Should Recreational Marijuana Be Legalized Essay

Should Recreational Marijuana Be Legalized Essay
He smokes Marijuana. Not because he uses it for medical reasons but because he enjoys using it. Suddenly one of his loved ones passes away. He has
had them by his side his whole life, and unlike him, his loved one never smoked marijuana. What happened to this person he kept so close to his heart?
Could he have been the reason they're gone? People who are using recreational marijuana are not just damaging themselves but damaging others around
them. Now that the states legalized recreational marijuana everybody is paying the consequences. Recreational marijuana should be made illegal in all
states. Recreational marijuana is harming people around us. "Marijuana's active ingredient can show up in tests even for nonsmokers, if they've had
concentrated exposure to...show more content...
According to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "Despite 70 years of criminal prohibition, marijuana still remains widely popular
among Americans, with over 102 million Americans (41 percent of the U.S. population) having used it during their lifetimes, 26 million (10 percent)
having used it in the past year, and over 15 million (6 percent) admitting that they use it regularly." who is using it more? And how does that harm the
common good?People now have the green light to use Marijuana. People are abusing this drug. According The American College of Pediatricians
"Marijuana use in Colorado was 55% above the national average among teens and young adults, and confirms legalization resulted in increased
use."Recreational Marijuana needs to be illegal because people are abusing it. However other americans have have a different perspective about
recreational marijuana. Most American believe that Recreational marijuana should be illegal."A new survey finds that 53% favor the legal use of
marijuana." Was stated by Pew Research Center. Now that it is legal it is the Americans individual rights that they can use
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Essay On Why Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized
When we ponder the word marijuana, we usually think of it as a drug. Although marijuana can be considered as a drug, it originally comes from a
plant called Cannabis. Cannabis is supposed to be contemplated for drug and medicine purposes only. However, for many decades now the plant is
used for personal preferences; rather than medical issues. In addition, marijuana has been legalized in several states such as Washington State and
Colorado. Though the sole purpose of legalization is for medicine to help cure the sick, people are also starting to use it for their own desires. This
drug has become the most used drug in the United States. Marijuana is most commonly used by younger people. Yet also it affects the body and mind
not just physically, but emotionally and socially too. For instance, an effect of smoking marijuana would be an impaired memory. Particularly this
means that for a short period of time you could potentially forget what you had in mind, or what you had been thinking about for quite some time.
Marijuana makes you amazed at the most simple things such as objects appearing bigger, or even objects emerging to become brighter. Marijuana can
become a dangerous factor just because your mind can imagine many things at one time, which this can eventually inhibit driving....show more content...
Just like alcohol a person is affected by marijuana also. Marijuana like any other drug can cloud our vision, and a person driving under the influence
potentially could cause an accident. With that being said, legalizing marijuana would result in more impaired drivers. Time and time again it has been
proven that a person under the influence is not physically or mentally able to function right. However, if we were under the influence of marijuana then
our vision that was once clear can quickly become impaired. Legalizing marijuana would not only impair drivers, but also dismantle their ability to
concentrate while

Marijuana Legalization Essay
Marijuana is safer than tobacco and alcohol, more beneficial and healthier too. Marijuana, unlike tobacco and alcohol, never causes serious illnesses
like cancers of the lungs, throat, and mouth, cirrhosis, dementia, or anything else. In actuality, medical marijuana is used to treat cancer cells. "The
earliest use of cannabis as a medicine is attributed to the legendary Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, who is thought to have lived around 2700 BC..
Cannabis sativa is thought to have been grown for at least 12,000 years" (Pain). If marijuana is better than tobacco and alcohol, why is it not legal?
For Texans looking for an alternative to many addictions and prescriptions, marijuana is the answer! The citizens of Texas deserve access to
marijuana on recreational and medical levels because of the healing properties for mild to severe health problems, with an incentive of aiding illegal
and prescription drug addiction. Lastly, the taxation of marijuana revenue would bring in millions of dollars to Texas each year.
Marijuana legalization offers a solution for those suffering from mild to severe illnesses. The benefits of medical marijuana is undeniable and is the
main reason marijuana decriminalization is brought to the eyes of Americans today. Marijuana is widely accepted as helping with appetite stimulation,
sleep disorders, and chronic pain; therefore, many people can benefit from marijuana (Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)). Marijuana, regulated by a doctor,
can alleviate symptoms of a

