Legalization of Marijuana

Legalization of Marijuana By Matthew Abelman

History Originally from Central Asia, and seen as early as 3000 B.C. The Marijuana transfer act in 1937 prohibited the hemp. According to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 Cannabis is a schedule 1 drug.

Legality Most countries have created laws prohibiting the use, cultivation, and sale of cannabis. Alaska is the only state where the possession of up to 1 ounce of Cannabis I legal. Sixteen states have enacted laws for the use of medical marijuana. Thirteen states have decriminalized marijuana.

Medical Use Robert Randal sued government in 1978 for the right to use medical marijuana. High portion of the government does not recognize the medical benefit from the plant. It was ruled by the supreme court that the U.S. government has the right to criminalize marijuana

Medical Use Cont. Documented medical effects include stimulation of hunger, lowered eye pressure, amelioration of nausea and vomiting. Can be ingested or vaporized to minimize the harmful effects of smoking. It has also been found to reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.

Safety It was stated by the U.S. department of justice in 1988 that Marijuana does not have lethal effects. It was reported by the FDA that there were zero reports of death caused by this drug. Harm can be minimized by not smoking it and by killing microorganisms by baking for 5 minutes.

Usage It is estimated that 4% of the world uses cannabis. Approx. 6.9% of American's use cannabis regularly

Reasons to Legalize Money would stimulate economy Has medical benefits, and is less harmful than alcohol. U.S. citizens are smoking anyway, it would be safer if it was legal.

Value In the U.S. it is the #4 value crop. It is estimated to be a 36 billion dollar market. Prices are approximately $280-420 per ounce.

Value It would increase jobs in stores, cultivation, and marketing. It would yield about $18 billion in taxes for the federal government. It would save almost $10 billion annually from marijuana related incarceration, court fees, and prohibition.

Medical Results In Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii only 4% of the population had reregistered as medical users. 70% of these patients were over the age of 40. Less than 1% of doctors referred Marijuana to their patients.

Marijuana Vs. Alcohol Why are we pushing people to drink? At least 52% of people 18+ have drank 12+ drinks in the past year. Not including accidents, 23,199 people have died this year, compared to ZERO.

Users are forced to go through risky business to obtain drugs. There is a strong connection between marijuana and gang activity. It brings unnecessary crime and violence to a process that could be standard business. Drug War Spending on Illegal Drugs

Research Look in California, a already relaxed environment There has been no increase in marijuana related deaths, injuries, or unemployment Sales tax has helped California government

Not Legalized The economy could take way longer to recover Continued violence around marijuana related activities Wasteful spending on prohibition Same amount of people smoking

Conclusion

Legalization of Marijuana