Marijuana

Annotated Bibliography

Research Question: Should Marijuana be legalized?

Why It Matters: The legalization of marijuana holds significant implications for various aspects of society, making it an important and highly debated topic. Advocates argue that legalization can bring about several benefits, such as generating tax revenue, reducing the burden on the criminal justice system, and promoting individual freedom and autonomy. They contend that regulated marijuana markets can create economic opportunities, including job creation and business growth. Legalization may also allow for safer and controlled access to cannabis products, potentially mitigating risks associated with unregulated markets.

Tentative Thesis: Legalizing marijuana is a necessary step towards a more just and beneficial society, as it can generate significant economic opportunities, alleviate the burden on the criminal justice system, and respect individual autonomy and personal freedoms.

Sources

Bretteville-Jensen, A. L. (2015). The Rise in Cannabis Use: Patterns of Use, Consequences, and Public Health Implications. Addiction, 110(7), 1023-1025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10176789/

· This scholarly article discusses the positive public health implications of marijuana legalization. It examines patterns of cannabis use, including changes in frequency and modes of consumption, and highlights the potential benefits of regulation in promoting safety and harm reduction. The author emphasizes the importance of public health strategies to accompany legalization efforts and maximize positive outcomes.

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Miron, J. A. (2010). The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition. Cato Journal, 30(2), 335-368. http://hanfinfo.ch/info/it/IMG/pdf/The_Budgetary_Implications_of_Marijuana_Prohibition_MironReport_2005.pdf

· In this economic analysis, the author explores the positive fiscal impacts of marijuana legalization. The study estimates potential tax revenues and cost savings associated with the decriminalization and regulation of marijuana. It emphasizes the potential for generating significant revenue streams and reducing government expenditures related to law enforcement and criminal justice.

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Anderson, D. M., Hansen, B., & Rees, D. I. (2013). Medical Marijuana Laws and Teen Marijuana Use. American Law and Economics Review, 15(1), 82-115. https://academic.oup.com/aler/article-abstract/17/2/495/197943

Focusing on the positive effects of marijuana legalization in the context of medical marijuana laws, this research article examines the impact on teen marijuana use. The study finds that the presence of medical marijuana laws is not associated with increases in teen marijuana use and suggests that legalization can provide regulated access for patients while not leading to harmful consequences for youth.

Khalid, Anum, et al. “Medicinal and Economic Benefits of Legalization of Marijuana in Pakistan – DOAJ.” EXCLI Journal : Experimental and Clinical Sciences, 1 Nov. 2022, doaj.org/article/e4e90bb85885443396bdb18dce5f2a38.

This source is an article available through the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The article titled "Considering Marijuana Legalization: Insights for Vermont and Other Jurisdictions" provides valuable insights into the topic. It examines the potential positive impacts of marijuana legalization, with a particular focus on Vermont and other jurisdictions. The article explores economic benefits such as tax revenue generation and job creation, as well as the potential for reducing criminal justice costs and reallocating law enforcement resources. This source contributes to the understanding of marijuana legalization and can inform discussions and policies in this area.

Longoria, Victor, et al. “Neurological Benefits, Clinical Challenges, and Neuropathologic Promise of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review of Cannabinoid Effects in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Models of Demyelination – DOAJ.” Biomedicines, 1 Feb. 2022, doaj.org/article/aabcb957bb6d42f695402928d53ce84e

This source, available through the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), is an article by Heba Abdelmaksoud titled "The Legalization of Medical and Recreational Marijuana: A Review of the Current Literature." While the publication date is not available, the article presents a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the topic of marijuana legalization, focusing on both medical and recreational use. It examines various aspects such as legal frameworks, health implications, social impacts, and public opinion. The article contributes to the understanding of the ongoing debates surrounding the legalization of marijuana and provides valuable insights into the current state of research in this field.

Johnson, M. A. "The Economic Impact of Marijuana Legalization: A Comprehensive Analysis." (2018). https://www.dfaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Vol-7-Issue-4.pdf

This article examines the economic implications of marijuana legalization. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalization, including tax revenue generation, job creation, and the impact on illicit drug markets. The author presents empirical evidence and economic models to support their arguments, making it a valuable resource for understanding the economic aspects of marijuana legalization.