Legalizing marijuana
Nina Lamonica
Issue date: 5/7/09 Section: Politics
Monday, April 20 marked the most joyous day on the calendar for pot smokers everywhere - and legislators took notice. The legalization and decriminalization of marijuana has already begun in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts respectively.
The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years. It was used for the treatment of disease and poor memory for thousands of years before it was deemed an illegal substance in 1914. Those in support of the legalization of marijuana argue that it is good for you and actually has more benefits than it does risks. Those who are opposed to marijuana's legalization argue that it impairs judgment, kills brain cells and can serve as a gateway drug.
Roberta Adams, sophomore, said, "The main support for marijuana's legalization comes from the already widespread use. Many people already use marijuana and making it legal would allow police to focus efforts on other crimes."
The medicinal purposes of marijuana are part of the argument for legalization. In Pennsylvania, legislators are signing an important medical advance- the legalization of medical marijuana. People have begun to understand that marijuana can ease the symptoms and suffering of patients who are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. Already, 13 states have legalized medical marijuana, and others are considering it.
However, State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen of Minnesota says that the bill to legalize medical marijuana is a "law enforcement nightmare." In Massachusetts, Whitney Taylor, chairwoman of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy argues for the decriminalization of the drug.
"The government wants to focus our limited law enforcement resources on serious and violent crimes," Taylor said to The New World Order. "They recognize that under the new law that the punishment will fit the offense."
The Massachusetts policy will make those that are caught with less than 1 oz. of pot punishable by a civil fine of $100, and those under the age of 18 will have to complete a drug awareness program and partake in community service. The fine would increase to as much as $1000 for those who fail to complete the program. While this seems like a good idea, those that are opposed feel that legalizing marijuana will promote drug use and benefit the drug dealers thus making crime rates higher and making the streets dangerous and unfriendly.
The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years. It was used for the treatment of disease and poor memory for thousands of years before it was deemed an illegal substance in 1914. Those in support of the legalization of marijuana argue that it is good for you and actually has more benefits than it does risks. Those who are opposed to marijuana's legalization argue that it impairs judgment, kills brain cells and can serve as a gateway drug.
Roberta Adams, sophomore, said, "The main support for marijuana's legalization comes from the already widespread use. Many people already use marijuana and making it legal would allow police to focus efforts on other crimes."
The medicinal purposes of marijuana are part of the argument for legalization. In Pennsylvania, legislators are signing an important medical advance- the legalization of medical marijuana. People have begun to understand that marijuana can ease the symptoms and suffering of patients who are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. Already, 13 states have legalized medical marijuana, and others are considering it.
However, State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen of Minnesota says that the bill to legalize medical marijuana is a "law enforcement nightmare." In Massachusetts, Whitney Taylor, chairwoman of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy argues for the decriminalization of the drug.
"The government wants to focus our limited law enforcement resources on serious and violent crimes," Taylor said to The New World Order. "They recognize that under the new law that the punishment will fit the offense."
The Massachusetts policy will make those that are caught with less than 1 oz. of pot punishable by a civil fine of $100, and those under the age of 18 will have to complete a drug awareness program and partake in community service. The fine would increase to as much as $1000 for those who fail to complete the program. While this seems like a good idea, those that are opposed feel that legalizing marijuana will promote drug use and benefit the drug dealers thus making crime rates higher and making the streets dangerous and unfriendly.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
Responsible Adult
posted 5/07/09 @ 12:00 PM EST
Treat it like alcohol - plain and simple.
And I'm so sick of the pot is a gateway drug thing. Alcohol is the ultimate gateway drug. Most people's first buzz is from their first beer. (Continued…)
dp63
posted 5/07/09 @ 12:17 PM EST
Hi Nina,
You got it mostly right, but we as activists should get our facts straight. Cannabis (slang term is "marijuana") was firt made illegal at the federal level in the United States in 1937. (Continued…)
Mark montgomery
posted 5/07/09 @ 1:29 PM EST
I agree, pot should be legal. Mexico just legalized possession of small amounts of all drugs. Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001 and their experience has been positive. (Continued…)
just a person
posted 5/08/09 @ 1:40 PM EST
Cigarretts are just taxed a crap load. Alcohol too. If pot was, it would help the economy and give the people less stupid problems to worry about and more important issues to deal with. (Continued…)
ConcernedCitizen
posted 5/08/09 @ 4:42 PM EST
An important question is whether we continue a system in which all of the money flows to criminal drug cartels, or do we legalize and tax marijuana so the money can flow to the public treasury and the rebuilding of America?
The gang violence and destruction of public lands caused by criminals operating outside of the prohibition laws would end if individuals could legally grow a few plants of their own at home. (Continued…)
carl
posted 5/09/09 @ 12:24 AM EST
The economic argument is true. And all fine and dandy. The reduction in violence is also true. The gateway argument is flawed because even if pot were a gateway drug, what was the gateway to pot? alcohol? And if that were the gateway to pot, what was the gateway to alcohol? Where did the chain begin I ask? According to the gateway theory maybe something happened in early childhood to create the sequence of events that led to pot. (Continued…)
Ronnie Smith
posted 5/11/09 @ 10:01 AM EST
I have personally seen over 150 people CURED of TERMINAL cancer by eating the essential oils extracted from marijuana.
If you are dying of cancer or a loved one is eat this oil 3 times a day for 3 months and all cancer is GONE. (Continued…)
Nina
posted 5/22/09 @ 12:57 AM EST
I think that there are definitely ups and downs to the legalization of marijuana. If it can benefit those that are sick, medical marijuana can be very beneficial, but that doesn't necessarily mean people wont still abuse it. (Continued…)
milford
posted 7/22/09 @ 2:18 PM EST
i agree with what so many have said as i have had back surgery and have chronic pain,anxiety,adhd,bi polar,migraine hedaches,insomnia,surgery on my back, nerve problems,and syringomialia, as well as a rare bone disease,i know im a freaking mess. (Continued…)
iPhone
posted 3/06/10 @ 7:29 AM EST
Hey ronnie where can i read on marijuana oil? i'm intrested into this stuff.
When do you thin marijuana will be legal like it one did, that is when there were no idiotic corporative politicians to make laws. (Continued…)
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