Essay about Marijuana Should Be Legal
Marijuana legalization has been a hot topic for many years. To both sides of the argument there are many pluses and minuses. I personally feel that
legalization of marijuana would be a great benefit to this country. In the complex society we live in however it is very hard to distinguish the truth
from the lies. Personal morals and stereotypes are also a major factor when trying to argue a subject of this nature. On one side there are some positive
effects, which have been proven as the result of marijuana. Many legal drugs that you can purchase are more harmful then marijuana. My opinions
based on legalization or marijuana is based on a number social and economic factors.
That brings up the questions why not legalize marijuana as...show more content...
It also gives people suffering from AIDS the sensation to want to eat.
Marijuana can also help symptoms from getting worse with patients with glaucoma. (C) There is also evidence that marijuana consumption can help
relieve pain from people suffering with tumors and migraines.
Another way marijuana could be a health benefit is to use it on patients who suffer from asthma. The condition that blocks the airways, characterized
by periodic attacks of wheezing shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Marijuana has had significant evidence from study that marijuana
reduces the symptoms of this desiese(A). People with asthma are being prescribed "Theopoline" right now for this condition. This drug is
responsible for 6,500 hospital deaths and 1,000 cases of brain damage per year, im pretty sure if you asked one of the patients with brain damage if
he would prefer the use of marijuana or the legal way he would not hesitate to say marijuana. Marijuana should be used because it is a safe alternative
from more dangerous drugs.
Lets just take a look at the facts on legal and illegal drug deaths in America today shall we? There are 340,00 to 425,000 relater deaths from tobacco
each year, 150,000 alcohol related deaths, there are 5000 caffeine related deaths a year from stress ulcers and irregular heart beats. Aspirin related
deaths are over 1000. There are over 20,000 "Legal" Drug overdose deliberate or accidental. Theopoline as I mentioned

Essay about Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized
Marijuana is a green or brown mix of preserved, crushed leaves from the marijuana plant. A psychoactive drug, marijuana contains fifty–percent more
tar than tobacco. Smoking the harmful plant can damage the brain, lungs, and the male reproductive system and may escalate the effects of epilepsy
and psychosis (Kahler, 1988). Within campus colleges and universities, there are a lot of students who are using marijuana recreationally. Long–term
marijuana use can induce negative effects on short–term memory, concentration, attention span, motivation, and problem solving, which clearly
interfere with learning. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, can reinforce dependence on the drug and on other addictive drugs
(Joffe &...show more content...
Currently, possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana is often dealt with through a fine. However, this penalty will heighten as premiers and chiefs
are in favor of zero tolerance, early enforcement, and early diversion and rehabilitation. Associations are concerned about any attempts to allow the
medicinal use of the drug (King, 1999). We should be eliminating any thoughts of this drug being available.
The second reason that the government should not legalize marijuana is that doing so will send the message that is okay to use other psychoactive
drugs. Legalizing marijuana could result in advertising of this drug to adolescents. A study was conducted during 2003 showing that roughly 48
percent of twelfth graders reported using alcohol in the past thirty days and 24 percent reported smoking cigarettes in the past thirty days.
Household access to illicit substances is coupled with a greater risk of marijuana use among both younger and older adolescents. This is often
coupled with parental drug use which sends the message that it is okay to use psychoactive drugs (Joffe & Yancy, 2004, p. e636). The general idea
is that we, as people, shouldn't be making it easier for our children to get drugs. Thus far, it is shown that there is a struggle to educate the youth to
avoid the use of psychoactive drugs. However, certain organizations, such as DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), have made solid efforts to

