Taylor
L. Singleton
English 101, RZ6
4 December 2012

Marijuana also known as weed and cannabis has been used as a recreational, ceremonial and therapeutic substance throughout history. Many people do not know that it was not the effect of marijuana that originally started its banning. It was actually originally the work of the cotton industry who put big money behind illegalization for the plant's mind altering effects. This is why it is important to be educated on the effects of marijuana use and its history. Since marijuana first became illegal those against it has grouped it with other narcotics like cocaine and heroin. The truth is marijuana has many benefits to society and other than the effects of smoke inhalation it has very few negatives. The United States suffers more from marijuana being illegal then it would from it being legal. The United States would benefit in various ways if marijuana was legalized; it would advance the medical world, manufacture durable textiles that require less work, and have a less time consuming profitable way to regulate marijuana.
Ms. Babb states, “The legalization of marijuana would lead to greater drug use especially with teenagers as well as drug trafficking.” People who are opposed to the legalization of marijuana argue that with legalization of marijuana come further problems. Ms. Babb says, “That tobacco and alcohol cause enough problems and that there is no reason to add a new product into the mix.” Many people believe drugs such as marijuana lead to poverty, crime, and violence. Ms. Babb believes, “That although the drug war cannot be completely successful it is worth the fight to slow down drug trade.” Many people argue that very few cases are brought up on a simple possession charge of marijuana. Ms. Babb makes the claim, “That if marijuana and other drugs were legalized it would prevent court ordered addiction treatment.” The unfair classification of marijuana is to blame for most of the insensible reasons listed above. If marijuana was separated from other drugs it would be no more of a gate way drug then alcohol is. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, which is said to have a high potential for abuse, no medical use, and not safe to use under medical supervision. Scientists in Canada have decided to support using marijuana in medicine after discovering, in a new study, that a "synthetic cannabinoid" assisted in forming new neurons in the brain (Odriscoll). Studies have shown that marijuana aids many symptoms and diseases. This includes nausea, insomnia, and pain to serious diseases such as AIDS, Alzheimer’s, cancer, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis. It is important for people to understand the effects of marijuana use and its history. It has been documented, “That the plant has been used as far back as ancient Egypt and United States Presidents, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp; made products from hemp, and praised the hemp plant in some of their writings” (Bouril 3). When smoking marijuana THC is the leading stimulant released. Cannabinoid neural receptors receive the stimulant, in result creates a temporary fogginess that affects motor coordination and short-term memory. The effect lasts for around 1-3 hours and then a hangover from those feelings can sometimes last through the following day. Scientist in Canada has stated, “The human mind has specific receptors for the THC chemical which can only naturally be derived from the marijuana plant” (Bouril 2). This shows that the marijuana plant actually has a place in our genetic makeup.
Most people’s perception of marijuana has been altered by scare tactics through industry investment and government funding. The cotton industry was afraid that hemp, a product of marijuana, would soon overpower cotton since it was a more durable textile that required less work, less ground supply, and could be grown almost anywhere. When an industry as powerful as the cotton industry feels threatened,