Positive Benefits of legalization of Cannabis - Annotated Bibliography Example

 Positive Benefits of legalization of Cannabis The objective of this research is to support the proposition of legalization of cannabis. Cannabis, otherwise known as Marijuana has very many positive benefits which can be explored to increase economic, social and health benefits not only to users of the Cannabis, but also to the non-users. I chose this topic because cannabis is a drug which has been stereotyped for a long term, not because of its benefits, bit rather due to the perceived negative effects it has on its users. It is painted as a dirty and bad drug which makes its users delusional. As such, there is much controversy as people are urged to stay away from the drug. I believe that cannabis’s negative effects have been exaggerated because of those who abuse it. However, nobody cares to mention its medicinal users under a prescription. I also feel there are other more dangerous drugs that are legal yet they cause deaths. Over 2000 lives are claimed by aspirin annually, but aspirin is a legal drug but cannabis has not claimed a single life, yet it is denied a legal status. I believe that legalization of cannabis will revolutionize medicine and economic status of many people which will then impact on the overall economy. The sources reviewed in this research were sourced from peer reviewed journals and credible publications which have the authority and expertise to offer reliable information about cannabis. The research process includes selection of the sources to use based on the criteria of currency, relevancy and demonstrated of the positive benefits of cannabis. My audience group is a university group whose members are neutral and uninformed about the topic. As such, this research seeks to review sources which are very informative and credible. The review of the sources in this research should support my thesis that legalization of cannabis will revolutionize medicine and economic status of many people which will then impact on the overall economy. To achieve this, my research seeks to avail evidence and examples which support that there are many benefits of cannabis and therefore, it should be legalized. Marijuana has attracted massive controversy throughout history. The debate centers on marijuana being a very addictive drug which is very dangerous. However, research has proved that marijuana has the potential of relieving pain, treatment of glaucoma and prevention of vomiting. Science has also proven that the field of medicine has been awed by the many health benefits of the drug. The legalization of marijuana is still pending as the American justice system remains undecided about the fate of the drug. The main issue of concern is the safety of the drug if it were to be legalized. I feel that marijuana should be legalized and then controlled in order to prevent abuse. This will help save a lot of lives and improve the lives of many people. Grammy, Abbas. "Economic Benefits of Marijuana Legalization" Premier Thoughts: The CSUB Business Blog. Web. 21 November 2014. This article explores the economic benefits which can potentially be derived from legalization of cannabis in America. This article is highly credible as it utilizes actual data and factual information from a study that was conducted since 2011. The study presents many benefits which accrue to a country as a result of legalization of Marijuana. This article will be very useful in this research as it has statistical evidence through progressive years which show that marijuana has the potential to improve the economy of this country. The country could benefit from the enormous tax revenue collected from commercial activities involving marijuana coupled with the fact that the local, state and federal governments will save tremendously. Furthermore, correctional institutions, judicial and law enforcement authorities will cut their expenditure significantly. Campos, Isaac. "In Search Of Real Reform: Lessons From Mexico's Long History Of Drug Prohibition." NACLA Report On The Americas 44.3 (2011): 14-18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 21 November 2014. This article draws insights into the effects of legalization of cannabis by analyzing the case of Mexico. By exploring the currents atmosphere in Mexico, the article presents the rumors spread in Mexico that users of marijuana elicited violent insanity. However, after legalization, the rate of violent insanity has declined significantly. I will use this article to demonstrate that marijuana is not the problem, but rather is criminalization which force people to act insane as a result of abuse. This days, Mexico finds no need to invest heavily on “war on Drugs” since the rate of drug abuse is insignificant. Mark A. Ware, MD, MSc, et al., "Smoked Cannabis for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2010. Print. This journal examines the impacts of smoked cannabis on chronic neuropathic pain. It takes the form of an investigative stance that involves postsurgical neuropathic pain or post-traumatic adults. The patients were given a dosage of smoked cannabis and observed over a period of two weeks. The study concluded that high potencies of smoked cannabis taken three times a day for two weeks have the highest potential of reliving the highest intensity of pain and improve sleep. This journal will be utilized in my research as it is a perfect description of practical effectiveness of cannabis on the health and repression of