Research Paper

Submitted By Jamario-Rankins
Words: 1759
Pages: 8

Jamario Rankins
March 17, 2014
ENG 112-43
Research Paper
Three Sides to Cannabis Legalization Cannabis, a plant with many uses, has recently been under scrutiny. The issues currently being discussed in regards to cannabis are its possible industrial, medical, and recreational uses. Some believe this plant has no uses, but recent studies have shown otherwise. These studies have revealed a wealth of information, but those opposing cannabis for any use refuse to see the benefits. That is not to say that there aren’t any disadvantages, but the benefits heavily outweigh them. Those who oppose it call it a “gateway drug.” It’s a shame that a helpful plant like cannabis has to be regarded as a dangerous drug, but now the recent upsurge for cannabis support has come about and its exclusion may soon end. “Industrial hemp is a genetically distinct variety of Cannabis sativa L., characterized by its low level of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Kolosov).” This quote indicates that smoking it would yield no “high”. Even though this is true, under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), industrial cannabis is consider illegal to cultivate, possess, or distribute. “From the colonial period through the middle of the nineteenth century, hemp was widely grown in the United States for use in fabric, twine, and paper (Kolosov).” It was abandoned once technology allowed cotton to become a competitive crop in the world market. During World War I and II, the mass production of hemp was called on by the military to supply fiber; it grows remarkably fast and doesn’t need pesticides.
Industrial hemp is also a very versatile plant. It can be used for foods, fabrics, plastic, cosmetics, and building materials yet, it is still outlawed in the United States. It is also helpful for the environment as it absorbs large quantities of carbon dioxide and heavy metals in the soil which is stored within the leaves. “They highlighted that hemp can be successfully grown under natural conditions, requiring neither the expensive use of fertilizers nor the time- and money-consuming control of optimal growth conditions (Kolosov).” Hemp can also be manufactured into a biofuel. Twenty gallons of biofuel can be made from just one acre of hemp, which is ten times as much that can be made from corn stalks. “Hemp pulp is used to make lightweight boards, plastic reinforcements, and interior and exterior floor coverings in China (Kolosov).” The sale of imported hemp into the United States exceeds $70 million. It is estimated that if hemp was grown locally in the United States, it would create a $300 million dollar industry. This would defiantly help our failing economy and assist in lowering the unemployment rate by creating more jobs.
Medical Cannabis is another topic that can be discussed in the realm of cannabis. Defined in the Medical Marijuana Laws (MMLs), Medical Cannabis is only given to patients who have a legitimate condition that must be diagnosed by a licensed physician. Lynne-Landsman states in her paper that:
“MMLs typically contain legal provisions that cover 4 dimensions of medical marijuana regulation (Table 1). The first is the establishment of a state registry or identification cards for patients prescribed medical marijuana. The second dimension refers to state regulation of the practice of medicine (e.g., regulation of the patient---physician relationship, disease or condition limitations, and prohibition of disciplinary action or denial of privileges of a physician). Third, states can be arrayed according to their regulation of access to marijuana, including possession and cultivation limitations as well as retail dispensary regulation. Finally, state MMLs are distinguished on the basis of affirmative defenses and legal protections for the medical marijuana patient, including protection from prosecution.”
These laws are also to protect patients from prosecution. Patients that would like to try cannabis to help their conditions have