Cannabis, otherwise known as, marijuana has been around for centuries; dating back to the B.C. era. Marijuana comes from the Hemp plant which was widely grown by in the 17th century for its abilities to make rope, sails, and clothing out of it. By the 19th century, marijuana started to become a popular ingredient medicinal products and were sold to public pharmacies. The use of marijuana didn’t become recreational until the after the Mexican Revolution of 1910, as many Mexican Immigrants poured into the U.S. From this point forward, marijuana became associated to the newly arrived immigrants. The government and many anti-drug groups turned towards the drug to blame for the unlawful crimes that were happening during this time period. It wasn’t till the start of the Great Depression, that states started to outlaw marijuana. Today, marijuana is illegal in most states, but can be obtained in some, for it’s medicinal properties. To be prescribed it, you have to have a fatal illness, or chronic pain. However marijuana is a very common drug on the streets and can be picked up from just about anyone. The legalization of marijuana has not been too friendly in the eyes of many republicans. Most republicans are not in favor of this and some even want to sue Obama for not arresting people for possession of marijuana. According to Jim Gerlach, Republican of Pennsylvania, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Republican of Virginia, they want to enforce the Law Act (H.R. 4138), which would allow the House or the Senate to sue the president for “failure to faithfully execute federal laws,” involving laws relating to immigration, health, and marijuana. Republicans want to see more action being done in apprehending marijuana users. According to The Star-Ledger Republican Governor Chris Christie continuously stresses that he will never be a supporter of legalization in New Jersey because of the harmful effects of casual pot use. Christie cited a study by The Journal of Neuroscience that stated “even the casual use - smoking once or twice a week to get high - can alter the brain.” Which supported Christie’s reasoning to keep marijuana illegal. He strongly opposes the idea and stresses once again that anyone who thinks that legalizing marijuana is a good idea, just look at the state of Colorado. Where there are head shops popping up at every corner and a constant flow of “pot heads” flying in to get high. Most republicans have come to an agreement that it is the quality of life that they want to have, even if there is no tax revenue. However most Democrats are very supportive and are for the legalization of marijuana. Many feel that marijuana can provide a constant revenue and provide crucial jobs that could decrease the unemployment rate and help the economy a bit. Even President Obama to some extent is not against this notion. He believes that marijuana is safer than alcohol, but was also reported saying in an interview by the New Yorker that he told his daughters “It’s a bad idea, a waste of time, and not very healthy.” Although Obama’s comments cautious as they were, could still encourage many people on the state level for recreational use. According to the Politics Blog from the San Francisco Chronicle, California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom stated “This isn’t a debate about stoners,” he said. “You can be pro-regulation without being an advocate for drug use.” Newsom wants people to think of legalization as a whole and not just the “drug” factor. The some benefits include diverting law enforcements and resources away from unnecessary confinement, and boosting state revenue. Colorado for example was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use and along with the 2.9 sales tax on marijuana, Colorado’s projected sales in the next year could total $118 million and could even exceed half a billion dollars by 2015. Colorado is a clear example of a working system. I believe that marijuana should be
The Legalization of Cannabis The dawn of the twenty first century has ushered in a new age of optimism and wonder. Despite the proclamations of television, all is not well in our part of the world. Our societies have succumbed to the modern holy war on drugs and more specifically, the war against marijuana. Being fought against our own citizens and citizens abroad, an international effort to eradicate cannabis production and use has undoubtedly failed leaving in its wake social unrest and political…
The legalization of marijuana is a popular topic in America right now, but it is my personal opinion that the cons do indeed outweigh the pros. The issue with the legalization of marijuana is that simply put, marijuana is not harmless. It does negatively affect the brain and certainly distorts a driver’s perception which could inevitably result in an increase of vehicle accidents. If it was legalized, usage would of course increase tremendously and it would become increasingly more accessible…
people but yet is still legal? While marijuana causes less deaths and cures different types of medical problems but is illegal ? It just doesnt make sense. The legalization of marijuana would help our community, it would keep many of people out of jail then the police could actually start arresting the real criminals instead of the people caught with small amounts of marijuana on them. Also it is safer for you than plenty of legal drugs. The legalization of marijuana has been in discussion for many of…
dark for the fear that it will change your opinion. Marijuana has newfound fame since four states have chosen to legalize it for recreational purposes. This fame has effected the youth in America having them believe that marijuana is harmless. Marijuana is a narcotic and should be treated nothing less then that. Hans Breiter, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine stated, "Marijuana is the ideal compound to screw up everything for a…
as all societies declare their own idea of the real world (Erich Goode Marijuana and the Politics of Reality pg. 83). Marijuana, also known as cannabis sativa has been falsely criticized since the beginning of the century. The legalization of marijuana is a controversial subject; however, there are many positive arguments to support the idea. First of all, it is expensive to keep marijuana illegal. Also marijuana has been proven to be less likely to create crime, it can be used as a medicine…
Jonathan Goergen Reasons to Legalize Marijuana The criminalization of marijuana has many stories behind it. Some believe that it was made illegal in the early 20th century because it was meant to play off of anti-immigrant sentiments. Considering that Mexican immigrants introduced recreational marijuana use to the American culture. Others believe it was made illegal because it would put the tobacco industries out of business. The media had a large role in making people believe that usage caused…
Legalization of Marijuana There are many arguments to be had—therefore we must weigh the pros and cons of each argument before deciding to fight for a cause. I believe that marijuana should be legalized because there are more positives allowing recreational use than there are negatives. Marijuana is a drug that can be used for medical treatments, it does not have poor effects on human health. I believe that this battle against marijuana should not be fought because victory over the drug and its…
2013 Legalization of Marijuana The legalization of marijuana would greatly reduce drug violence in cities, reduce spending by law enforcement, and taxation of marijuana would greatly help the economic system of the United States. Legalization is a large topic of debate in today’s society. America’s overall view of marijuana is pessimistic however, more and more people are beginning to step forward and express their support for legalization. People are becoming more tolerant of marijuana use; a…
April 2013 “Marijuana Legalization: Colorado and Washington State Grapple With Implementing New Laws” http://www.policymic.com/articles/22459/marijuana-legalization-colorado-and-washington-state-grapple-with-implementing-new-laws “President Obama’s Marijuana Problem” http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/04/president-obamas-marijuana-problem-2.php Marijuana Legalization in America In November, Colorado and Washington created major ripples in the debate over the legality of the marijuana. Colorado’s…
life, a medical prescription for marijuana. The strain of marijuana Zaki now takes is called cannabidol, and since taking his very first dose of the strand, Zaki has been completely seizure free. But what if Zaki did not live in Colorado where marijuana is legalized? What if instead, he lived in New York? There are thousands of kids just like Zaki that suffer from illnesses that could possibly be treated with the drug, but if they do not live in a state where marijuana is legalized, are they simply…