legalization
  • Economic Benefits of Marijuana Legalization
  • Marijuana Legalization and How It Affects the GDP
  • Link Between Marijuana Legalization and National Debt
  • The Relationships Between Marijuana Legalization and Taxation
  • Marijuana Legalization: Arguments and Criticism
  • Benefits of Marijuana Legalization for Society
  • Marijuana Legalization: Cause and Effect
  • Benefits of Marijuana Legalization for Medical Purposes
  • Marijuana Legalization Could Lower Crime Rates
  • Social Issues Associated With Marijuana Legalization
  • Marijuana Legalization: The Reasons for Legalizing Marijuana and for Keeping It Illegal
  • Medical Marijuana Legalization and Controversy
  • The Link Between Modern Liberalism and Marijuana Legalization
  • Marijuana Legalization Could Reduce the Amount of Money the Government Spends on Prisons
  • Principles of State and Federal Marijuana Legalization
  • Marijuana Legalization: Good for the Nation?
  • Support for Marijuana Legalization Against First Age
  • Marijuana Legalization: Growing the Economy or Destroying Lives?
  • The Controversy Over Marijuana Legalization
  • Marijuana Legalization: Implications for Property or Casualty Insurance
  • The Cross-Border Spillover Effects of Recreational Marijuana Legalization
  • Marijuana Legalization: Should the Federal Government Legalize the Use of Marijuana?
  • The Debate Over the Controversial Subject of Marijuana Legalization in the U.S.
  • Marijuana Legalization: PREPARE and IMAGINE Models
  • Overview of Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative
  • Marijuana Legalization: Adverse Health Effects
  • The Problem of Marijuana Legalization and Criminalization
  • Analysis of Marijuana Legalization and Possible Effects
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  1. Marijuana Should be Legal

    argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

  2. 🔥 Medical marijuana legalization essay. Persuasive Essay On

    argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

  3. Argumentative Essay

    argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

  4. The Legalization Of Marijuana Free Essay Example

    argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

  5. Legalization of Marijuana Essay Example

    argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

  6. Marijuana Legalization Argumentative Essay Outline and Speech

    argumentative essay in legalization of marijuana

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  1. Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalization

    Paragraph 9: Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving. This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it is a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes.

  2. Legalization of Marijuana: Arguments For and Against Essay

    The fear of being caught and imprisoned has reduced the quantity of marijuana that is distributed in the community. Legalizing marijuana will increase its availability leading to increased number of users both legal and illegal. Given the side effects marijuana has, this will spell doom to the society as a whole.

  3. 211 Marijuana Essay Topics & Examples

    Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug made from a plant and used for recreational and medical purposes. Being fully prohibited in some countries, it is fully legalized in others. In your essay about marijuana, you might want to focus on the pros and cons of its legalization. Another option is to discuss marijuana dependence.

  4. The Arguments For And Against Marijuana Legalization In The U.S

    86% of supporters say that the medicinal benefits of marijuana are a very important reason for legalization. Freeing up law enforcement to focus on other types of crime is cited as a very ...

  5. Essays on Cannabis Legalization

    Essays on Cannabis Legalization. Thomas, Danna Kang. Though the drug remains illegal at the federal level, in recent years states and localities have increasingly liberalized their marijuana laws in order to generate tax revenue and save resources on marijuana law enforcement. Many states have adopted some form of medical marijuana and/or ...

  6. Essays on Marijuana Legalization

    The argument about whether marijuana should be legalized in all parts of the US is still ongoing. Students usually get a lot of essays on marijuana legalization as it is a pressing issue for many countries. Using sample papers to outline the introduction, and a conclusion can help with writing the marijuana legalization essays. ...

  7. PDF The Public Health Effects of Legalizing Marijuana National ...

    opinion polls, two out of three Americans favor the legalization of marijuana (Gurley 2019; Lopez 2019). 2 Given this level of support, it seems likely that more states will legalize marijuana in upcoming years. Several U.S. senators have recently said that they will push to pass a marijuana reform bill in 2021to end the federal prohibition.

  8. Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana Essay

    Major argument. Conlusion: marijuana should be legalized. Premise 1: Marijuana remaining illegal is against the constitutional rights of people. According to the constitution, citizen posses the right to chose what they do as liberty bestowed on them by the constitution. Not legalizing it makes it that the government was controlling their ...

  9. Why Marijuana Should be Legalized, an argumentative essay

    Abstract and Figures. Much debate has been conducted regarding the legalization of marijuana, with an unusual amount of contradicting research. There are many perspectives to take into account ...

