Legalization of Marijuana

Should We Legalize Pot?
By Lance Winslow

There is a growing movement in the United States to legalize pot and allow people to smoke marijuana and decriminalize it. Many in the justice system say that these issues are just low level and are filling up our courts unnecessarily. Indeed they do cost the tax payer huge amounts of money and they cost huge dollars.

This issue was re-introduced in an online think tank in which one guest think tanker who was an admitted pot smoker compared marijuana and its abuse with alcohol and the problems alcohol causes in our society. He stated and I quote:

“It’s effects are medically less impacting on a person’s body and mind than alcohol, and yet it is treated as though it is more serious. When people see the effects on friends or family, they realize that they’ve been lied to. But hanging out with dealers or trying progressively more dangerous drugs may cause serious problems. i could go on. Read Marijuana Myths Marijuana Facts.”

Of course this comment did not sit well with the anti-legalization of marijuana think tankers and so it was immediately challenged by a fellow think tanker who asked another question of the illegal drug user and marijuana users:

“May I ask you why all folks who are for the legalization of drugs always point to Alcohol as the basis for their argument? They always say “alcohol kills people” or alcohol has more long term affects from abuse than marijuana, therefore marijuana should be legalized too? Why do all druggie who want to legalize drugs say this. I am not going to read any books on Marijuana.”

Wow, indeed we have a very hot topic here and one, which perhaps needs to be re-considered after things calm down around here? Indeed there is a big push for the legalization of marijuana in the United States and it is an issue, which will be addressed and must be looked at on a more careful basis. But it does appear both sides are pretty adamant about their views and therefore it will continue to cause heated debates. Consider this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

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Marijuana – The Legalization Issues
By Thomas Phelps

US Government reports indicate nearly 98 million Americans have likely used marijuana at least once in their lives. Trends also indicate increased use among high school and college students.

There has been a push in recent years for the legalization of marijuana use for medicinal purposes. In essence the hope of this push is to make marijuana available to patients as prescribed by a qualified physician.

Marijuana was actually used in pharmacology prior to 1930. Once the use of the weed was prohibited a portion of the American public responded in much the way they had during prohibition. Marijuana had suddenly gained strong underground support.

Those who have lobbied for the medicinal use of this drug have well documented evidence to support the use for those who have specific forms of nausea and pain. It has also proven useful in the treatment of glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.

There is also a concerted push to make the use of marijuana legal for any kind of use. Proponents of the idea suggest that marijuana has no viable commercial opportunity if it is legalized. The reason this is a common belief is that this drug comes from a weed that is easily cultivated with minimal processing. Secondarily, unlike tobacco the use of marijuana requires only a small amount for full effect. In the end the hope is that there comes a time when marijuana is allowed for personal use it will generally be a personal decision to cultivate the plant.

Those opposed to the idea of legalizing this drug indicate it is a drug that generally is a stepping-stone to harder drugs that are also illegal. Government statistics seem to back up this assertion.

Should marijuana be legalized it may also bring up a complicated new dynamic in the operation of motor vehicles. Because marijuana can cause confusion and increases heart rates there may be a need for laws related to what levels would be accepted for marijuana use in relation to driving.

Both sides of the debate also have divergent opinions on the impact of crime should this drug be legalized. Proponents believe that when it is legal to grow and harvest marijuana crime will decrease because the drug culture aspect of marijuana use will be brought into a more mainstream setting. Opponents believe that when it is legalized it will simply invite more widespread use and an increased appetite for additional drug experimentation.

Some opponents also contend that long-term use of marijuana is likely to increase lung cancer rates due to reports that indicate the carcinogenic effects may be as much as 70% higher than tobacco use.

Some would contend that what may have started as a well intentioned idea has turned into massive enforcement issues when legalization would make most issues simply go away.

Opponents point to the nearly 2 million marijuana related arrests in 2006 and the average age of 24 for those seeking addiction treatments as signs of widespread addiction. This leads many to believe that there should be continued enforcement of existing laws instead of making it easier to gain access to marijuana.

Two determined points of view with articulate voices on both sides of the issue. Has any of the above information challenged your perspective?

Discuss Legalizing Marijuana at ControversialForums. Have Debates in our Discussion Forums.

