Emily Bardasz

Quite a few of religions are against any type of mind alteration, intoxicating substances. The pattern is shown here, the no to legalization is at it’s highest of those who attend church weekly, then continue to fall at monthly visits, and those who never attend.

Republicans, clearly vote against this concept. Against the legalization is ¾ of the vote in the conservative section, 2/3 the vote in the moderates & less than ½ of the Liberals.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana as defined from dictionary.com is: 1.The dried leaves and female flowers of the hemp plant, used in cigarette form as a narcotic or hallucinogen. 2. A preparation made from the dried flower clusters and leaves of the cannabis plant, usually smoked or eaten to induce euphoria.

What is Marijuana (cont). + Marijuana is not a narcotic, and is not mentally or physically an addictive drug. + One may use the drug in moderation and not experience mental or physical deterioration. - Marijuana does impair one’s ability to perform tasks (such as driving). - Chronic smokers are believed to have less drive than of someone who does not smoke marijuana.

Why should the drug be legalized? 1.The drug generally isn’t more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation. Explanation: Most doctors would agree that if used in moderation it is not harmful to oneself. Isn’t abuse of any bad substance an issue? If you abuse alcohol, caffeine, Ephedra or even junk food health problems are sure to follow you close behind.

Why shouldn’t the drug be legalized? 1.Marijuana is often a stepping-stone drug, leading to harder drugs. Explanation: Studies have shown that marijuana is a ‘gateway drug’ and leads users to harder things. Most people who smoke pot are going to enjoy the high of it for a while then search for something better, that ‘bigger high’. Leading to consumption of narcotics, or other drugs. 2. Physical damage would be done to users that abuse the drug. Explanation: Although argued, some studies have been done to tie marijuana use to lung damage, cancer, depression, and motivational syndrome. (Brain damage in this case is more or less memory loss, and difficulty in solving problems). And with these statistics, it is our government’s job to protect it’s citizens, thusly making the drug ILLEGAL.

…But on the other hand, other reasons for legalization are… 2. Legalizing marijuana would lower crime rate, and drug disputes. Explanation: People who sell drugs in the cities affiliated with gangs are going to settle their disputes on their own: if someone rips they off on a bag, they are going to take care of it themselves. You can not call the police and complain about someone robbing you when making a drug deal. 3. An additional tax could be collected by the government! Explanation: If sold in drug stores the government could make money off the potheads of America! A 10% tax of just California would generate 1.4 billion dollars for the government to pocket per year! Think about that! 4. Courts and police would be freed up for more serious crimes. Explanation: Costs of the DEA, FBI, police officers, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, juries, court reporters and prison guards are all costs we’re paying for drug courts. Without marijuana cases on hand, the court would have more effort and time to stop the hardcore offenders!

Another reason to defer legalization. 3. The drug damages not only the user but the ‘innocent bystander’. Explanation: Physical injury is a big one here. Users show disorientation and clumsiness when stoned. Thusly should not be put behind the wheel of a car. People believe that the drug drains people and makes they less productive. And on a larger scale brings the economy down. *ALTHOUGH, a study estimates that 55% of fatal highway crashes are when under the influence of alcohol…

Final thought…. So do we risk the gateway drug effect by promoting marijuana use by making it legal? Do we risk the DUI of a legal drug? Or do we go for it and get 1.4 billion dollars from just one of the fifty states amongst the taxing on all the other 49 states as well? Or do we give it a go crush a good amount of gang drug related killings, and theft? What do YOU think???

Group work: Get into groups of 3-4. Begin at start and go along the game board until you’ve reached one of the 4 end points. Verdict: Each route you take could lead you to a bad point. The extreme being getting locked up, and moving onto harder drugs. The two good points being making new friends who accept you for YOU, and moving on to being that boy/girl crazy teenager you should be. Regardless of Marijuana use or not, you will be put into tough decisions, peer pressure and life with slap you in the face once in a while. It’s your job to do the right thing, and take care of yourself. Regardless if you smoke pot or not. It’s your life, take care of yourself!