Ethics: Theory and Practice - Research Paper Example

? ETHICS: THEORY AND PRACTICE Your School of Number and of Paper The paper expounds on the ethical issue of legalizing the use of marijuana by presenting its negative effects as it impresses on the classical ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. The teleological and deontological aspects of administering marijuana to seriously ill patients are likewise taken from the ethical standpoint. It will also impart the current situation of patients who are denied of access to marijuana as a means to relieve their suffering and pain. This research also imparts the advantages and disadvantages brought about by the act of legalizing marijuana, a prohibited drug with scientific name cannabis sativa, in relation the different kinds of perspectives on ethical issues introduced by relativism, ethical egoism, and emotivism. The participation of environment, society and the role of the legislators in order promote or deter the decriminalization of marijuana is given an emphasis to clearly define what modifications will work for the best interest of the nation. Keywords: legalizing marijuana, decriminalization of marijuana, ethical theories, utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, ethical issues ETHICS: THEORY AND PRACTICE The war on drugs has been the subject of debate for over a number of decades, but to date, it has been a growing problem that needs to be addressed by the entire nation. Marijuana has been noted as one of the widely used illegal drug all over the world, including the United States, comparing it to alcohol and tobacco. It has already become a part of the American culture, as the statistics show that the number of the marijuana users significantly increases each year. DuPont’s study found the following: “In 2008, nearly 4.2 million of the 7 million population aged 12 or older in the U.S. are accounted for classified with dependence on or abuse of marijuana. To date, it is currently the leading cause of substance dependence other than alcohol, which means that about two thirds of Americans suffering from any substance use disorder are suffering from marijuana abuse or marijuana dependence” (DuPont 2010). The use of marijuana has been a long standing battle that seeks resolution to finally put to rest national policies which affect the citizen’s welfare vis-a-vis government’s action to enforce bipartisan drug enforcement laws in order to protect its people. The issue presented before our nation now is should marijuana be legalized? In my opinion, legalizing the use of marijuana can pose more harm and danger to people, rather than the inherent effects of the marijuana herb itself. Marijuana as a Medicine “The marijuana came from the plant named cannabis sativa, which is a mixture of dried flowering tops and leaves. Like most plants, it is a variable an complex mixture of biologically active compounds ” (Shohov 2003, p. 24 ) Marijuana has been identified to possess medicinal value. Shohov reported that: “There has been scientific evidence which has been verified that it has therapeutic effects of “relief from nausea and increase of appetite; reduction of intraocular (“within the eye pressure”), glaucoma, reduction of muscle spasms and relief from chronic pain. Consequently, it is sometimes used to treat the symptoms of AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other serious conditions”(Shohov, 2003, p. 11). However, several patients have been subjected to arrests, fines, property forfeiture, probation and criminal records once they are found to have been using the illegal drug marijuana. Promotion of Decriminalization of Marijuana In the United States, there exists a policy reform organization known as Marijuana Policy project (MPP), having nationwide constituency, with almost 12,000 members, who are working together to change the harmful perception of marijuana and to promote laws allowing its use.“To this end, MPP focuses on removing criminal penalties for use of marijuana, particularly emphasizing to make the substance marijuana medically available to persons who are seriously suffering from illnesses, provided that they obtain approval from their doctors.”(Shohov, 2003, p 14). This group believes that the controlled use of marijuana does not necessarily promote proliferation of heinous crimes, but rather marijuana shall be strictly used for medical related purposes only. The Negative Effects of Legalizing Marijuana Mehling’s study presented that: “The physical and psychological effects of marijuana in the human body include euphoria, anxiety, clumsiness, forgetfulness, hunger, pain relief, creative thinking, panic attacks, racing heart, dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, paranoia, relaxation, tiredness, sensory awareness, poor coordination, uncontrollable laughter”(Mehling, 2003, p.21). These are only some of the short-term effects of using marijuana. One of the long-term effects of marijuana is that it can cause cancer. “Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations.  Studies show that someone who smokes five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes every day”(Drug Guide, 2011). DuPont’s study further adds: “The number of marijuana users in the U.S. would tremendously increase if the government were to legalize marijuana. In fact, to date, there are about 15.2 million current marijuana users in comparison to 129 million alcohol users and 70.9 million tobacco users. Although the number of marijuana users might not quickly climb to the current numbers for alcohol and tobacco users, if marijuana was legalized, the increase in drug users would be both large and rapid with subsequent increases in addiction” (DuPont, 2011). In addition, the number of drug-impaired car crashes and accident will also multiply if marijuana is legalized. “Marijuana is already a significant causal factor in highway crashes, injuries and deaths. In a recent national roadside survey of weekend nighttime drivers, 8.6 percent tested positive for marijuana or its metabolites, nearly four times the percentage of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL (2.2 percent)” (DuPont 2011). Hence, the glaring disadvantages of legalizing the use of marijuana cannot be ignored. The legislators must also factor in the possible abuses that can contribute to the commission of crimes if marijuana will be decriminalized. In other words, if there is a law which gives a license to use marijuana, the state cannot automatically punish a person for simply using the marijuana substance. Ethical Theories “The field of ethics or moral philosophy has been defined as involved in systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior”(Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). It simply refers to distinguishing a right action from a wrong doing or behavior. The issue presented before us now is the act of decriminalizing or legalizing the use of marijuana. Whatever will be the final choice in between the two opposing perspectives will bring about an ethical or unethical result, depending on the factors surrounding the present case. In our given case, as we apply the appropriate ethical theory, we will be able to resolve the controversial issue of whether or not legalization of marijuana should be permitted. Teleological Approach. “Utilitarian