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The Legalization of Marijuana – Part 1 of 2
By Alex Simms

On July 30, 2001, the ‘Narcotic Control Regulation’ was amended and the ‘Marijuana Medical Access Regulation’ came into force. This sparked the beginning of a heated national debate, the subject in question being the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes in Canada. While marijuana is still considered an illegal substance in Canada, it is approved for use under certain circumstances. It is available for applicants who have a terminal illness with a prognosis of a life span of less than 12 months, those who suffer from specific symptoms associated with certain serious medical conditions, or those who have symptoms associated with a serious medical circumstance, where conventional treatments have failed to relieve symptoms (Health Canada, “Medical Marijuana”).

Due to previous stigmatizations associated with marijuana use, as well as its previous legal implications, public favor was not in support for the recent Bill C-17; a Bill for cannabis law reform in Canada, which was passed on November 1, 2004. The legislation allows a person to have up to 30 grams of marijuana in their possession, within limitations, while only receiving a fine (Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy, “Cannabis Law Reform in Canada”). This Act is the closest the Canadian government has ever before come toward legalizing marijuana. It is becoming increasingly apparent that through Bill C-17, there will be potentially beneficial monetary implications for the federal government, false social perceptions will lessen, and medical benefits of cannabis use will become further appreciated. In the future, marijuana use will not be perceived as the social ‘evil’ it once was, or still is. In light of the following information, it will become clear that it is not necessary to prohibit marijuana use, but rather to regulate it.

To drug policy reformers, prohibition of marijuana is not just a cause to be supported, but a mandatory way of life, necessary to uphold society’s moral fiber. These activists do not consider marijuana to be safe. Even when scientific information supports the lack of harmful effects of cannabis on the body; many still categorize it with dangerous substances such as cocaine or heroin. It is these ‘marijuana myths’ that continue to influence the opinions of so many Canadian citizens, even though there is a lack of fact-driven information to support common social stigma.

A widespread belief amongst the public is that marijuana is a ‘gateway drug’, leading to the use of more harmful substances. Never has there been a consistent relationship between the use patterns of various drugs. While marijuana use has fluctuated over the years, harder, more addictive drug use, such as LSD, remains the same. In fact, in 1999 less than 16% of high school students who smoked marijuana report trying cocaine (qtd. in Zimmer, 2). Another frequent misconception is that high levels of marijuana use can be profoundly addicting. While lab rats that are injected with THC and then given a cannabinoid receptor-blocker do experience some withdrawal symptoms, such as disturbed sleep and loss of appetite, humans are never given ‘blockers’. THC slowly leaves the human system, causing no serious withdrawal (Zimmer et al. 47). A study such as this is not relevant to physical addiction in humans.

Lastly, many people still believe that the damaging effects of smoking marijuana are greater then that of smoking tobacco products. Although, except for their psychoactive ingredients, tobacco and marijuana smoke are nearly identical, tobacco use is far more dangerous than the latter. Mainly because of nicotine (cigarettes’ addictive quality), cigarette smokers tend to smoke 10 cigarettes a day, while regular cannabis smokers smoke fewer than 5 (Zimmer et al. 62). Marijuana smoke also effects the lungs in a different way than tobacco smoke does. “The nature of the marijuana-induced changes were also different, occurring primarily in the lungs’ large airways – not the small peripheral airways affected by tobacco smoke. Since it is small-airway inflammation that causes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, marijuana smokers may not develop these diseases” (Zimmer et al. 64).

These are just a few basic examples of the social stigmatization surrounding marijuana use, as there are many others. When closer examined, none of these ‘myths’ provide a solid foundation for the prohibition of marijuana use; therefore its ban remains unfounded.

Alex Simms is a content writer for Avalon Studios, a Web Design & Development firm working with small businesses.

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The Legalization of Marijuana – Part 2 of 2
By Alex Simms

A very influential factor regarding the legalization of marijuana, is the cost implications of maintaining cannabis prohibition to the federal and provincial governments, and in turn the average Canadian taxpayer. According to the Auditor General of Canada, it is projected that approximately $450 million was spent on drug control, enforcement, and education in the year 2000.