Argumentative Essay: Marijuana Should Be Legal
Nearly all medicines have toxic, potentially lethal effects. But marijuana is not such a substance.This is why On November 8th 2016, citizens of
California voted to pass "Proposition 64", which made it legal to grow marijuana for personal use, yet It is not until January 1,2018 that marijuana
would be legal for recreational use. Now, The federal government should do the same. The reason it is truly necessary to legalize marijuana is
because it boosts the economy, creates jobs, lessens the chronic pain associated with many illnesses, is a safer adult alternative to most painkillers and
it is less dangerous than other substances that are legal today (Alcohol, Painkillers). We believe that if a law should be created to mandate marijuana it
should

Marijuana Should Be Legal Everywhere Essay
Former United States President Thomas Jefferson once declared, "Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country" ("Thomas
Jefferson"). Unfortunately, many modern political leaders are not as enthusiastic as Jefferson regarding the beneficial uses of hemp and marijuana.
Hemp, as well as marijuana, originates from the Cannabis plant. Surprisingly, marijuana dates all the way back to 2700 B.C.; where it is first
mentioned in a Chinese herbal and is said to have many strong values. Regrettably, a majority of countries applied strict limitations on the substance by
the late 1960's. With those restrictions came harsh retributions involving sales and possession of the substance. As time passed, research of medicinal
...show more content...
Nevertheless, it is proven fact marijuana frequently contributes aid to the struggles which accompany several severe illnesses. For example,
marijuana treats the side effects of the treatment of AIDS. Vomiting and nausea are significantly reduced, as well as appetites being increased (qtd. in
"Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine"). The substance also assists with intense effects which come from chemotherapy. Constant feelings of nausea
are diminished and stomach sensitivity is lessened. Those who have used marijuana, while undergoing cancer treatment, have experienced better
results than when using brand name medications. Not only does it help with the effects of treatment, in some cases it stops the disease from
progressing or happening (qtd. in "Ibid"). In epilepsy patients who used cannabis, it allowed them to reduce their dosage of other medications and in
some cases prevented the epileptic seizure from occurring in other patients (Kubby and Rosenthal 68). Another indisputable reason to legalize
Marijuana is its use as an alleviator of pain. Those who must suffer with Multiple Sclerosis felt a lessening of spasticity, as well as muscle pain.
Secondly, people who suffer from Glaucoma felt relief of pressure, and it is even reported to have put a halt to the progression of the disease (Kubby
and Rosenthal 69). Marijuana is virtually cleansing the poisons out

Essay on Medical Marijuana Should Be Legal
On July 8th, 2011 ""...in a decision announced Friday the federal government ruled that [marijuana] has no accepted medical use and should remain
classified as a highly dangerous drug like heroin. The decision comes almost nine years after medical marijuana supporters asked the government to
reclassify cannabis..." (procon.org). The debate about medicinal marijuana has occurred for years in the United States. Though research provides
substantial evidence that marijuana is medically significant, the federal government seems to turn a blind eye. Medicinal marijuana should be legalized
federally in the United States because it can help a variety of medical reasons like, disease, cancer and other numerous illnesses.
Cannabis, also known as...show more content...
Cannabis is also mentioned in the report as an aid in...diabetes ...and chronic ulcers. Other beneficial effects attributed to cannabis are prevention of
insomnia, relief of anxiety, protection against cholera, alleviation of hunger and as an aid to concentration of attention" (procon.org). In the 1930's, a
campaign took place to beam cannabis as a powerful addicting drugs that would lead to dangerous drugs and labeled marijuana as a gateway drug
("Encyclopedia–marijuana"). With the campaign in effect, America put cannabis on the schedule of controlled substances. On November 15th, 2010
"Arizona became the 15th state to legalize medical marijuana when proposition 203, the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, passes by a margin of
4,341 votes out of 1,678,351 votes cast. The "yes" votes only outnumbered the "no" votes after the early and provisional ballots were all counted as of
Nov. 15, 2010" (procon.org). The most current event to have acceptance of medicinal marijuana was on August 7th, 2011. "The [Israeli] Cabinet
...approved arrangements and supervision regarding the supply of cannabis for medical and research uses" (procon.org). The decision of the Israeli
Cabinet is in recognition that the medical use of cannabis is necessary in certain cases. The number of people recognizing the significance of the
cannabis plant is growing, and with this growth, the American Federal government

