Essay about Marijuana Should Be Legalized in the United States

Cannabis has been illegal since the Marijuana Tax act of 1934. Yet out of a population of 284 million American citizens, 70 million Americans claim to have smoked cannabis at some point in their lives. Prohibition of cannabis is therefore apparently ineffective at changing the habits of a population, just as prohibition of alcohol was ineffective in 1919-1933. Making otherwise law-abiding citizens fugitives does nothing more than fill the prisons and alienate the populace from their government. In fact the total cost to taxpayers of solely marijuana-related incarceration (in local, state, and federal prisons and jails) of 15,400 people exceeds $1.2 million per year.

b. Joe Messerli of Balancedpolitics.org, states, “There are a number of medical benefits of marijuana, most notably in the treatment of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Others believe it helps in the treatment of depression unlike alcohol.”

Today's marijuana is much more powerful and much more addictive than it was a generation ago.’" “Federal laws classify marijuana as a schedule I drug along with heroin and LSD. Although marijuana may be addictive to some, the potential for forming an addiction may be lower than with some prescription drugs.” (Live Science) Regardless, the reality is that marijuana IS a drug.

How would most Americans react if the law allowed the use of heroin, LSD, or amphetamines for medical purposes? Many of us would react in disbelief mainly because of the effects of these powerful and addictive drugs. However, in Arizona the law permits the use of heroin, LSD, and amphetamines for medicinal purposes, yet the medicinal use of marijuana remains illegal in the United States ("Facts"). Because marijuana is categorized as a Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substance Act ("Issues"), physicians cannot legally prescribe it. The national debate on the effectiveness of marijuana as medicine is divided between those who advocate marijuana's medicinal value and

Marijuana and alcohol are the two most threatening drugs used in America today. Marijuana is the most illicit drug while alcohol is the most abused. Both were illegal during the prohibition but when the constitution was ratified in 1933 alcohol was made legal while marijuana remained illegal. It does not mean that because alcohol is still legal it’s less dangerous than marijuana. Both drugs lead to serious risks and should be taken with caution if used.

Marijuana, a substance that was used frequently during the colonial times, has taken a social downfall in recent times. Although it is still illegal to possess or use for any means by federal law, states like California and Arizona have taken steps in the other direction.

“What goes around… comes all the way back around” –Justin Timberlake. What a fitting lyric from one of today’s biggest pop stars and one that fits the X Generation perfectly. Already, we have brought “back around” old styles of fashion and music. Now, as more of our generation begins to enter the political world we are seeing a change in policies that have held firm for almost a century. More specifically, we are seeing a change in the attitude toward marijuana and whether or not it should be legalized. During the time of illegalization of marijuana, the drug had a vastly negative feeling associated with it, which many people now believe to be inaccurate and unfair. Now that people are more informed, more connected and more vocal, the

All Americans have their ideas on legalizing marijuana, yet they need to make sure they have done substantial research using past experiences the American people have already experienced from using this drug; also they need to take a good look into what the actual outcomes are of smoking marijuana, before making a final decision on whether or not to legalize marijuana for medical purposes or any other reason. Americans will look at health and social issues as well as review money matters concerning legalizing marijuana and realize it is not right for the United States .

For centuries we have battled back and forth with the idea of legalizing marijuana (formally known as cannabis) for medical use. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classed marijuana as a “Schedule I drug which is defined as any drug, substance or chemicals with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” (Scheduling) Due to the classing of this drug, society has a preconceived notion without doing their own research and even if they do, they go into it subconsciously with a mindset of “this drug is addictive and dangerous,” without rhyme or reason.

Abraham Lincoln said, "Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason, in that it attempts to control a man 's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes.” This statement is still relevant in today’s society regarding the illegal use of marijuana. Citizens for the legalization and regulation of marijuana have proposed that legalization would reduce the profits of criminals, direct law enforcement dollars to more serious crimes and gain a new source of tax revenue (Government of Canada, 2016). People against legalizing marijuana argue that is not a harmless drug. They believe that legalizing it might encourage more people to use it recklessly, predominantly youth and that organized crime would continue to find a way to thrive (Shireen, 2016). In Canada, the legalization of marijuana would have far-reaching benefits from a medical stand point in treating illness and economically by increasing revenue for government, creating legitimate business opportunities and job creation.

In the past decades, one of the most discussed problems in the country has been whether or not the US government should approve the legalization of marijuana. Since the prohibition of marijuana in the 1930s, there have been more problems than solutions about the topic. There is no evidence that the prohibition of marijuana has decreased the use of the drug, and according to the NORML (Working to reform marijuana laws), banning marijuana has not been very effective since over 20 million of citizens have been charged with marijuana infractions since 1965 (NORML). One of the most important problems this country is facing about marijuana being illegal is the amount of money that the government spends trying to control the

Marijuana has been used for treating people with nausea, nerve pain, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, cancer treatment, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, traumatic stress, weight loss, and even glaucoma. Here I will give examples of how marijuana has helped with treating some of these symptoms. Glaucoma for example is an eye disease that increases the pressure in the eyes, and damages

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 &

Is it possible for an illegal drug to be deemed legal for medical purposes? Well for an illegal drug like marijuana, that is the question. There are currently many people who use marijuana legally to suppress their illness. Marijuana should be allowed for medicinal purposes.

Marijuana is a cannabaceae plant, which has always been associated with negative connotations until recently, when it has been discovered that this plant may be used to cure diseases and improve a country economy. Thus, the American opinion is split on the question of “Marijuana Legalization”. In fact, a survey undertaken by CNN/ORC International Poll states that 55 % of Americans believe that the use of marijuana should be legal, while only 44 % think it should be illegal (CNN). I also share the American majority opinion since there is some evidence that marijuana yields positive results.