Since ¾ of drug offences are marijuana related, the majority of the $450 million spent across Canada was due to cannabis prohibition laws. This expenditure also does not include funding for marijuana related court hearings, or incarcerations, as over 300 000 people are arrested for simple marijuana possession every year (Cohen et al. 2). Another issue to consider is that the amount of cannabis users continues to rise across Canada, up from 6.5% in 1989, to 12.2% in 2000 (Nabalamba, 1).

This will only increase the amount of funding the federal government is forced to contribute to drug control and enforcement, further charging the taxpayer. A more cost efficient way to regulate marijuana is to set an age limit through provincial regulation, permitting for adult use of a substance less harmful than both alcohol and tobacco. Otherwise, it is left in the hands of organized crime, with the government continuing to spend millions on its prohibition, and not profiting from its continuous increase in use. In this situation, the regulation of marijuana should not only be allowed, but would financially benefit the country.

Even after thousands of years of people using marijuana to treat a variety of medical conditions, many still believe marijuana is a drug without therapeutic value. Patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, or AIDS related AZT therapy, found smoking marijuana to be an effective way to curb nausea (Health Canada, “Medical Marijuana”). Often it is more effective than available prescribed medications. “44% of oncologists responding to a questionnaire said they had recommended marijuana to their cancer patients; others said they would recommend it if it were legal” (Zimmer et al. 87). Other uses include control for muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injury/disease, and multiple sclerosis and pain/ weight loss associated with cancer, HIV, and arthritis patients.

Cannabis also lessens the frequency of seizures in epilepsy, and controls eye pressure in glaucoma patients (National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Drug Policy Information Sheet”). Although medical marijuana has been approved for use under certain circumstances, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain cannabis for treatment purposes in Ontario. This is because the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario issued a warning in October 2002, cautioning that the “clinical efficacy of the drug has not been entirely established” and to “proceed with caution” when prescribing cannabis (The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, “Prescribing Medical Marijuana”). Due to this, a physician cannot make a proper declaration of the risks and benefits; therefore, they can not fully inform the patient of the drugs possible effects.

Fortunately, since the legalization of marijuana for medical use occurred almost 5 years ago, one could assume a proper risk assessment of the drug will soon be completed through Health Canada. Through marijuana’s apparent medical usages, it becomes clear that it should be regulated across the country.

The implication of marijuana’s prohibition is financially devastating to the federal government. As false social perceptions are the only grounds for this ban to be upheld, and the medical sciences continue to find new usages for cannabis as therapeutic treatment, it remains unfounded to continue its outlaw. Through government enforced regulation, it becomes obvious that the benefits of marijuana legalization outweigh the disadvantages.

Alex Simms is a content writer for Avalon Studios, a Web Design & Development firm working with small businesses.

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The Legalization of Marijuana Debate Continues
By Lance Winslow

One point of contention for those who wish to see marijuana legalized is that it could be taxed and provide revenues for local and state governments at a time when the really need the money. It would also provide decent jobs, at a time when we states like California are seeing unemployment rates of nearly 10%.

The taxation issue is perhaps a good contention and that should pay for the enforcement, but it would be creating a huge bureaucracy. Do we really want the government controlling the growing of an organic product? I mean imagine if they regulated all the little “Farmer’s Markets” that go on in every city in America, who does that help. And if marijuana becomes legal, you know it will be sold in that venue too.

What’s the justification to regulate it, just so we could tax it, as many pro-marijuana advocates state? Californian’s say we ought to legalize it, tax it and that money could help pay California’s budget? Sure, but why not eliminate waste in government to balance the books instead?

Another issue that never seems to be raised in this debate; is that pot smokers are often completely unmotivated and they often cause problems in society. Sure, it might be good to boost pizza sales, but, we have other drug issues in this nation; crystal meth, which is destroying society in many US Cities, and if we tell people “Drugs are Okay” boy that is not going to be too good.

Do the marijuana advocates really believe that “more drugs” are good for society? Whether you wish to consider this debate or not, it will soon come to the US Congress in a sponsored bill to be voted on, so maybe you might want to think on it?

