Issues in Legalizing Marijuana - Research Paper Example

Introduction In the recent years, a few of United s presidents admitted to using marijuana. With President Obama admitting, that he used marijuana once when he was in college. If this is the truth, then there is something peculiar about marijuana that has not been accepted even when revealed. Legalizing medical marijuana unexpectedly opens new questions about its history and use with a mixed reaction received regarding the harmful effects of marijuana. This was their strongest argument against using it .They thought it was addictive and it would encourage people to commit criminal acts and behaviors. Marijuana use has over time been seen as a danger to society as a whole thus pushing for its prohibition and due to this, it has been included in the war against drugs. However, the benefits of medical marijuana, particularly its economic benefits are eye catching and if properly channeled can be beneficial to the society today. Illegalization of Marijuana and its Controversies Marijuana is the most used illegal drug- a product of the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. Cannabis is an anal flowering herb with palmate compound leafs that are used in making marijuana. Marijuana has walked with history since then, with the first recorded use of cannabis dating back to 7,000B.C. The Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used this drug for its medicinal values since it healed stomach ailments cramps and pain.(Caulking et al 35). This drug originated from Asia and speculations have it that Napoleons troops sneaked Marijuana into Europe after discovering there was more to it than medicinal value. The Mexican immigrants then helped spread this drug across America where it was introduced for medicinal purposes. The curious Americans discovered its recreational ability when alcohol was banned and prohibited. Once the federal government imposed a ban on alcohol, marijuana became an alternative and its usage soared. In the year 1930, the U.S government and the media both collaborated in demonizing marijuana sighting it as a devil with its roots in hell. This led to the prohibition of marijuana with the government and the liquor industry formulating a movie aimed at discouraging people from the use of marijuana (Dudley 105). It is evident that the propaganda emerging about marijuana were not well researched, causing tension among its users and the government. Instead, it created problems that were more serious. Small drug offenders filled prisons to overcrowding. Besides, alleviating the problem of overcrowding jails, if marijuana were legalized and properly regulated, its users would be instilled to walk by what the law states about its use. Those who wanted marijuana burned emphasized and exaggerated on its harmful effects. In short, marijuana was considered as dangerous drug for use and was totally burned by the federal government who painted the use of this herb black. It was categorized as a schedule 1 controlled substance and was believed to have a high potential of abuse. The substance was also described as not safe for use with no medicinal value under the medical supervision boards (Caulkins et al, 48). It was declared illegal for any citizen of America to manufacture, distribute, use or dispense this drug. It is, however, controversial that the government of America only confined their thoughts to one side of the coin. No proper-based evidences were arrived at, to justify any thought instead their ideologies were merely based on lies. Marijuana Legalization and Regulation You could be looking for medicine to cure a chronic illness, perhaps marijuana is the cure. There are some benefits of marijuana that could be turned to great wealth besides its overuse. Medical practitioners believe that marijuana influences the autonomic nervous system, which expands breath and relaxes the body. They purport that it to some extent has the potential to heal some illness. More clean blood and oxygen are pumped to the brain that gives a clearer thought and broader thinking. Marijuana also energizes and offers its users alertness, determination and even strength (Gerdes pg 67). It stimulates, relaxes, and has several other related health benefits. Marijuana smokers are in the other hand likely to develop cancer since it like any other smoker of cigarette. However, the truth has its own way of revealing itself. The prohibition of marijuana keeps inspiring drug organizations in fighting for justice and as the state continues to criticizing the use of marijuana the call to legalize still remains. Some U.S states are fighting to legalizing marijuana, a factor that is creating conflict with Federal Law. The world is slowly recognizing the benefit of marijuana as a medicinal product that could be used as a remedy to some illnesses. With some benefits enacted in this plant, it is clear that the issues that wereh put on marijuana were false and had no proper base. The reason this drug was banned is that some influential people in the society felt threatened that they would lose money. They, therefore, influenced the government into enacting a ban on marijuana. This, however, did not solve any problem (Gerdes pg 67). Looking at it from another standpoint, the legalization and regulation of marijuana would bring the largest cash crop of the nation under the laws watch, and thus create more jobs and economic opportunities with the aim of increasing the economy (Caulkins et al, 89). Logically, the use of marijuana for the purposes of health should be detached from the scandalous justice systems and synchronized in a way similar to that of alcohol and tobacco. A new source of tax revenue from regulating the sales of marijuana would take effect thus cutting down on the expenses of the government. The resources being used to enforce the public not to use this drug could be directed into other initiatives .With the legalization of marijuana, imperative increase in the states revenue are likely to be witnessed since the recreational drug would be taxed. With this, the economy of the state is most likely of be influenced positively. The government of America should legalize the use of marijuana through a well-articulated market. Similar to alcohol, the use of marijuana should be balanced and regulated because of its value system. Marijuana has been in use for centuries now and has not contributed to many deaths unlike alcohol that is legalized. When the state legalizes will cut off several billions of dollars which will be saved, and that would cut down on the debt of the country (www.thelantern.com/2014).It is evident that the propaganda surrounding the use of marijuana are misleading and the fact remains that this plant has a benefit to offer to the society even if it is of small importance. In as much as this drug has benefits that supersede the harm, its legalization would see its use skyrocket. Increase in incidences of accidents due impairment of vision are likely to happen. Many people will turn to be addicts of nicotine and, as a result have an effect on their brains. Legalizing marijuana will also increase usage among the young people according to some authors view. This will result in cases in schools and colleges that involve crimes (Kilmer 98). Imperatively this calls for careful thought approach before making the drug legal. The state should clearly spell out the conditions under which the drug is allowed and who is allowed to consume it. A regulation approach should be implemented that would regulate its intake to its users. Conclusion Medical practitioners believe that marijuana influences the autonomic nervous system, which expands breath and relaxes the body. They purport that its potential to heal are massive and its use enhances both sides of the brain. More clean blood and oxygen are pumped to the brain that gives a clearer thought and broader thinking. Marijuana also energizes and offers its users alertness, determination and even strength. Some negative effects to marijuana can be traced in the use of marijuana that should not also be ruled out.Marijuana has its health related benefits but those who seek to abuse it are prone to suffer from some complications. A state has the right to protect its citizens from any harm and this should call for a careful analysis before an approach is established. It is evident that marijuana has some benefits if put on proper use. The government of America should legalize the use of marijuana through a well-articulated market. Similar to alcohol, the use of marijuana should be balanced and regulated because of its value system. Works Cited Caulkins, Jonathan P, Angela Hawken, Beau Kilmer, and Mark Kleiman. Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know. , 2012. Print. Dudley, William. Marijuana. San Diego, Calif: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Print. Gerdes, Louise I. Marijuana. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Print. Kilmer, Beau. Altered State?: Assessing How Marijuana Legalization in California Could Influence Marijuana Consumption and Public Budgets. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Drug Policy Research Center, 2010. Print. Marijuana Legalization: A Bad Idea. Washington, D.C.: Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President, 2010. Internet resource. Tardiff, Joseph C. Marijuana. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Print. http://legalizationofmarijuana.com/ http://www.benefitsofmarijuana.com/benefits.php http://norml.org/about/item/marijuana-law-reform-timeline http://thelantern.com/2014/01/opinion-legalization-marijuana-financial-health-benefits/ Read More