Persuasive Essay On Drugs

In America there are a lot of problems, ranging from violence to obesity. A growing concern of many Americans is the drug “epidemic” with the growth of the war on drugs. Marijuana, throughout history, has been demonized and illegalized, however now a newfound acceptance of the drug is growing rapidly with some states fully legalizing the drug recreationally, and others medically.

In life many people struggle with problems, and instead of them addressing the problem their way to get their mind off of it is by abusing drugs that gets them to stop thinking about it. These people often struggle with this on an everyday basis and it is killing our society little by little. Many people are dying everyday due to opioids and everyone as a community should help put a stop to it!

The systematic scheduling of drugs in the United States is arbitrary which leads to a discriminative social injustice. Some psychedelic substances such as Psilocybin are schedule 1 drugs, while alcohol and nicotine are legal. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) both alcohol and nicotine are proven to be harmful and addictive (2017). Conversely, Psychedelic substances have not been proven to be addictive. This equates to a social injustice that discriminates over someone who may prefer the effects of psilocybin to nicotine, even under the science that has shown nicotine and alcohol have a higher potential for abuse. Unfortunately, many political factors come into play regarding the legal status of drugs and industries such as the pharmaceutical, tobacco and alcohol industries, who harbor the most money and have an influence in the legality of drugs whether they are safe or not. While legalizing psychedelic substances would most likely cut into profits for these large industries they would bring about economic benefits as well.

The use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana within America throughout the twenty and twenty-first century has been heavily disputed within our own government as well as shaped many of our leaders lives. Even currently, the argument for legalized marijuana is heavily debated and brought to the American public eye through vast media sources. The health risks involved in partaking of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol can be very consequential, or not at all. Many current political acts, such as Colorado legalizing recreational marijuana, have brought the eligibility of past studies on the health risks of marijuana to the surface as well as the health factors involved with other legal substances. This act followed by many other states has forced the government to reevaluate their stances on the legality of mind altering substances.

A controversial social topic surrounding our time has been the issue of legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. Cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana, was classified by the United States government as a class I drug in 1970, which means that it is against the law to possess and distribute this illegal substance (Source 2). However, in recent years, many states have made marijuana more accessible for medical and recreational use. States such as Colorado and Washington have not just decriminalized possession and distribution, but have enacted laws that encourage the recreational use of cannabis. Around 100 million Americans have experienced this drug (Source 1). Essentially one in four Americans

The issue of Legalizing marijuana is a very controversial topic of modern times. The use of marijuana is all over the media with celebrities doing it and young people in on the craze. Marijuana is the world’s oldest illegal drug, not only that, it is also the drug that is most widely used among society today (Aanstoos, 2015). Different types of people use this drug for a variety of reasons, such as, as a way to disconnect from todays hectic world, something they are peer pressured into, or even medical reasons. My argument is against the concern of legalizing marijuana in general including medical marijuana. Before completely going all in against this drug, note that there is some relevant research, which shows Marijuana has some benefits to it. This paper will explore both points in against and in favor of legalizing marijuana to be revealed, aiming for an understanding of the issue and present a public health policy to improve and educate the public of this hot health topic.

In 1993, for the first time after 12 years of steady decline, illicit drug use rose and continues to climb. A major contributing factor is a message that drugs "aren't so bad." To counter this "just say yes" campaign, we feel compelled to provide the facts on the use of smoking marijuana as a medicine. These well-documented facts will prove beyond a doubt that MARIJUANA IS NOT A MEDICINE.FACT: The movement to legitimize smoking marijuana as a medicine is NOT encouraged by the pharmaceutical companies, Federal Food and Drug Administration, health and medical associations, or medical experts; but instead by groups such as the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the Drug Policy Foundation (DPF). These organizations have little medical expertise and favor various forms of legalizing illicit drugs.

