Running head: LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

Legalization of Marijuana
Karli Bird
English 1010
November 12, 2014

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

The Legalization of Marijuana

The first origin of cannabis, also known as marijuana, was over 5,000 years ago by the
Chinese Emperor Shen Nung (Drug Enforcement Administration Museum and Visitor Center,
2014). He found cannabis as a healing agent, curing malaria, traumatism and absent mindedness.
Legend has it, Shen Nung had a transparent abdomen through which he could see the healing
process as the cannabis traveled (Neil, 2013). Soon the use of cannabis spread to the Indians.
Then to the Romans and Muslims. In 1545 the Spanish brought cannabis to the United States,
where its fibers were used for rope, crop and paper. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
were both marijuana farmers. The Declaration of Independence was written on paper made from
cannabis, as well as the first American flag (Berke, 2014).
In the year of 1910, the Mexican Revolution brought many immigrants to the United
States who believed in recreational marijuana use. Because of this California became the first
state to make cannabis illegal. Racism soon took its toll on the use of marijuana. Harry Anslinger
stated "Marijuana smoking by white women makes them want to seek relations with negroes,
entertainers and others." This ultimately led to the prohibition of cannabis.
The legalization of marijuana has recently made a come-back in political debate.
Debating whether or not this drug is safe and acceptable to make legal throughout the United
States. The state of Colorado and Washington both legalized recreational marijuana in 2012.
Alaska, Oregon and Washington D.C. have all voted to legalize recreational marijuana this year.
California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, New York,
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and
Delaware have legalized the use of medical marijuana. Marijuana is making a huge come-back

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

and progressing very quickly. The debate is still continuing and individuals are fighting for
which side they believe is right for the safety of our country.
From a physicians perspective there is a wide array of evidence supporting the use of
marijuana to help relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and several other symptoms. It
has also proven a great support in the cure of multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS. Marijuana
does all of these things safely and is less toxic than other prescription medication provided by
physicians currently (Elders, 2004).
Other physicians believe that medical marijuana has not proven itself as a useful
medication. The physicians have several medications that can relieve the same amount of pain.
Recognizing an illegal drug as a powerful medication is irresponsible.
Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist said ""Although I understand many believe marijuana is
the most effective drug in combating their medical ailments, I would caution

against

this assumption due to the lack of consistent, repeatable scientific data available

to

prove marijuana's medical benefits. Based on current evidence, I believe that marijuana
is a dangerous drug and that there are less dangerous medicines offering the same relief
from pain and other medical symptoms" (Frist, 2003).
Medical organizations are being encouraged to test marijuana on a highly controlled schedule to
ensure it is being used correctly. These tests have proven to be safer and more efficient for most
clinical conditions (Physicians, 2008).
Another medical organization has performed multiple tests on medical marijuana and its
reaction as a glaucoma treatment. None of the studies performed were successful and proved it
could not lower IOP(intraocular pressure.)

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

The United States government has made their stance vocal as well. Stating the evidence
clearly shows that marijuana relieves many sick and ill people. It also doing it safely and under
medical supervision. Judge Francis. L Young said "It would be unreasonable, arbitrary and
capricious for DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this
substance in light of the evidence in this record" (Young, 1988).
Although some government officials approve of the legalization of marijuana, others
have a strong disbelief in the subject.
The Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy John Walters states.
"Smoked marijuana damages the brain, heart, lungs and immune system. It impairs
learning and interferes with memory, perception and judgment. Smoked marijuana
contains cancer causing compounds and has been implicated in a high percentage of
automobile crashes and work place accidents" (Walters, 2002).
Smoking three to four cannabis cigarettes a day produces the same evidence as
bronchitis. It is also the equivalent to smoking 20 or more tobacco cigarettes a day. Causing the
same effects as a tobacco cigarette would, at a more rapid rate.
In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana is highly debated from each side, each with
valid points and suggestions. To legalize marijuana would benefit those who are terminally ill
and seeking the help of cannabis to cure that illness. Marijuana is a safer alternative to the
current prescription and completes the job faster. Although marijuana could be a large benefit, it
could also be a large upset. The use of marijuana recreationally could result in damages to the
brain, heart, lungs and immune system. It could also fail our medical systems. With that being
said and taking the provided evidence into consideration, it is the readers choice to decide what
will be best choice for the United States of America.

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5
References

Drug Enforcement Administration Museum and Visitor Center. (n. d ).Retrieved from
http://www.deamuseum.org/ccp/cannabis/history.html
MMJ-Guide. (n. d ). Retrieved from
http://www.mmj-guide.com/Medical-Marijuana-History.html
History of Marijuana in Four Minutes and Twenty Seconds. (2014, August 18). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCETi7QgqIw
Elders, J. (2004, March 26). Physician Perspectives on Marijuana's Medical Use. Providence
Journal Editorial. Retrieved from
http://www.providencejournal.com/
Frist, B. (2003, October 20). Physician Perspectives on Marijuana's Medical Use.
Correspondence to ProCon.org. Retrieved from
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000141
American College of Physicians (2008, February 15). Supporting Research into the Therapeutic
Role of Marijuana. Retrieved from
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000141
Young, F. (1988, Sep). Administrative ruling on Petition to Reschedule. Retrieved from
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000141
Walters, J. (2002, March). Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy. Retrieved from
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000141