Many recent efforts have been made to legalize drugs, particularly marijuana. To put it bluntly, this is a terrible idea. Despite what proponents say,
it would not provide any tangible benefits. In fact, the legalization of drugs would result in many severe consequences for our country. One can
simply look at the opioid crisis that is sweeping through the nation to see the horrific impact the use of this drug has had on the nation. Even
marijuana, considered by some to be the least offensive of the major drugs, has some severely negative repercussions. Legalized drugs will result in
a public health crisis, a less intelligent population, and broken homes. It is quite simple: drugs should not be legalized. Contrary to belief, pushed by
supporters of drug legalization, making drugs legal would provide no substantial benefits for our society. Yes, if drugs are legalized the government
would be able to regulate purity and such; however, if one simply avoids drugs they would not have to worry about purity. Furthermore, many
supporters of legislation argue that certain drugs such as marijuana are no more harmful than alcohol and tobacco. However, this is not a compelling
reason to legalize it. Do we really need to make our nations substance abuse problem worse? According to the latest statics from the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration, 17 million Americans have issues with excessive alcohol use and 40 million Americans smoke ("Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Other

Argumentative Essay: Should Marijuana Be Legal?
Should Marijuana Be Legal? Marijuana is an herb that has been around for centuries. Most people call this popular herb different names such as:
weed, cannabis, pot, maryjane, reefer, dope, etc. Marijuana has always been debatable on whether it should be legalized or not. Most people do not
look at the benefits of this plant being legal; they only see the bad, but maybe it is time for a little change. Personally, I think marijuana should be
legalized because it helps with medical issues, brings in a lot of money to the government, and there is a low percentage of deaths through marijuana
usage. Why not legalize a drug that is beneficial? Marijuana should be legalized because it helps with many medical issues. Every month, women go
through this natural change...show more content...
People die from overdosing on other drugs and medicines, but you rarely hear people dying from smoking too much weed. Midol, Advil, and Tylenol
are three medicines that kill people everyday. These medicines contains nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs and Acetaminophen. It is very easy to
overdose on APAP(acetaminophen) and NSAIDS(nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs), plus they can cause liver failure. When a person overdose on
weed it is called "greening out." A person that overdose due to marijuana, usually experience fast heart rate, paranoia, shortness of breath, etc. Weed
overdosing is ONLY temporary and can not result in death. Most of the time, first and second time users overdose on marijuana. This is because their
bodies have not gotten use to the drug until a few times after usage. In conclusion, I strongly believe marijuana should be legalized. It helps with
medical issues, brings in a lot of money to the government, and there is a low percentage of deaths through marijuana usage. Before people judge the
idea of marijuana being legal, I think they should look at the situation from different points of

Marijuana Should be Legal Essay
There are many people in this world that feel that marijuana is an evil and sinful drug. They argue several points against marijuana that would support
their position. Most of these have no relevance to what in general, and they can be easily disputed. Others have some basis, and they can be considered
valid arguments. However, the facts remain that the positive aspects of marijuana far outweigh the negative aspects.
One such argument, and the major point of view for most anti–drug supporters, is that marijuana is a gateway drug. This means that marijuana leads to
other more harmful narcotics. Although this is the case in some situations, there are many people in the world that view all other drugs as...show more
content...
This drug affects the autonomic nervous system which in turn causes the heart to swell through capillary enhancement. This provides the heart with
more oxygenated blood causing it to have greater expansions and contractions which cause increased blood flow throughout the body. This increased
blood flow increases respiratory function, relaxes muscles and increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain, thus improving the overall health of
the body. In addition to this, marijuana does not have to be smoked in order to receive THC. By not smoking marijuana, one can receive the same
overall positive effects without taking in the harmful chemicals.
Many people also tend to think that those who use marijuana can not be productive members of society. They see the movies and think that
everyone who uses marijuana is either a gangster of some kind or a useless hippie that sits around their house all day, and the only thing they do is
smoke marijuana. This is also not true. Many people work 40 hours a week and still use marijuana. Mark Braunstein, a librarian at Connecticut
College, suffered a back injury 14 years ago. He uses marijuana two to three days per week due to back spasms, and he has been quoted as saying,
"And I think I'm a good example of a productive member of the community. I have a full–time job, so the marijuana does not interfere with my
functioning as a productive member of the community."

Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay
Imagine a place where diseases such as cancer could be cured. A place where cancer wouldn't be a problem in today's society. You are probably
thinking what is this cure and why aren't using this cure for our society right now. The reason is because this cure is a compound that contains an
illegal drug. That illegal drug in the compound is marijuana. Because of the fact that marijuana is a illegal drug, we cannot use its compound form of it
to cure cancer because it is not legal to use. However, if marijuana was legal we could use it to save many people's lives. That is why marijuana should
be legal. Marijuana should be legal for medical purposes.
Marijuana should be legal for medical purposes also because it can be used to save many lives. www.factslides.com has stated in their marijuana slide
article that there is a marijuana compound that causes cancer cells in patients to...show more content...
The community Anti–Drug coalitions of America has stated in their article at www.thirteen.org that 'marijuana is a extremely abusive drug and can
cause major damage to our youth with their development at a very young age, especially with their memory, learning and emotional skills'. Although
this is true, www.factslides.com has stated in their facts about marijuana article that 'Only about nine percent of marijuana users become clinically
dependent'. This means that most people who had smoked marijuana do not become addicted to it because, of the use of it. www.thirteen.org has also
stated that 'Use of marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacoo'.Furthermore this also means that using marijuana or smoking it is less harmful
than smoking your everyday cigarette and is less harmful than you consuming alcoholic beverages. So marijuana at the end result is safer than
smoking or consuming alcohol and it has a small chance of abuse if

We have all heard it over and over again, listening to everyone go on about how its wrong and its not healthy, but honestly people would not act
they way they do if they cared what everyone else thought. This pertains especially to those of you who smoke marijuana. If marijuana users
actually cared what everyone else thought, they would not be using it, even though it is illegal marijuana is one of the most attainable illegal
substances out there. If marijuana is so attainable, and so many people like to indulge in using it then why has it been so hard to get it legalized?
Marijuana can be extremely beneficial in several ways. Medical marijuana has many uses, its helped in easing pain, side effects of chemotherapy, and
it can also...show more content...
Many diseases cannot be cured but most doctors can prescribe pain killers that can cause serious internal damage. Marijuana is also used to help
ease chronic pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and loss of appetite (Anderson 334). With this knowledge further medical research and testing should be
done to help those in need. Marijuana has been used medicinally since the 1800s. Marijuana was recognized as a medicinal drug and was listed in
the United States Pharmacopeia from 1850 to 1942. The United States has been in a financial repression, our economy is at the lowest point it has
been in in decades. Currently $33 billion is being spent on the War on Drugs (DrugSense.org). In 2009, over 1,663,582 arrests were made in the
year alone, for minor possession charges (DrugSense.org). The economy is unstable and does not have the time of money to spent on issues that are
minute to society. The economical standing point is clear, the economy does not need to execute something that has been pitifully downgraded by
society. People do not understand that marijuana crops could also be used as a source of income for the economy. In Arizona 1,500 jobs alone will
be created due to the medical marijuana industry, but not only will those 1,500 direct jobs will be made due to marijuana growers and dispensary
employees, but there could be another possible 5,000 due to indirect jobs like grocery