Lance Winslow – Lance Winslow’s Bio. Lance Winslow specializes in debating hot topics in society. Learn about Lance Winslow’s concrete cleaning business; http://concretewashguys.com/wacotexas.shtml

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Marijuana, Motivation, Legalization
By William Berry

There is a lot of discussion these days about the legalization of substances, especially marijuana. These discussions and articles focus on how it might improve the economy, to decriminalization resulting in fewer deaths and a drop in the growth of HIV cases, to medical benefits of marijuana. You might expect someone who witnesses the difficulties and occasional devastation that substances cause to be firmly against legalization. This is not necessarily the case. After all, consider alcohol and tobacco are legal, and yet they are listed as the most destructive substances to individuals and society currently. Then again, this might be a reason not to legalize other substances. In this article the focus is not to focus exclusively on legalization, but on the motive for substance use, and how that is more important than its legal status.

In a class I teach at FIU on the Psychology of Drugs and Drug Abuse I am often asked if I think marijuana should be legalized. I usually try not to express my opinion directly, but instead present and entertain discussion on the topic. But recently I was pushed for an answer, and I replied: “I once read an outstanding book called ‘Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Television.’ What I remember most from that book is how often we base our decisions on too little information (in the case of the book’s perspective, based on television images. Take elections for example). So my best answer is I probably do not have enough information to make an educated decision.” However, based on Amsterdam and Portugal’s experience of fewer problems as a result of decriminalization, it seems like it is at least a viable option. Of course, if the U.S took that approach, there is first no guarantee it would go the same way, and secondly I would anticipate an explosive increase in substance use initially. The difficulty is: are the rewards worth it?

One thing that concerns me about the American people’s substance use is the motivation. According to VH1’s documentary on “The Drug Years” the initial increase in marijuana and hallucinogen use in the sixties was a result of attempting to achieve enlightenment and a sense of oneness and communion. This is evident in the images we have of that time: sit-ins, free drugs being provided at musical events, and wanting others to “turn-on” and experience the sense of love and oneness that others were achieving and that a psychology lecturer at Harvard named Timothy Leary was advocating.

Initially, that seems to have been the purpose. But times have changed since the sixties, and let’s face it; even then the movement was not completely successful. We American’s are an individualistic culture. On the continuum between individualism and collectivism Americans definitely fall on the side of individualism, which is defined as everyone looking out for themselves or their family first. This is opposed to collectivism, where the group is cohesive, and where the group protects one another and the individual looks out for the group above their personal needs. Using these definitions, it is quite easy to state Americans are on the individualism side of the spectrum. The movement in the sixties (which in some regards continues, witness “one human race” and “coexist” stickers) to make the human race more united, and now more in tune with the earth and its needs, is not grand enough to alter the individualistic nature of this culture yet. And it is the opinion of this writer that the individualistic attitude of this culture has even altered the motivation of drugs initially used to enhance a sense of oneness and enlightenment.

My more recent experience with clients is that these substances, especially marijuana, are used as an escape from reality. Many people find their existence boring, or worse, painful. A student (who I promised I would give credit for the quote) named Christine Vera said “In a world that feels nothing, we all want to feel something,” when asked why she believes people use drugs. This statement seems related to the boredom with life discussed above. Many have become desensitized to life, and want more excitement. Without excitement, life is boring, and when life is boring, for many escape through substances becomes a viable option.

Although escape seems a motive much of the time (as reported by substance abusers entering treatment, by those who know addicts, or by those who also formulate personal theories to explain others’ substance use) it is not always from boredom. Sometimes the individual perceives life as too painful to cope with without the use of substances for relief. Substances, at least initially, provide a sense of euphoria. This is true of nearly all substances, although some seem more effective to different individuals. (For example, some enjoy marijuana but not other substances, others cocaine, others alcohol, and so forth). Some of those attempting to escape pain have endured horrible life circumstances or, some horrible internal states (self-loathing, depression, or overwhelming anxiety, to name a few). Others began substance use innocently enough, but progressed into relying on it slowly, and now, as a result of the substance use, are caught in an endless cycle of substance use, further problems, further need to escape, continued substance use.

Besides the escape motive there is the desire to experience something new and different. This is often true of hallucinogen use. It is rare that someone would use hallucinogens to escape reality on a regular basis. Hallucinogens generally render a person unable to function in a normal manner for a period of time. When someone takes mushrooms, LSD, or other hallucinogens, they aren’t generally trying to work, drive, or otherwise do much other than experience the “trip.” In other cultures hallucinogens are used to facilitate enlightenment.

