Essay on Effect of Marijuana on American Society - 1226 Words

The effect of Marijuana on American Society has been a highly popularized point of concern and discussion for many years. This topic has become more frequent in the past months as two states voters have allowed its widespread recreational and medicinal use. This research paper will focus on some of the history of marijuana, details of this drug, and conclude with my findings of why this drug has become increasingly popular which may surprise the reader. Marijuana is the most popular illegal street drug in America. It is something that has been a part of our society for many years. The name Marijuana is a Mexican term that was originally used for â€Å"low quality tobacco†. Forty eight percent of Americans have tried Marijuana and six and a†¦show more content†¦Even former President Bill Clinton admitted to trying this drug (Lavender). In November 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to allow its recreational use. Marijuana however can still be obtained for medical use in eighteen other states. It is popular with cancer patients who suffer from pain or nausea caused by chemotherapy. It is estimated that 22 million pounds of marijuana are grown in America every year. According to martherjones.com, â€Å"80% comes from California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Washington† (Harkinson). California is one of the most popular states for growing Marijuana due to its year round temperature, water availability, and sunshine. During the California grow season, outdoor â€Å"grow operations† alone consume 60 million gallons of water a day. Indoor â€Å"grow operations† account for 9% of electricity used by a household. According to NORML, enforcing marijuana prohibition costs taxpayers an estimated $10 billion annually, and results in the arrest of more than 740,000 individuals per year. The majority of the arrested were charged with possession of marijuana, while 91,593 were charged with sales/manufacturing. Marijuana based medications were available until 1942, when marijuana was taken away from the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Medical marijuana can be effective against the symptoms of cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other medical conditions (drugabuse.gov). However, some argue that it is not safe to use, not FDAShow MoreRelatedThe Legalization Of Marijuana And Marijuana1163 Words   |  5 PagesMary Jane, Aunt Mary, MJ, Pot, Bud, Purp, Marijuana all nicknames for cannabis has been cultivated since the 1600s. Marijuana accounts for the most commonly used illegal drug. The criminalization of marijuana has resulted in many arrests, drug convictions, and harsh sentences that are truthfully unwarranted. It naturally grows in the ground just like aloe vera and daisies do, but it is not harmful like poison ivy or tobacco. Unlike to cocaine and heroin which are man-made substances that have harmfulRead MoreToday More And More States Are Passing Ballot Initiatives1546 Words   |  7 Pagesmedical and or recreati onal marijuana legal. The progressive figures of our country continue to pitch this faà §ade that this plant is completely harmless and can be financially rewarding to states who collect tax revenue from this Schedule I drug. Fellow drugs in this class include: heroin, LSD, MDMA, and bath salts. Some have an affinity to argue that this classification is unreasonable and outdated; however, when the factual evidence is displayed one can easily see why marijuana has no place being movedRead MoreThe Top Ten Reasons Marijuana Should Be Lega1264 Words   |  6 PagesTen Reasons Marijuana Should Be Legal Prohibition hasnt stopped the use and domestic production of marijuana -- its time everyone faced this. September 1, 2007   |          LIKE THIS ARTICLE ? Join our mailing list: Editors note: There are millions of regular pot smokers in America and millions more infrequent smokers. Smoking pot clearly has far fewer dangerous and hazardous effects on society than legal drugs such as alcohol. Here is High Timess top 10 reasons that marijuana should be legalRead More The Benefits of Medical Marijuana Essay1130 Words   |  5 Pagesshown to produce less harmful effects than its other legal counterparts such as alcohol and tobacco. This kind of information calls into sharper focus the question on the minds of many as to why such a plant that is not only less harmful than legal drugs but has significant health benefits has remained illegal. People all over the world, continue to be tendered prescription medication, which in many cases further complicate health issues with its myriad of side effects. 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In the article Going to Pot?, by Damon Linker, Linker attempts to persuade readers that legalizing of marijuana can cause m ore harm than help. This publication was released in November of 2001. Although two other writers, Richard Lowry and Andrew Sullivan, try to change readers beliefs Linker maintains his stance against marijuana. Without discrediting their facts he explains and defendsRead MoreMarijuana Legalization1424 Words   |  6 PagesLegalization of Marijuana Marijuana is the most common drug in America and all over the world. It is legalized in some countries, but most countries prohibit its use. It has proven medical abilities and was used for this purpose for a while before being federally criminalized. The United States has been debating on the legalization of marijuana with some states supporting the move and others against it. 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