Argue Speech

Should Marijuana be legalized

Introduction

Marijuana is the name given in the United States to the drug produced from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa . The use of cannabis derivatives under such names as hashish , charas , bhang , and ganja is widespread throughout the world . The most active ingredient of the plant derivative is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC . The potency of this chemical is indicated by the fact that the average street sample of marijuana contains less than .5 THC . Some samples are considerably higher in THC content thus effects from the drug vary according

to its quality , meaning its THC content . The flowering parts of the plant contain the greatest amounts of THC (Goode , Pp . 567-575 . These are usually dried and smoked , but they may be made into a drink somewhat like tea or blended into various cooking recipes . Somehow , marijuana has been used for some medications but it is not a valid ground to legalize it because it has negative effects to human bodies

Moreover , marijuana is still illegal in most places . Under federal law a person can be sentenced to up to one year in jail or a 5000 fine , or both , for simple possession of marijuana . Every year about 400 ,000 people are arrested for possession about 80 percent are under age 26

Marijuana is being used as legal medical therapy for several conditions . Careful studies have shown that it is effective in treating severe nausea in cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy . Older patients seem to respond less well than younger patients and complain more about side-effects , including feeling stoned ' Researchers are continuing studies of marijuana 's possible usefulness in reducing pressure within the eye in glaucoma and in treating muscle spasticity

The purpose of this present study is to scrutinize whether marijuana should be legalized or not

II . Background

Marijuana has been used for thousands of years , both as a medicine and for its intoxicating effects . In the form of tablets , marijuana is frequently prescribed to relieve the nausea and vomiting that often accompany chemotherapy . Its non-medical use , however , is illegal in the United States and most other countries . The penalties for possessing or using marijuana are , in many states , as severe as those imposed for the possession or use of much more potent drugs . Many argue that marijuana is no more harmful than cigarettes and liquor and should be legalized

Most marijuana used in United States is smoked - either as cigarettes or in pipes . Its effects vary with its strength , and to a great extent with the state of mind of the user . Typically , a sense of well-being is experienced . In large countries , marijuana is considered as hallucinogen - a drug that produces hallucinations

Although marijuana does not produce a physical dependence in the user there is evidence that it can produce psychological dependence . Research indicates that marijuana has serious effects on the body . It can impair memory , speech , and learning . It exposes the lungs to high levels of tar and to over 150 other chemicals . Many of these...