Decriminalize Marijuana for the Good of America - 2500 Words

Decriminalize Marijuana for the Good of America Currently, drugs remain high on the lists of concerns of Americans and are considered one of the major problems facing our country today. We see stories on the news about people being killed on the street every day over drugs. To many people drugs are only an inner-city problem, but in reality they affect all of us - users and non-users. I believe that the negative affects we associate with drugs would be greatly reduced if the United States adopted a policy towards the total decriminalization of marijuana. The current drug policy of our government is obviously failing. Drug laws have created corruption, violence, increased street crime, and disrespect for the criminal justice system.†¦show more content†¦If marijuana is legalized, many project that lung cancer will increase as the amount of marijuana use increases (Miner 44). These are all valid arguments, but cigarette smoking is legal, a booming business, and causes the same exact problems. There are a number of myths associated with the use of marijuana and its effects on your body which people who are opposed to its decriminalization repeatedly cite. One of these in that Marijuana causes brain damage. This claim is based on a study of t he rehus monkey by Dr. Robert Heath in the late 1970s. Heaths work was criticized for its insufficient sample size (only four monkeys), its failure to control experimental bias, and the misidentification of normal monkey brain structure as damaged (Hager 1). Actual studies of human populations of marijuana users have shown no evidence of damage to the brain (Hager 1). In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted two studies in 1977 and they showed no evidence of brain damage in heavy users of marijuana (Hager 1). Later that same year the AMA came out in favor of the decriminalizing of marijuana (Hager 1). That seems to me that the AMA wouldnt do that if it thought marijuana was damaging to the brain. Another myth is that marijuana damages the reproductive system. This is based on the work of Dr. Gabriel Nahas, who experimented with tissue cells isolated in petri dishes. The cells were dosed with near lethalShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1664 Words   |  7 Pages The Jamestown Settlers where the ones who first brought the Marijuana plant over to North America in 1611. The plant is also commonly known as Hemp to people when it was first introduced. Through the Colonial period in North America hemp fiber was a very important export to this country. In 1762 Virginia would award rewards for those who would cultivate and manufacture the hemp plant. For those who would refuse to produce the hemp plant, faced consequences and penalties. George Washington and ThomasRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1331 Words   |  6 Pagesdecriminalized in some of the states in Unites States of America. Decriminalization is not the same as legalization. All the drugs in Portugal were decriminalized since 2001. That does not mean that drug use is legal. The distribution and sale of some illicit drugs is still illegal in Portugal, but possession and use of drugs is noted as a community health problem and not criminal offence. There are certain harmful drugs, such as marijuana, that is going to become truly legal in some of theRead MoreThe Issue Of Legalization Of Marijuana958 Words   |  4 PagesIt’s not as bad as smoking or drinking alcohol! The government knows what’s good for us! You can’t overdose on marijuana! Public schools told me â€Å"Be Healthy, don’t do drugs.† Arguments such as these are always thrown back and forth when going into a controversial conversation dealing with legalization of marijuana. 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So whether your looking for some info on different types of bud, a quick laugh, or some cannabis tips/advice, just browse through our various categories, and find the link that suits your stoner needs. (New Articles/Link s are Added Daily - So make Sure to Check Back Often). Marijuana Categories (ClickRead MoreLegalizing Marijuan A Utilitarian Perspective1618 Words   |  7 PagesLegalizing Marijuana Legalizing Marijuana: A Utilitarian Perspective Whitney T. Hall SOC120: Ethic and Social Responsibility Tim Carter May 7, 2012 Legalizing Marijuana: A Utilitarian Perspective The legalization of marijuana in the United States remains a major issue and has caused much controversy due to opposing views. With the economy being in the state that it is, we need to utilize all available resources and set aside personal emotion regarding â€Å"smoking weed†. 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