  10. Argumentative Essay: The Legalization Of Marijuana

    Argumentative Essay: The Legalization Of Marijuana. According to Wed MD, one in three people have consumed or smoked cannabis, meaning, legalization could bring a prosperous economic boom to the United States in this time of debt (Marijuana). Even though the ethical concern for legalizing any illegal substance boldly correlates to a variety of ...

  11. Why Americans Support or Oppose Legalizing Marijuana

    A new survey finds that 53% favor the legal use of marijuana, while 44% are opposed. As recently as 2006, just 32% supported marijuana legalization, while nearly twice as many (60%) were opposed. Millennials (currently 18-34) have been in the forefront of this change: 68% favor legalizing marijuana use, by far the highest percentage of any age ...

  12. Legalization of Marijuana Essays: Example, Tips, and References

    Marijuana, which is derived from Cannabis plants, is known by a variety of names. Marijuana has a variety of nicknames, ranging from cannabis to ganja to weed. Marijuana is made up of the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis plant. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary active ingredient in marijuana.

  13. Risks and Benefits of Legalized Cannabis

    Cannabis legalization has benefits, such as removing the product from the illegal market so it can be taxed and regulated, but science is still trying to catch up as social norms evolve and different products become available. In this Q&A, adapted from the August 25 episode of Public Health On Call, Lindsay Smith Rogers talks with Johannes ...

  14. Legalizing Marijuana: Pros and Cons

    The first states that legalized recreational marijuana were Washington and Colorado in 2012 (Zambiasi and Stillman 1-2), and currently, it is legal in nine states and the District of Columbia. Pros and Cons of Legalization. Marijuana legalization may lead to substantial profits for the government.

  15. Argumentative Essay: The Legalization Of Marijuana

    Argumentative Essay: The Legalization Of Marijuana. 774 Words4 Pages. Legalization of Marijuana The legalization of marijuana was the biggest controversial topic of 2015. In the year of 1929, a man named Harry Anslinger was in charge of the Department of Prohibition in Washington, D.C. At first, he wasn't against marijuana but once he didn ...

  16. Marijuana legalization argumentative essay

    Many people oppose marijuana legalization. Marijuana may be used as a gateway drug to other illicit drugs, including cocaine or heroin, by drug users. The side effects of marijuana use (laziness, delayed reaction time) make it far too easy for people to put themselves in danger, especially when driving a motor vehicle.

  17. Argumentative essay marijuana legalization

    Randolph 1 Daniel Randolph J.D. Simpson English 1101 27 November 2017 Legalization of Cannabis in the United States Cannabis; marijuana, bud, devils lettuce, pot, etc. The uses for this plant go across the spectrum of medical reasons to recreational use. Many countries and cities have at least legalized cannabis for medical use, and some for ...

  18. Analysis of Arguments: Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

    Pro Arguments (Support for your position): The majority of Americans agree on the necessity to legalize marijuana. Its medical and recreational use is a sufficient basis for this change. Con Arguments (Opposing Views): The resistance of older populations to this idea is highly possible. This initiative is accompanied by concerns regarding the ...

  19. Persuasive Essay Final Draft

    Marijuana: Legalization on a federal level The federal legalization of marijuana and the positive effects it can bring to the people and our economy. Marijuana was outlawed in 1970 when the Controlled Substance Act was passed. Since the passing of this bill marijuana has be considered a harmful drug and its users have been criticized, until now.

  20. Argumentative Essay on Legalization of Marijuana

    One of the most common arguments against the legalisation of the drug in most governments is the irresponsible use of marijuana which results in the users developing a high tendency of crime and cease from socially responsible behaviour (Art, 29). This was the main argument that resulted in the legalisation of the drug back in the early 20th ...

  21. Marijuana Should be Legal

    The argumentative paper will rely on research to reinforce this claim. Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized. Marijuana is a favored recreational drug, which means that its commercial significance is high due to the high demand for the product. ... Why Marijuanas Should Be Legal: Essay Conclusion. Marijuana consumption is pervasive in the US, and ...

  22. Lawmakers, advocates, attorney general defend Child Victims Act in

    At the center of the legal debate is the precursor to the Child Victims Act, a 2017 law in which the Maryland General Assembly extended the period survivors could sue their abusers, and the ...

  23. 103 Marijuana Legalization Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Pro Arguments: The majority of Americans agree on the necessity to legalize marijuana. This initiative is accompanied by concerns regarding the actual use of marijuana. The Issue of Legalization of Marijuana. The issue of the legalization of marijuana in the territory of the state is not unambiguous, therefore it is analyzed by a large number ...