Essay On Why Marijuana Should Be Legal
A controversial topic that has been around for years is if marijuana should be legal or not. Many say it can cause lung cancer, or it makes you a
"drug addict," or that it is bad for you. But none of those are true. It is just a plant, like grass or flowers. While marijuana can be a gateway drug, the
use of marijuana should be legal for recreational and medical use because it can help with pain, it is safe, and the current laws don't stop people.
Marijuana is used for many reasons, but the most important reason is to help with pain. Studies have shown that marijuana can lessen pain, that's why
cancer patients sometimes have a medical marijuana card/license. In the article "Marijuana Can Help in the Treatment of Pain" it says, "Numerous
studies...show more content...
Lots of people today still get arrested for having marijuana. Laws cannot stop people from doing it, just like how drinking while driving is illegal,
but people still do it everyday. In the article called "Marijuana Prohibition Is Ineffective and Unpopular," it says, "Today, over 106 million
Americans admit to having tried it, and over 17.4 million say they have used it in the past month." It also says, "12 million arrests in United States
since 1995...One person is arrested for marijuana every 5 seconds. More than 87% of all marijuana arrests are for possession." Many people still
use marijuana illegally in some states. Why not make every state legal other than just a few? Less people would go to jail for something a person
in another state does legally. Marijuana should be legal for many reasons. The main three reasons are: it can help with pain, it is safe, and the
current laws don't stop people. It is proven that there's nothing wrong with it, and it's a lot better than cigarettes and alcohol, but those are legal in all
states. At age 18, you can go to war, smoke cigarettes, vote, and own a credit card. But for some reason, in a lot of places, at age 18 you can't use a
harmless

Marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana's composition is complex, and has a number of physiological effects. Also, a reason for marijuana
legalization is the potential wealth of health benefits that have largely been ignored (www.howardcc.edu). In addition, there are many industrial uses
for the cannabis plant (www.sandi.net).
Marijuana consists of a mixture of leaves, stems, and flowering tops of the Cannabis sativa plant, or hemp plant (Britannica 7/47). Marijuana is also
known as grass, pot, tea, or weed. Both male and female plants contain psychoactive substances called cannabinoids. The ingredient in marijuana that
produces most of the psychological and physiological effects is 1–delta–9–tetrahydrocannibinol, or THC....show more content...
This restricts any research or experimentation to be made with marijuana. Many researchers have suggested that marijuana be promoted to Schedule 2
classification, which would allow it to be tested, allow it would still be
illegal. In addition, the medical community is the place where marijuana legalization has received the most support (Marshall 79).
The many uses of the Cannabis plant have remained hidden since 1937, when the Marijuana Tax Act was passed, prohibiting the cultivation of the
cannabis plant. Paper and clothing can both be made out of hemp with less harm to the environment. One acre of hemp can produce the same amount
of paper as wood, with much less chemicals (www.sandi.net). Hemp fiber and pulp can also make biodegradable alternatives to plastic. In addition,
many plastic products can be made with hemp cellulose without the use of petroleum. The cannabis plant can be used to make plant biomass fuel
which can provide gasoline, methane, charcoal, and is much cleaner than fossil fuels. Lastly, hemp can be fabricated into boards for construction
(www.sandi.net).
Marijuana has a distinct composition, and its properties incite much debate about the issue of legalization. Marijuana has many health benefits. Also the
cannabis plant has many industrial uses. Marijuana should be legalized.

Today it is not uncommon to be watching television and come across an advertisement promoting the use of alcohol and cigarettes. Both substances are
detrimental to your health, and have no medical value yet both are legal to anyone of age.
To a Cancer or AIDS patients seeking relief from marijuana, these commercials must be difficult to bear. Peter McWilliams stated, "Marijuana is
the finest anti–nausea medication known to science, and our leaders have lied about this consistently. (Arresting people for) medical marijuana is the
most hideous example of government interference in the private lives of individuals. It's an outrage within an outrage within an...show more content...
Reagan told the American people "I now have absolute proof that smoking even one marijuana cigarette is equal in brain damage to being on Bikini
Island during an H–bomb blast" but was heard later on saying "If adults want to smoke Marijuana that is there business".
Don't get me wrong though, marijuana should not be legal for public use. Many people believe that if Marijuana was legal it would be more easily
available to children, which is a possibility, but Marijuana, like other drugs, is not for kids. There are many activities in our society that we permit
adults to do, but forbid children, such as motorcycle riding, skydiving, signing contracts, getting married and drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco.
However, we do not condone arresting adults who responsibly engage in these activities in order to dissuade our children from doing so. Nor can we
justify arresting adult marijuana smokers on the grounds of sending a message to children. Our expectation and hope for young people is that they
grow up to be responsible adults, and our obligation to them is to demonstrate what that means There is no good reason hemp should not be available
for industrial and medicinal use. Many religious people might disagree, quoting the old propaganda signs saying "reefer is the devils weed with roots
in hell", but Like God said himself in Genesis 1.29 "I have given you

