Marajuana
Marijuana, the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States, has four million regular users. Hemp, the plant that the drug marijuana is derived from, scientifically known as cannibas sativa, was first grown in 1611. The practice of smoking marijuana, however, did not begin until the 1920s, during a very intolerant time period of America's history where the prohibition of alcohol was being considered. The first marijuana users happened to be the same users of opiate, mainly immigrants. Because of the negative connotation of immigrants, marijuana immediately became classified as a narcotic. A narcotic that possessed a psychological dependence, initiated crime, and caused insanity. For these reasons in 1937, congress established marijuana as an illegal drug in all fifty states. Surprisingly, not once was any research performed on marijuana and its effects during this time period (www.angelfire.com). For the past decade, the prohibition of marijuana has proved to be a colossal failure; therefore, a new approach needs to be taken. Marijuana has even now surpassed corn as America's cash crop. Judge Whitmann Napp stated, "After twenty years on the bench I have concluded that federal drug laws are a disaster. It is tim
Through research, doctors have found that marijuana possesses multiple medical uses. Prohibition is limiting its medical capabilities. Research demonstrates that marijuana contains therapeutic uses, including the ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, stimulate an appetite, promote weight gain, and diminish intraocular pressure from glaucoma. THC, Tetrahydrocannabino, the active ingredient of marijuana, decreases muscle spasticity and lessens tremors from spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis patients. Smoked marijuana also provides relief from migraine headaches, depression, seizures, insomnia, and chronic pain (Bock). Marijuana benefits AIDS and cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy, decreasing their symptoms of severe pain, nausea, and appetite loss. An IOM report states "Patients who are currently suffering from debilitating conditions unrelieved by legally available drugs, and who might find relief with smoked marijuana, will find little comfort in a promise of a better drug ten years from now". This brings the conclusion that until a better drug is found in the future, people suffering from chronic conditions such as pain or AIDS wasting have the alternative to relieve their pain by smoking marijuana (Zimmer). A pill was created with marijuana's active ingredient, THC, called Marinol, however, is not as effective as smoking the marijuana. When Marinol is swallowed it must travel into the stomach and through the small intestine before being absorbed into the bloodstream. Through this process, a significant amount of the medication is biotransformed into other chemicals. When THC is consumed through smoking, the THC produces blood concentrations above the effective level in a matter of minutes (Bock). Because of marijuana's illegal status, it makes it harder for suffering patients to obtain marijuana, and they are at risk for going to jail. If they choose to obey the law then they also choose to suffe
Some common words found in the essay are:
Bock Marijuana, Legalization Organization, , Gang Survey, York Times, Marijuana Lastly, Bill Rights, THC Tetrahydrocannabino, Administration DEA, Whitmann Napp, marijuana legalization, federal excise, federal excise taxes, excise taxes, smoking marijuana, marijuana legalization organization, prohibition marijuana, drug enforcement, legal benefits, organized crime, marijuana cigarettes, active ingredient, gangs organized crime,
Approximate Word count = 1307
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