"Marijuana is the second most popular drug after alcohol in the country today. So many people smoke marijuana that the numbers alone seem to legitimize and condone its presence in people's lives. Yet, even in moderation marijuana is not 'safe.' Somehow this information had not filtered down to people who think they are smoking a fairly innocuous drug. Our society perpetuates the myths about pot being a fun, harmless, recreational drug. These myths feed into people's denial of marijuana's problems" (Baum 6). However, the abuse of marijuana is a problem. It is not only a personal problem, but also more importantly a social problem. Throughout history marijuana has been used to serve various purposes in many

Though marijuana is illegal, it is still used recreationally by millions everyday. “About 4% of American adults smoke pot at least once a year. Roughly 1% of adults abuse pot, and one in 300 have a pot addiction” (Goldberg, WebMD). The psychoactive affects of marijuana is the main reason for its popularity amongst drug users. By smoking marijuana, a sense of euphoria bliss, compared to the feeling of intoxication from alcohol, is achieved due to Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the main psychoactive drug found in

A couple hits of cannabis are capable of stimulating sensations for the individual that ultimately result in a euphoric experience. The legality of this astounding drug has been a controversial subject for decades. Marijuana officially became illegal in the United States in 1937, on account of the Marijuana Tax Act (Gahlinger 35). Since then, the topic of legalizing marijuana has been discussed, but never exhausted. Many compelling arguments have been made in support for the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States; in fact, more than 70 million Americans have tried marijuana (Marijuana Myths…).Prohibition has proved to be ineffective and supporters believe that legalization could enhance the quality of American life by spurring economic prosperity and encompassing many health benefits.

How does marijuana affect today’s society? After spending the last few weeks researching that question, the results were very surprising. Many people probably have some general idea on what marijuana is or think that they know a lot more then they do. In reality very little is actually known about marijuana and all its mysteries. Normally when looking at the discussion of marijuana you get a variety of different viewpoints, arguments, studies and supporting details. Typically when marijuana comes into discussion it’s normally talked about in the negative. Coming from parents, teachers, and adults, most people believe that because it is illegal and it is a drug that it can’t have any medical benefits behind it. Even the federal

Although drugs like cocaine, tobacco, alcohol, and methenfetime are all well known, none of these drugs have the political charge that marijuana has. During the past few years, frequent headlines of states such as Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Nevada legalizing the drug for recreational and medicinal use (“State Medical Marijuana Laws.”), despite federal law banning the drug since May 1st, of 1971 (Gabay par. 1). However, despite where one may stand regarding whether or not marijuana should be legalized, there is no denying that marijuana is potentially harmful, just like any other drug, due to the addictive properties of the drug, and its ability to damage various bodily systems, especially the brains

Marijuana is one of the most highly addictive substances utilized worldwide in today’s society. According to David Evans, “clinical dependence has been found to afflict roughly 10% of all marijuana users. Most are in their late teens and twenties. The risk of dependence is higher among those who try marijuana at a young age. In 2009, individuals between the ages of 12 and 25 comprised 65.3% of all substance abuse treatment admissions for marijuana; daily use was reported by 49.6% of this group. More young people are being treated for marijuana dependence than for any other drug. Marijuana is far more powerful today than it was 30 years ago and it serves as an entry point for the use of other illegal drugs.”

Marijuana is one of the most misunderstood forms of medication. Since there is so much controversy about whether it is harmful or beneficial, there is naturally a fear of unknown side effects(Strickland, CNN). Although supporters of medicinal and recreational marijuana significantly outnumber its opposers, it’s prohibition is just now beginning to waver. Many doctors and officials are still fighting to keep the ban. Little did most of America know, cannabis could be found in most medicine cabinets in the early 1900’s before it became illegal(Reiman & Burnett, Drug Policy Alliance). It has been clinically proven that marijuana is less habit-forming than other opiate drugs, and there is absolutely no risk of fatal overdose(Gupta, CNN). Research proves that the plant is able to treat and cure numerous types of illnesses.

Drugs are heavily used throughout the entire world. However, it is important to understand and not undermine the variability in which drugs are used. It is clear some are for distinct medical treatment and others are for recreational use. In the United States, marijuana has been and continues to be a very controversial drug. Some states have allowed marijuana consumption for medicinal purposes, while others have completely outlawed the drug. Those who are against the legalization and regulation of marijuana suggest the economical and health risk associated with consumption of the drug are too high. Although there is risk involved with the legalization of the marijuana, our country has already been risking too much banning the drug.