McCay Harold and Kumar Post

Do you think this film has any message other than a happily irreverent bong message. If you say no, you must explain why bong films are so attractive to your age group. If you say yes, please articulate the message. Remember, at least 250 words and a picture or a link.

Marijuana

Probably the most frequent argument I hear for the legalization on marijuana is that the federal government from taxing it. Drug sales are a huge underground industry in this country. If marijuana were made legal federal and state government could impose a so-called “sin tax” on it, much like they do with alcohol and tobacco products. Another reason often cited is the overcrowding in Americas prisons. Many of the prisoners housed in state prisons are non-violent drug offenders. Instead of sending a college student with a dime bag to New Orleans Metro, they could be focusing state resources on violent criminals. Here is a very good website with he statistics on drug offenders in prison. The “war on drugs” has been going on for decades, and obviously it is not working. Something has to change, because demand is never going to go away, and where there is a demand there will always be a supply. I think that the overcrowded prisons are the most convincing argument for the legalization of marijuana. This is also one of the reasons that will actually bring about change. Reasons appealing to money are going to be the ones that will lead to change in policy, simply because that is what will appeal to non-marijuana users the most. The former marijuana user, Arnold Schwarzenegger said that he is willing to talk about the complete legalization of marijuana. As I was writing this blog I asked my friend’s opinion on this issue. My friend took a USA Today out of her bag, and on the front page was an article titled “Slowly, limits on pot are fading.” I think that people are talking about this issue more than ever, and soon the laws will change.

To legalize or not to legalize

In terms of the argument in favor of legalizing marijuana, the following points have been made. The history of prohibiting this drug has failed to control its usage, production and sales of such thing. The arrests that take place over marijuana possession has resulted in ridiculously expensive taxes among the people; when if we just eliminated those people from our prisons the taxes would go down significantly, and the government and American people would save money, and our justice system would be come a great deal more efficient. Also, if a legal market in marijuana was passed, then the sales and usage (especially among teenagers) could be regulated and ultimately reduced because of the rebellious appeal is taken away, and the government can control the distribution more closely. If Marijuana was legalized it would reduce the transactions that take place between international gangs. The fact of the matter is, weed is not a lethal drug. Studies have proven that it is actually significantly less dangerous compared to alcohol, and the drug is not toxic. It is unlikely for a user to overdose as well as become addicted, especially when comparing it to alcohol or tobacco or other drugs. Most importantly, Marijuana has a great deal of medical value. It allows for pain relief, nausea relief (just to name a few). For many people who have not seen results from their conventional medications, the recreational use of marijuana has had great feedback. What is useful in using this drug for treatment is the fact that there really is a low chance for any kind of dependence, and the side effects are more than manageable. This is considered to be a “low risk” drug.

Contrary, the reasons that back up the argument that marijuana should not me legalized include: The fact that the American government knows little about this drug, and it could take up to years before scientists are able to attain all the information of this drug (which is considered to be a complex structure) in order to really know the true medical value. Also, if marijuana were legalized it is likely that the distribution and usage would be abused. There is also the argument that just because marijuana is safer than alcohol, does that mean it should necessarily be legalized. To back this up, examples such as: would you want your pilot to be flying your plane after smoking, or your cab driver etc. Finally, this drug may not be incredibly dangerous, but its reputation for being the “gateway” drug is in fact a danger to individuals smoking it and their families and our society as a whole.

I think it is somewhat simple, based on the increasing prices of our nation’s prisons, and the unnecessary costs that are being spent by the American government; the system that is set in place now is flawed. Too much money is being spent on something that could be better controlled, and have the ultimate goal achieved of reducing drug consumption and distribution. And lastly, if there have been studies that have proven the medical benefits of this drug, a person’s health should become priority, regardless of what the treatment intakes.

Legalize Marijuana and Save the State of Our Nation

Doctors prescribe morphine and other highly addictive drugs, while weed is not addictive at all. There are more people in rehab for morphine addiction, so perhaps the government should illegalize some other more harmful drugs instead of putting all their energy and our tax dollars into eradicating weed. You cannot overdose on weed; you can never do too much weed.

On point against the legalization of medical marijuana is that some medical studies have tied marijuana usage to brain damage, cancer, and depression. Memory loss and slower problem solving skills are also cited as possible side effects of smoking weed.

I think that the legalization of weed whether it is for medical purposes or leisure is inevitable. Massachusetts has decriminalized marijuana and California is known for their top-grade and legal medical marijuana. The legalization of weed would also save the government money in a time when America’s economy is in a recession. This country spends billions of dollars a year to catch weed dealers and enthusiasts and to lock them up. Over 40% of prisoners in our jails are there for weed related crimes. The government would get to stop pouring billions of dollars into useless and ineffective prevention, and they could also tax the weed. It’s a win-win for everyone. Not only will people be happy because weed is legalized, but they will be happy that America’s economic woes have been solved.

Legalization of Marijuana

The legalization of marijuana has been a hot topic for the fast few decades. Some feel it should be legalized to help people suffering with medical illnesses; others disagree and feel it presents a bad message to today’s youth. One article presents the idea that the benefits from smoking marijuana for someone who is undergoing chemotherapy can be very significant. The drug has been known to reduce nausea and common pain experienced with chemotherapy. However, another article states that chronic users of marijuana have an increased chance of developing anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Also, marijuana has the same respiratory problems that come with smoking tobacco cigarettes. I am on the fence of both arguments. I do agree that it presents the wrong message to young people, especially adolescents, who are at a critical part of development. However, the positive outcomes of legalizing marijuana are considerable. If marijuana was legal, there would less crime because the profit from selling the drug would be low. If it is sold in gas stations or convenient stores like cigarettes, there would not be a demand for it on the streets. Secondly, if it helps someone overcome the pain that comes with battling cancer, then it seems like a good decision to legalize it. The only problem I have with this argument is that many who claim they are supporting the legalization of marijuana for medical use are actually supporting it for selfish reasons. They want the drug legal for themselves and by using the excuse, “for medical purposes,” is how they will obtain it.

Drugs and Legality

For the last several years, the legalization of marijuana has been one of the most controversial topics in America. There have been many people for and against this legalization, and many of these people feel strongly about their opinions. Some of the arguments for the legalization have to do with medical purposes. According to an article on the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana (http://usliberals.about.com/od/patriotactcivilrights/i/MarijuanaProCon_2.htm), marijuana has been proven to help out with cancer and AIDS patients medically. Also the article says that marijuana has been proven to be no more harmful to a person’s health than alcohol or tobacco. In addition to health benefits, the article also talks about how crime and violence has risen in the United States and Mexico due to illegal transporting and selling. On the contrary, the article talks about why people oppose the legalization. Long term effects of marijuana use can be harmful. People who use marijuana are more likely to start using other drugs. Although this is not in the article, many people are against the legalization of marijuana because the government could then tax the product.

I personally am a bit indifferent on the topic. I believe that marijuana should not be legalized for just the use by everyday average people. I also think that marijuana should not be accessible to people who are not using it for medical purposed. I believe that marijuana should be legalized for medical purposed. It has been proven by the medical field that marijuana helps cancer patients and even other sick patients. I have seen cancer patients go thought the struggles and it really does help them out.