As mentioned earlier, hallucinogens have been used by other cultures as a pathway to enlightenment. In many of these cultures, those familiar with the uses of hallucinogens were shamans, medicine men, or the spiritual leader. This movement was also true in the sixties, where a certain sect of the population attempted to again connect with God or the spiritual, often using hallucinogens.

This is not generally true of hallucinogen use today. Today many young people are looking for a new experience. The abuse of cold medications (some of which in large doses create hallucinogen effects) is evidence of this. This is also true of the drug Salvia, only recently (July 2008) made illegal in this state (Florida). In other cultures, it is called “Diviner’s Sage.” But rather than using it to connect with a spiritual sense, it is simply used for the experience.

Many substances initially create a sense of connectedness between individuals. Alcohol has been known as a social lubricant, making talking and interacting with others easier. And marijuana is usually initiated with others in the beginning. But many resort to isolated use later. And even if this is not true, many simply get “high” with others playing video games or watching movies. The point is, it is generally not taken for spiritual reasons anymore, but instead to make perceived tedious tasks more bearable or to heighten the enjoyment of relatively passive tasks (listening to music, video games, movies).

In some states marijuana is used for medicinal purposes, and I believe the facts in this area speak for themselves. Marijuana helps those wasting from AIDS, those with cancer, and many other ailments that traditional treatment falls short in. This includes pain relief for some. In fact, prescription pain analgesics (opioid based pain killers) are quickly becoming more damaging to their users (which in many cases are abusers) than all illegal substances combined. There were more deaths in Florida in recent years from overdose on prescription medications than all illegal drugs combined. And there has yet to be a reported case of marijuana overdose.

There is a drawback to these prescription uses however. Many of my students who know people in California (where there seems to be the most “medicinal” use of marijuana) state that many of their peers have prescriptions. One student reported that 8 out of 10 of their friends in California have a prescription. Headaches and anxiety as well as insomnia are reported to be reasons to get a prescription.

In summary, there are many reasons to decriminalize some, if not all, drug use. The benefits seem important in this day and age. But at the same time we are culture where people are often out for themselves. And we have become a country and culture of shortcuts and reliance on pills to make our lives tolerable, rather than the more natural and healthy (but requiring more time and energy) solutions. Feel depressed, get a prescription. Want to loose weight, get a prescription or order diet pills from the internet. Additionally, some of the communal and enlightenment reasons seem outdated and unlikely at this time. Then there is the likelihood there will be a strong surge in substance use if decriminalized. There is probably a great deal more information out there that both supports and denounces legalization or decriminalization.

In an ideal society, we would work toward self actualization while assisting our peers to do the same. There would be a sense of communion with all other humans, and with all living creatures. My question is which helps us get there, continued criminalization of substances, or the legalization of them.

William Berry MS., CAP.
Program Director
Addiction Education Consultants
http://www.addictioneducationconsultants.com
954 306-0722

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The Legalization of Marijuana Debate
By Lance Winslow

Perhaps you have been watching the news lately and heard about the renewed debate on the legalization of marijuana. Right now with the economy down local and state governments need more tax revenues and they desperately need more jobs.

Thus, those who are advocates to make marijuana legal are out in full force, as they seize this economic crisis to get their message out there. Still, drugs are a huge problem in the world, the US is no exception. Do these advocates have any new debating points? Why do I ask you say?

Well, since this issue has been going on since the 60s, one has to wonder. These solutions to regulate, tax and employ folks in a new “legal” industry have been pondered and debated in the alternative media ad nauseam, it is a subject of debate even to this day.

Personally, I do not doubt that someday marijuana will be legal in all 50-states for more than just medicinal purposes. Yet, I have not seen any sample legislation to be brought forward, until then it’s all just talk and made for TV controversy; sound and fury if you will. Think on this.

Disclaimer: Now realize you are reading an article by the only person you have ever heard of who has never done any illegal drugs, but I observe society and I’ve been to every US city over 10,000 in population. I see the problems, they are real, and drugs are not okay, they ruin a person’s ability to win in life. And thus, they’ll end up costing society in the future – unwanted kids, family break downs, defaulted loans, health issues, etc. the list is long.

Lance Winslow – Lance Winslow’s Bio. Lance Winslow is a seasoned athlete. Learn about Lance Winslow’s concrete cleaning business; http://concretewashguys.com/wacotexas.shtml.

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