moral theory is also known as Classical Utilitarianism. In other words, Aristotle’s goal is to explain how one can achieve the good or the right life for human beings” (New World Encyclopedia, 2008). Simply put, the consequences must be carefully evaluated before arriving at a choice or decision. If the choice or decision will work for the common good, then it is perceived to be a righteous action. Thus, if a patient is suffering from unbearable pain and suffering, who is in need of urgent treatment to free him or her from the excruciating pain he or she is experiencing, and that the only drug which will help him or her achieve this liberation from pain is marijuana, then administering marijuana is the right choice because it results to the greater good, which will attain the most overall pleasure for everyone. Deontological Approach. “According to Immanuel Kant, this theory maintains that the wrongness of an action is intrinsic, or resides in the kind of action that it is, rather than the consequences it brings about.” “So, for example, an act of killing an innocent man is wrong because it is the killing of an innocent man, rather than because it deprives someone of future happiness and causes grief to a family. So deontological theories do not define the notion of right action in terms of the promotion of good consequences. The rightness of an action is not determined by the goal it achieves, and thus, this makes it non-teleological as a moral theory”( New World Encyclopedia, 2008). “Duty theories base morality on specific, foundational principles of obligation. These theories are sometimes called deontological, from the Greek word deon, or duty, in view of the foundational nature of our duty or obligation. They are also sometimes called nonconsequentialist since these principles are obligatory, irrespective of the consequences that might follow from our actions” (Internet Emcyclopedia of Philisophy). Hence, in this particular case of the patient suffering from excruciating pain and badly in need of medical treatment which can only be cured by marijuana, the deontological approach will grant the patients to use marijuana because the substance marijuana, although a prohibited or an illegal drug will cure the patient, regardless of the consequences which may result from such action. It is the duty and obligation of the doctor to save the life of his patients and to provide timely medical treatment to prolong the patient’s life. Applying the principle of the doctor’s ethical responsibility, he is duty bound to see to it that the patient is cured and relieved from any physical pain or discomfort. In the end, it will be still the doctor who will decide what is needed by the patient and must take the patient’s best interest as his primordial consideration at arriving at a decision. Ethical Egoism “In the 17th Century, British philosopher Thomas Hobbes stated that one important area of moral psychology concerns the inherent selfishness of humans. According to him, many, if not all, of our actions are prompted by selfish desires”(Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy).  In the case of the issue confronted before us, legalizing marijuana will only benefit the chosen few. Abusers of this illegal drug will campaign for its decriminalization purely for the selfish reason of getting “high” and enjoying the pleasurable effects of marijuana boils down to one thing, which is recreational purpose. This clearly shows that they are only deciding for their own personal interests on the basis that the support for marijuana’s decriminalization will grant them the license to use it without violating any law nor be given any criminal punishment. In the same vein, the politicians and legislators also promote the passage and enactment of laws and statutes to legalize marijuana so that the government will grant them budget and additional revenue for research and formulation of these laws. “Another group which will be greatly affected by the legalization of marijuana is the research scientist groups who are tasked to study the illegal drug. The research and studies conducted by these scientists are funded by the government. Hence, once marijuana becomes legal, they will stand to lose their jobs and money in the form of grants in order to prove the deleterious effects of the herb” (Rosenthal, 1996). These are only some of the tangible examples to warrant that drawback of decriminalizing the herb, marijuana. Conclusion Inasmuch as marijuana is widely used such as tobacco and alcohol, both of which are being regulated by the government and pays tax duties, the nation cannot shut it eyes from the possible harm and danger it will pose, and causing even more the detriment of the public. The rationale behind this is that even if legalizing marijuana will generate more income for the government, this economical advantage will place its people to a more serious crisis such as mental and physical problems among families and their young children and loss of traditional values. DuPont reported that: “Reducing marijuana use is essential to improving the nation’s health, education, and productivity. New policies can greatly improve current performance of prevention strategies which, far from failing, has protected millions of people from the many adverse effects of marijuana use. Since legalization of marijuana for medical or general use would increase marijuana use rather than reduce it and would lead to increased rates of addiction to marijuana among youth and adults, legalizing marijuana is not a smart public health or public safety strategy for any state or for our nation”(DuPont, 2010). References Cermak, Timmen L. ( 2003). Marijuana: What's a Parent to Believe? Minnesota: Hazelden Center City. Dupont, Robert L, MD. Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana. Marijuana and Money. CNBC Special Report. (April 20, 2010). Retrieved on March 14, 2011, from Drug Guide. Marijuana. The Partnership at Drug Free.org. Retrieved on March 14, 2011, from < http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/marijuana> Gallup, Alec and Frank Newport. (2007). The Gallup Poll: Public Opinion 2005. Maryland, USA: F+W Media, Inc. Gerber, Rudolph Joseph (2004). Legalizing Marijuana: Drug Policy Reform and Prohibition Politics. Wesport, CT, USA: Greenwood Publishing Group. Holland, Julie M.D. (2010 ). The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis: Its Role in Medicine,Politics. Rochester Vermont, USA: Park Street Press. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy(May 10, 2009). Ethics. Retrieved on March 14, 2011, from < http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/>  Mehling, Randi and David J. Triggle (2003). Marijuana. USA:Chelsea House Publishers New World Encyclopedia. Teleological Ethics. (July 6, 2008). Retrieved on March 11, 2011, from Rosenthal, Ed and Steve Kubby, S. Newhart (1996). Why Marijuana Should Be Legal. NY, USA: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Ruschmann, Paul (2004). Legalizing Marijuana. NY, New York: Infobase Publishing. Shohov, Tatiana (2003). Medical Use of Marijuana: Policy, Regulatory and Legal Issues. New York, USA: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Stoned, I. M.(2009 ). Weed: 420 Things You Didn't Know (Or Remember) About Cannabis. MA, USA: Thunder’s Mouth Press. Read More