Abstract
The following is a proposal for a public policy that would legalize marijuana and have the drug be treated as alcohol. This is necessary because the
current policy is detrimental to society and the legalization of marijuana would be beneficial. The prohibition of the drug is unfounded because tobacco
and alcohol, legalized substances, are more dangerous than marijuana. Also, the legislation regarding the drug was created on racist sentiments,
reducing the law's credibility. The current policy also creates a dangerous black market and renders our prison system ineffective. The legalization of
cannabis would bring undeniable medical and economic benefits to society and the government. Varying degrees of marijuana legalization have...show
more content...
Thus, marijuana was originally banned for social reasons, not because it was seen as a dangerous drug in itself. In fact, tobacco and alcohol, two
legalized substances, are far more dangerous than marijuana. First of all, marijuana is much less addictive than tobacco or alcohol. According to Paul
Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D, a professor at the
University of Utah, the medical value of marijuana is significantly higher than that of tobacco and alcohol and also has a much lower risk of abuse
(Gahlinger 10). Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is considered the most addictive substance ever found, even greater than illegal drugs
including marijuana, heroin, and crack (192). Marijuana also has a very low potential for abuse in comparison with many other common psychoactive
drugs such as cocaine or amphetamine (Mills 3). While it is debated whether marijuana is psychologically addictive, the drug does not cause a physical
dependence (Gahlinger 335).
The relatively low threat of abuse undoubtedly contributes to the fact that marijuana causes significantly fewer deaths in the United States than tobacco
or alcohol.
Alcohol causes at least 200,000 deaths annually in the United States. Tobacco smoking causes around 430,000 deaths in the US per year and 50,000
deaths due to secondhand smoke alone. All 178 illegal drugs in the United States combined cause about 8,000 deaths yearly (Gahlinger

Argumentative Essay: Should Marijuana Be Legal?
Marijuana should be legal because it doesn't do that much harm compared to tobacco and alcohol. It also is helpful to people with terminal illnesses.
However; Marijuana could be considered a gateway drug. It could lead to doing drugs such as crack and other hard drugs. Marijuana Should be legal
because it's not very dangerous compared to alcohol and tobacco. According to NBC news "Marijuana was, by far, found to be the safest, even when
compared to alcohol and cigarettes." (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/legal–pot
/no–high–risk–marijuana–may–be–less–harmful–alcohol–tobacco–n312876) How ever U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ranks "Marijuana, along
with drugs like heroin and LSD, is a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered to have the

Should Marijuana Be Legal? Essay
Should Marijuana Be Legal?
In order to start a discussion about whether marijuana should be legal, we must first begin with the history of marijuana. How long has marijuana
been around? The earliest recorded use of marijuana is from the island of Taiwan off the coast of mainland china over 10,000 years ago in the Stone
Age (Marijuana, 2014). They wove their clothes and made their shoes from hemp. The first paper was made from a combination of crushed hemp
fibers and mulberry tree bark. This fact would later lead to the illegalization of marijuana, for reasons to be explained later. Around the first century
B.C.E., marijuana is mentioned in the Materia Medica, a kind of herbal medical manual. In Japan, hemp fiber was highly regarded among the Japanese
and used for Japanese clothes, bedding, mats and nets. Hemp fiber is mentioned many times in Japanese legends, and also in ceremonial purification
rites. The ancient world abounds with tales of the use of cannabis by numerous cultures in many countries, among the ancient Rome. The Romans had
their own version of the Materia Medica for the Western world. Again mentioned among its pages iscannabis. The use of cannabis, also known as
hemp, spread throughout the Middle East and also spread to the New World. In 1619 farmers in Jamestown Virginia colony were required to grow
hemp. In 1840 medicines with cannabis were available in United States pharmacies. Even George Washington grew hemp (42, 2014).
Marijuana has

Should Recreational Marijuana Be Legalized Essay

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