Up in Smoke
Marijuana is a major drug and crime influence in our country today. There are two groups fighting each other, those who are pro-marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. The debate for legalization has been going on for many years. Consequently, there are no options to solve it; ending the argument seems to be a bit impossible. There are some extremely well formed arguments for both sides. One must analyze both to draw their own conclusions. There are several street names for marijuana (i.e., Mary Jane, Hemp, Pot, Weed). It does not matter, what you call it; it is still Cannabis Sativa and it is still illegal. The use and sale of narcotic drugs has been a problem of much public concern and debate. On one side, they argue that laws were passed and criminal penalties were instituted for possession and sale of the drug. According to Steve White, a former agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency, "most growers involved in the illegal marijuana business turned out to be normal Americans rather than violent criminals. Nevertheless, he contends that these growers are still knowingly engaged in illegal activities and should be punished appropriately" (White 1). Numerous Americans have been convicted and thrown into prison for growi
ng, possessing, and smoking marijuana. The pro-marijuana side makes its argument from a medical stand point; marijuana can be a drug of necessity in the treatment of AIDS, glaucoma, cancer and multiple sclerosis. The federal and state governments made the penalties for marijuana offenses much tougher. Marijuana is one of the largest agricultural goods in the nation; it is a multi-billion-dollar industry that has nothing to do with the growing of your food. The pro-marijuana argues against the "gateway theory"(Nadelmann 5). On the other hand, marijuana tends to diminish the ambition and motivation in the user. Smith to twenty-seven months for growing pot"(Slambrouck 2). THC has a range of physiological and psychological effects on the body. Marijuana has not been proven to be physically addicting but, psychological dependence can develop. "On a judicial level, drug legalization comes down to whether we should condone destructive behavior" (McCaffrey 2). Most of the research for the benefits of the drug is privately funded. Typically, it produces a mild euphoric intoxication, a sense of well-being, and alters the sense of time and space. THC reduces anxiety and relaxes tension. In the long run, it may cause lung cancer, asthma, upper respiratory problems, and heart disease.
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