pain. Szalavitz, Maia. "Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work?" Time. Time Inc., 26 Apr. 2009. Web. 21 November 2014. The author explores the effects of legalization of Cannabis in Portugal on reduction in the rate of crime. The author uses a wide range of statistical evidence to show the rate of decreases of substance abuse and criminal activities as a result of legalization of Cannabis in Portugal. I will utilize this article in my research in order to show that legalization of Cannabis has the potential to reduce the rate of drug abuse and it can also lead to decline in the rate of crime. Drawing from its efficiency in countries which has used this strategy, legalization of cannabis is a tool which can be employed to combat crime. This article has provided me with practical insights of cannabis, in that it has been successful in lowering Cannabis consumption rate and other infections resulting from drug abuse such as HIV. Staff. "Marijuana Legalisation: High Time." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 11 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 November 2014. This article explores the economic benefits that are attributed to legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado. This article is very credible as it is published by a reputable publisher with economic matters-The Economists. The state of Colorado has immensely increased their revenue pool as a result of legalizing marijuana in the state. This article will be helpful in my research as the author has presented the economic benefits which can be shared from Colorado by other states and follow suit. While the writer holds a harsh tone towards marijuana, he cannot deny the benefits. As such, this piece will help me emphasize that even those who are opposed to marijuana, appreciate their positive benefits. Gupta, Sanjay. "Why I Changed My Mind on Weed". CNN Health. Web. 21 November 2014. This article explores an area which has shaped the public perception about marijuana. The public opinion, the media and politics surrounding the use of marijuana all contribute to the bad name marijuana has acquired over time. I will use this article to dispel the terrible misconceptions that have misled many people into thinking that marijuana is dangerous and very risky while it is only risks when abused. Gupta explores the law which have been passed for medical cannabis in 20 states. The question to be answered here is why something with medical value and which is not lethal be considered illegal? The purpose of using this article in my research will be to educate people and remove the negative perception about the bad name of marijuana. The author compares marijuana to other drugs and concludes that the many positive medical benefits of marijuana have been ignored but when explored, they can bring great positive change. Conant, Eve, Maloney, Katie. "Pot And The Gop." Newsweek 156.18 (2010): 30. MAS Ultra – School Edition. Web. 21 November 2014. This is a fairly short article which provides countless potential benefits of legalizing marijuana. The arguments in the article is accurately presented by providing an overview of the main points followed by enhancements and explanation from a quote in the modern times. I will use this article to broad my research about the overall benefits of marijuana since this article is relatively broad and enlightening. Some of the covered areas include economic and health benefits. Furthermore, this article gives insights into the many claims which has led to delay in legalization of marijuana and also presents points to refute those claims. Mechoulam, Raphael. "Cannabis - A Valuable Drug That Deserves Better Treatment." Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Web. 21 November 2014. This article seeks to provide information about the health benefits of cannabis. Cannabis contains CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). These two substances have counter effects on each other. While THC elicits a stimulating effect, CBD counters those effects. I will utilize this publication to show that cannabis is a very safe medical alternative and has causes no harm to the user when used to address medical concerns. Another thing worth noting is that cannabis should be given better treatment such as government funding in order to laboratories to do research on the medical implication of cannabis. Work Cited Campos, Isaac. "In Search Of Real Reform: Lessons From Mexico's Long History Of Drug Prohibition." NACLA Report On The Americas 44.3 (2011): 14-18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 21 November 2014. Conant, Eve, Maloney, Katie. "Pot And The Gop." Newsweek 156.18 (2010): 30. MAS Ultra – School Edition. Web. 21 November 2014. Gupta, Sanjay. "Why I Changed My Mind on Weed". CNN Health. Web. 21 November 2014. Grammy, Abbas. "Economic Benefits of Marijuana Legalization" Premier Thoughts: The CSUB Business Blog. Web. 21 November 2014. Mark A. Ware, MD, MSc, et al., "Smoked Cannabis for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2010. Print. Mechoulam, Raphael. "Cannabis - A Valuable Drug That Deserves Better Treatment." Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Web. 21 November 2014. Staff. "Marijuana Legalisation: High Time." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 11 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 November 2014. Szalavitz, Maia. "Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work?" Time. Time Inc., 26 Apr.2009. Web. 21 November 2014. Read More