Legalization Of Marijuana

Legalization of Marijuana

Marijuana became popular as a medicine in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century and used to treat general and migraine headaches, depression, muscular tension, insomnia, and menstrual cramps. However, today marijuana has proven to be beneficial in treating many more medical conditions that include glaucoma, cancer, and asthma (ASU, n.d.). Opponents agree only in one regard, lessening the pain of sick people is humane, ethical, and just. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, potentially addictive and having no accepted medical applications. However, many states have legalized cultivation, sale, and the use of medically prescribed marijuana. The contradiction between State and Federal law is creating medical, legal, and financial problems for society. Of those reporting drug abuses, 75% say they use marijuana because it induces a state of euphoria, gaiety, detachment, relaxation, intoxication, and focused awareness.

Method

There are various state laws and initiatives attempting to legalize marijuana; however, opponents argue against legalizing marijuana. Therefore, imagine what the answer would be if approached and asked, should marijuana be legalized? If so, then should there be under certain conditions, or if not, why?

State law initiatives

Roughly, 80% of Americans support legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, according to a Time/CNN poll with about 19 states that currently allows the use of medical marijuana, reduced, or eliminated criminal sentences for use. Arizona's Proposition 203 would create a medical marijuana registry using a card system with a state system to distribute the drug to eligible individuals. Again, in Nevada, Ballot Question 5 would amend the state constitution to decriminalize possession for marijuana quantities amounting to three ounces or less, by a person 21 or older (Daily Reports, 2007).

Washington

Washington States' Medical Use of Marijuana Act would allow the medical use of marijuana for debilitating or terminal conditions. Legalizing the medically supervised use of marijuana is humane, just, and ethical; whereas, maintaining the current criminal status for someone in pain is not. However, opponents say, do not weaken drug laws for the sake of medicine because marijuana supporters do not mention is that statements like this are built on a limited foundation. Only a few studies have investigated the medicinal benefits of marijuana, and even fewer have examined the effects of long-term marijuana use (Daily Reports, 2007).

Nevada

Nevada organizers for Ballet Question 5 hope voters in a state where almost anything goes will legalize marijuana and will be the first state allowing adults to possess bought from government-regulated marijuana shops. However, opponents including law enforcement, nation's drug czar, civic, and business groups, argue the measure would encourage the use of other drugs. Also, questioning whether legalizing marijuana will even prove to be a good source of tax revenue (MSNBC, 2007).

Michigan

In November, city voters elected Perry Bullard to the Michigan House of Representatives on a platform calling for full legalization of marijuana possession but not for adults throughout the state to sale. However, opponents feel the last 30 years, the college town of Ann Arbor; Michigan has enacted some of the most lenient laws on marijuana possession in the United States. These include measures approved in a 1972 city council ordinance, a 1974 voter referendum making possession of small amounts of the substance merely a civil infraction subject to a small fine, and a 2004 referendum on the use of medical marijuana (Wikipedia, n.d.).

Vermont

A bill legalizing marijuana in Vermont had Senate approval 20-7 and it looks as though it will become a law without the governor signing. The governor said, "I will not oppose this decision of the elected representatives of the people, nor will I support it by signing it into law. I cannot actively support a measure that allows Vermonters to be subject to prosecution under federal law, increases controlled substance availability, and sends a dangerous message to our children. However, the opposing White House argued for Governor Douglas to veto the bill and lobbied in the state against it. Even though under this legislation provides patients suffering from AIDS, cancer, or multiple sclerosis to grow up to three marijuana plants in a locked room and possess two ounces of usable marijuana. Governor Douglas feels we owe Vermonters with debilitating medical conditions the best that medical science has to offer" (B.U, 2004).

New Jersey

A bill discussed next month by lawmakers in New Jersey would become state number twelve legalizing marijuana for people with debilitating medical conditions. Senator Vitale said, "He has scheduled a June 8 discussion to hear from experts on the bill proposed by Sen. Nicholas Scutari and supports the idea, but has questions. Even though 11 states allow medical marijuana, in June 2005 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal government could prosecute people who use marijuana no matter what a state law says. Opponent Terrence Farley, an assistant prosecutor and spokesperson for 2 state anti-drug law enforcement groups, said the bill is a veiled attempt to legalize drugs and this is how they are trying to get marijuana legalized" (Associated Press, 2006).

Legalize or not

An equally important fact for legalizing Marijuana use is the many medical benefits it provides to people with certain medical problems. According to Holly Edwards (2004), "the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case later this month that could have national implications for medical marijuana laws. The case of John Ashcroft v. Angel Raich, will decide whether the federal government has the constitutional authority to enforce federal drug laws in states where marijuana is grown and used for medical purposes. Angel Raich maintains marijuana is the only substance that has eased her severe pain, allowing movement again, and helps makes life bearable. Angel suffers an array of illnesses, including scoliosis, joint problems, endometriosis, nausea, severe weight loss, seizures, fibromyalgia, and an inoperable brain tumor, according to court documents".

Nevertheless, opposing federal officials argued in court documents that marijuana