The Argument Over the Decriminalization of Cannabis The majority of Americans choose the same issues as the most threatening to the nation. Invariably among these one will see “drugs” as a major concern of most Americans. There is speculation that this is due to a perceived association between drugs and crime (Inciardi 1). A good deal of the argument over government policy towards drugs centers on the least unhealthy and most socially accepted of the illegal drugs, marijuana. Marijuana, scientifically known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, belongs to its own group among other legal and illegal drugs. It is neither a narcotic, such as heroin, nor a …show more content…
This act placed a minimal tax on the possession, distribution, or consumption of marijuana, which was punishable by severe fines of jail time. Nearly 25% of Americans over the age of 12 admit to having smoked marijuana at least once in their lifetime (Inciardi 167). There is a substantial portion of the American public which favors, in some degree, the decriminalization of marijuana. There are also staunch advocates of the prohibition of marijuana, many of them in our government. They each have effective arguments, often disagreeing over improvable ideas. The faction in favor of full prohibition of marijuana has a strong set of arguments. Firstly, it argues that by causing an altered state of consciousness, cannabis is dangerous. They argue that it is biologically and psychologically addictive and that it the frequent use of cannabis has serious physiological repercussions. They argue that while marijuana may have marginal medicinal uses, that there are several more effective legal drugs for the same purposes. They argue that marijuana is a “gateway drug”, which leads users to “harder” drugs. They say that should marijuana be legalized, its use would run rampant. Some do not believe that it contains any medicinal value whatsoever. Those in favor of full or partial decriminalization of marijuana have diametrically opposed arguments. They argue that
The legalization of marijuana has been an argument for over 70 years. Even though voters helped to legalize the drug in Colorado and Washington, it’s still legal for the rest of the United States. There are many pros and cons for marijuana
Marijuana has negative side effects on a consumer that may end up being the reason why the legalization is wrongful. Most drugs have crimes tied along them, and this automatically gives a reason to keep drugs illegal. Along
The legal prohibition on most psychoactive drugs has been in place in this country for the better part of a century. This policy of prohibition, however, has never been based on reason or careful consideration, but on the paranoia of a small segment of society and the indifferent willingness of the majority to accept this vocal minority’s claims without question. Outlawing any use of a particular drug is a violation of the basic freedom of individuals to act as they please in their private lives. However, even if one does not accept this belief, an objective analysis of the United States’ history of prohibition clearly shows that attempts to enforce this policy have done far more harm than good,
Another popular argument is that legalizing marijuana will put criminal organizations out of business. While such an outcome would be a beneficial, it is unlikely to happen for several reasons. Firstly, criminal organizations will always find other things to sell. Secondly, the majority of marijuana is still likely to come from cartels. And third, people will continue to buy marijuana on the black market for no other reason than its tax free. As an example, illegal cigarettes called “loosies” are commonly sold on the black market due to the high taxes placed on them. Eric Garner, who died while resisting arrest for selling “loosies”, brought this issue to public attention. Then there is the argument that the government has no right telling people what to put in their bodies. While this argument may have some merit, I would argue that the government does have a responsibility to protect our well-being. No one argues, for instance, when the FDA keeps things off the market that adversary affects our health. Lastly, proponents will say that marijuana is not addictive, however research shows otherwise. About 9 percent become addicted to marijuana, for those who start young it’s 17 percent. For those who use marijuana daily it can be as high as 25 to 50 percent ("Health Effects Of Marijuana
Lately it seems that drug policy and the war on drugs has been in the headlines quite a lot. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the policies that the United States government takes against illegal drugs are coming into question. The mainstream media is catching on to the message of organizations and individuals who have long been considered liberal "Counter Culture" supporters. The marijuana question seems to be the most prevalent and pressed of the drugs and issues that are currently being addressed. The messages of these organizations and individuals include everything from legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, to full-unrestricted legalization of the drug. Of course, the status quo of vote seeking politicians and
Marijuana does have some negative effects, but compared to other drugs marijuana is harmless. Other drugs are highly addictive were marijuana is not. Alcohol is one of the most leading causes of car crashes. Marijuana is nowhere near being a leading cause of death. Other drugs can lead to cancer where marijuana is used to cure it, and other drugs can lead to deaths. Other drugs impair you vision, but marijuana does not. All the other drugs except alcohol are gateway drugs, and the only way to purchase them is by smuggling them across the border. Many advocates say “we should begin to reflect that reality in our state and federal legislation, and stop acting as if otherwise law-abiding marijuana smokers are part of the crime problem. They are not, and it is absurd to continue using law enforcement resources arresting them.” (Gary) Many advocates also say, “Far more harm is caused by marijuana prohibition than by marijuana itself.”(Gary)
