Marijuana: Bad Rep, Bad Policy
- Submitted by: batesan
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- Category: Other
- Date Submitted: 03/14/2012 09:31 AM
- Pages: 12
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ABSTRACT
In 2009 there were an estimated 1,663,582 state and local arrests for drug abuse violations in the United States (ONDCP). The purpose of this research is to shed light on the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. Both sides have relevant concerns to making this recreational drug legal. With plenty of aspects to consider, the pro legalization stance genuinely makes a strong argument. Legalizing marijuana could bring revenue to a government that has a budget deficit bigger than ever, allowing more funds to be distributed to projects more worthy than prosecuting every day citizens for growing hemp in their basement. America could see a decrease in crime, feeling safer knowing their children will not be wandering off to an alley to score some marijuana off some shady dealer. Medical professionals are continuing research on many the benefits marijuana has to offer patients with chronic illnesses. It is clear that this research shows that by legalizing this drug, the benefits definitely outweigh the risk.
In 1840 President Abraham Lincoln said, "Prohibition... goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control mans' appetite through legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not even crimes... A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our Government was founded.” The most widely debated issue in America, next to abortion, is the prohibition of drugs. Although most drugs remain legal to possess and consume, marijuana, a natural growing herb, continues to be a black market item. Alcohol and tobacco, two highly addictive and life threatening substances are currently legal, so it seems that a relevant question to ask is why is marijuana illegal? The national legalization of marijuana through regulatory control would be a valuable asset to Americas’ economy. Legalizing this drug with restriction, like those set on alcohol and tobacco would increase accessibility to patients in which medicinal...
ABSTRACT
In 2009 there were an estimated 1,663,582 state and local arrests for drug abuse violations in the United States (ONDCP). The purpose of this research is to shed light on the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. Both sides have relevant concerns to making this recreational drug legal. With plenty of aspects to consider, the pro legalization stance genuinely makes a strong argument. Legalizing marijuana could bring revenue to a government that has a budget deficit bigger than ever, allowing more funds to be distributed to projects more worthy than prosecuting every day citizens for growing hemp in their basement. America could see a decrease in crime, feeling safer knowing their children will not be wandering off to an alley to score some marijuana off some shady dealer. Medical professionals are continuing research on many the benefits marijuana has to offer patients with chronic illnesses. It is clear that this research shows that by legalizing this drug, the benefits definitely outweigh the risk.
In 1840 President Abraham Lincoln said, "Prohibition... goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control mans' appetite through legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not even crimes... A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our Government was founded.” The most widely debated issue in America, next to abortion, is the prohibition of drugs. Although most drugs remain legal to possess and consume, marijuana, a natural growing herb, continues to be a black market item. Alcohol and tobacco, two highly addictive and life threatening substances are currently legal, so it seems that a relevant question to ask is why is marijuana illegal? The national legalization of marijuana through regulatory control would be a valuable asset to Americas’ economy. Legalizing this drug with restriction, like those set on alcohol and tobacco would increase accessibility to patients in which medicinal...