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heatherfuller16_bsls498_unit_3.docxLEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA 6
Research outline: Legalizing Medical Marijuana
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Institutional Affiliations
I Introduction
The use of Marijuana has become a topic of significant public discourse. While others are familiar with the discussion, it has become not easy to find the latest research-based information on marijuana that enables to answer common questions about its effects. Marijuana is used for medical purposes and as an agent to achieve euphoria. In 1850, marijuana was discovered in America and became a major crop that was grown as a source of fiber in colonial North American. With the increase in the number of marijuana users in the 1960s, there came acceptance of the view that marijuana should not be considered as narcotics, and therefore, should be legalized to reduce crime rates, as well as, making the substance more reliable and safer, thus generating tax dollars. In summary, this research paper will discuss legalizing marijuana under federal law for medical uses.
II The Issue
Reasons why marijuana is legal and illegal in some States
The history of Marijuana decriminalization was filled with racism, fear, hatred, and violence, making the drug illegal. Many people presume that the use of marijuana was made illegal through government hearings and medical to protect the citizens. Marijuana was criminalized in 1937 when Marijuana Tax Act was passed to campaign against the substance. There is a strong lobby within the U.S who feel that legalization would be the suitable course to take. Today, more than 20 states around the country have legalized medical marijuana. As a growing number of countries are moving to legalize marijuana, the public opinion has changed dramatically showing that majority of Americans favored legalizing the use of marijuana.
According to the latest statistics, Colorado is the first of the 50 states to lift the prohibition on pot by allowing legal purchase of marijuana. Proponents of marijuana legalization believe that the current policies regarding the use of marijuana have been harmful to families and societies as a whole. Marijuana legalization has increased revenues via taxes given that 10 percent of the sales go direct to the government savings. For instance, after legalizing marijuana use in the state of Colorado, the state managed to collect a handsome of $ 1.9 million in marijuana-related taxes within the first three months of legalization. Market watchers have also predicted that if the sales of marijuana increase to 30 percent, then the state will be in the position of earning as much as $60 million.
How Marijuana is less dangerous
A research has shown that marijuana is far safer than alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit substances. However, excessive use of the substance can lead to respiratory comfort. The report highlighted two notable findings; that is, marijuana is much less dangerous than it is thought while alcohol is potentially more dangerous. Many world governments including the United States have more restrictive policies on marijuana than they do on alcohol and tobacco (Alford, 2015).
Medical Benefits of Marijuana
The legalization of marijuana across many states would benefit millions of people as a result of medical purposes. Doctors use marijuana to treat and prevent eye diseases known as Glaucoma and reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco, thus improving lung health (Ferner, M. (2015). A report from researchers and doctors show that the use of marijuana provides relief for many medical conditions and illness. There are two chemicals in marijuana that researchers think have medicinal applications. They include cannabidiol (CBD) that impact the brain and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that has pain relieving properties. THC prevents nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines. Other medicinal benefits of marijuana include; it stops cancer cells from spreading as well as, control epileptic (Loria & Welsh, 2014).
III Recommendations
Marijuana should be legalized because its less dangerous and acts as a natural anesthetic (painkiller). Federal law should stop fighting marijuana legalization; instead, they should focus on alcohol and tobacco. It is quite difficult to see the benefits of marijuana legalization outweighing its risks; however, the government should consider turning the cost to revenue by legalizing marijuana. Taking marijuana from the illegal status would mean that, the government will generate tax dollars. Conversely, it does not make sense if the federal laws are spending too much to fight marijuana when the law enforcement efforts are inadequate in keeping marijuana from children.
IV Conclusion
Legalization of marijuana will not only benefit those who use it, but it will also benefit the society. It is evident that, the use of the substance does not cause serious health problems as opposed to alcohol and tobacco, therefore legalizing marijuana will help reduce crime rates and generate tax dollars. Unfortunately, no studies have examined or revealed the negative effects of legalized marijuana on medicinal purpose. For instance, taxing marijuana tends to provide more money for policies set aside to help the country. States such as Colorado in the United States that have their policies and laws enacted in regards to marijuana legalization have reported fewer cases on the effects of the substance.
References
Center: State Laws Related to Marijuana. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/state-laws-related-to-marijuana
Gonzales v. Raich , 545 U.S. 1 (2005)
Illinois Compiled Statutes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3503
Marijuana Resource Center: State Laws Related to Marijuana. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/state-laws-related-to-marijuana
State Medical Marijuana Laws. (2015, November 9). Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
http://www.drugwarrant.com/articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal/
Loria, K & Welsh, J. (2014). Health benefits of marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/health-benefits-of-medical-marijuana-2014-4
Alford, J. (2015). New Study Finds Marijuana Safer Than Alcohol Or Tobacco.
Retrieved from; http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/new-study-suggests-risks-marijuana-use-have-been-overestimated