Given stark figures like numbers of cannabis smokers and amount of money spent to keep stoners in jail, it seems ludicrous to argue that prohibition of cannabis be maintained. Yet despite of all the credible scientific, medical and sociological reports indicating that cannabis prohibition is damaging, or, at least, not helping the nation, public opinion of U.S. residents is counter. This can be attributed to the multi-million-dollar propaganda campaign waged by the government and the anti-drug industrial complex. It may not surprise you to learn that major sponsors of D.A.R.E. and similar (mis)education and advertising (propaganda) campaigns are often alcohol and tobacco companies! The opposing opinion that cannabis should not be legalized is often based on erroneous and outrageously wrong evidence. Statements that cannabis is a "gateway" drug, that it "causes" schizophrenia and
Everyone has an opinion on the reoccurring subject of cannabis legalization. Some people are against cannabis just because it is against the law. While others believe cannabis usage goes along with free will and that the government has no right to interfere. Some say marijuana is a gateway drug, leading to the use of more serious drugs. Still, a percentage of the population believes hemp is okay and legal growing in the U.S. could benefit our economy, with an abundance of uses that would be a better choice for the environment and our health, than other options we currently seek. There are many reasons that people want cannabis legalized, and many fears for which they don’t. Whatever the opinion, people need to
Decriminalization is the reduction or elimination of criminal penalties for minor marijuana possession, which eighteen states and Washington D.C. have enacted various forms of decriminalization or legalization. Many of these states have replaced criminal consents with fine-only penalties and others have reduced marijuana possession from a felony to a fine-only misdemeanor. Even when marijuana is decriminalized the arrests continue, or increase. Although, decriminalization has its benefits it falls short in many ways. Decriminalization is still along the lines of
Marijuana is a controversy that has been argued over for years now and it has many people questioning its benefits and defaults. Whether or not marijuana is a drug this is a subject that is very misunderstood by most people who argue over it today.
The legalization of marijuana in the United States is a long and historically debated subject. Pro-legalization advocates provide many reasons for the decriminalization of marijuana; some of the reasons include, zero recorded deaths from direct use, wasting tax-payer money prosecuting non-violent offenders, and prohibition promotes organized crime. Anti-legalization organizers condemn legalization due to marijuana being considered a gateway drug, moral and religious opposition, legalization could lead to harder drugs being legalized, and the fear that legalization would enable the drug to be more accessible to children. There are many positive and negative aspects of legalization, but personally I am in favor of legalization and
Marijuana has become one of the most controversial drugs in America. Ever since its cultivation began around 1611, marijuana has puzzled people with its effects. Many question marijuana?s classification as a schedule one drug. A schedule one drug is one that has a high potential for abuse and no medicinal value. Some argue that the war on drugs, in particular marijuana, has cost taxpayers billions and is wasting funds that could be used on more important tasks such as improving transportation or education. As drug arrests rise, so do the populations in state prisons. This has become an immediate problem with no real solution. The legalization of possessing small amounts of marijuana can contribute positively to the medical and
They're are many people in the states that are for and against the prohibition of marijuana. The people who are for the prohibition of marijuana, they beileve that the drug causes loss of brain cells and will have the negative impact of your health. The other side of the argument is that it's not harmful as other illegal drugs and can be useful in curing or stopping fatal disease from killing you. Where I fall in this spectrum is against the prohibition of marijuana. One of the main reason I'm against the prohibition is because of the medical uses. Examples of marijuana for medical uses are to treat and prevent glaucoma, can prevent epileptic seizures, and prevent cancer from spreading to name a few. In the article "Why I changed my mind on
There are individuals who want marijuana legalized in order to make money and for health reasons. There are individuals who don’t want marijuana legalized because they believe it is a harmful drug. An analysis of legalizing marijuana has been a growing controversy in the past centuries, but by passing rules and regulation marijuana can be used to help others or cause problems.
There are many people who have a negative outlook on the legalization of Marijuana, because the recreational abuse of this drug. They argue that Marijuana is addictive and bad on health in various ways. There are many professionals who have researched and gathered evidence that logically contradict these statements. From a medical stand point Marijuana is very beneficial in treating many different medical disorders. In some cases, it has been the only source of relief for symptoms of chronic illness. If someone has a condition that needs medical treatment, it is their right to have access to a medication that could allegedly cure or treat their problems. Marijuana should be a legal medical option because it is proven to effectively treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions in different types of chronic diagnosis.