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Legalization of Marijuana for Recreational Use (1) The problem that is going to be addressed in this paper is controversy that surrounds much debated issue of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, on the level of State policy. It has been observed that Drug Prohibition laws proved to be ineffective in governments war on drugs. The time has come when we need to ask ourselves if this policy does not result in reducing the number of drug related crimes, why have it in the first place? Conservative politicians say it is unthinkable to even talk about reconsidering our present anti-drug laws. Why is that? When asked to explain their position, they simply reply that legalizing marijuana's recreational use would constitute a highly immoral act.
They are being very inventive, when it comes to convincing people to support present anti-drug policies, by trying give this issue a much broader meaning they discuss it within a context of Good vs. Evil. Yet, the true reason why Bible thumping politicians are strongly opposed against legalizing marijuana is very practical - they are being paid to do so. Criminal syndicates are able to operate effectively and make huge profits because the price on illegal marijuana is much too high. If recreational marijuana was legalized, it would result in many drug dealers being left without income.
It would lead to the State taking over their functions and would enable government to kill two rabbits with one shot to start receiving huge amount in taxes revenue and to provide consultation and Medicare to those hooked on drugs, while helping them to fight the addiction. It is the fact that 50 % of youth in USA and Canada have tried smoking marijuana by the time they reached the age of 15. This clearly shows that Drug Prohibition policy has failed to reach its objectives, just as Alcohol Prohibition failed in America, during thirties. What makes marijuana so desirable for young people is the fact that, in their eyes, marijuana has the status of forbidden fruit. In Holland, where recreational use of marijuana is legal, the level of its consumption among teenagers is the lowest in Europe, as they are not being tempted to try drugs, only to prove to their classmates that they are cool. The only thing that makes majority of people to think that legalization of marijuana will not happen in near future is the fact that officials still consider it as a drug.
We re being told a horror stories about the harmful effects of marijuana use, while in fact, there is none. Only chemical drugs are potentially harmful. The marijuana is a totally different matter - it is God's given plant to people, just like oranges or apples. Marijuana simply enhances ones relaxation experience. It does undermine the effectiveness of short-term memory; however, this effect is temporary and does not have addictive properties. While relaxing, individual is rarely being required to operate heavy machinery.
There is no question that marijuana can be abused, but the same can be said about alcohol do we ban beer nationwide as a result? Therefore, the first step would be changing the status of marijuana from the illegal drug to prescription medicine. The article Marijuana as Medicine: Consider the Pros and Cons, which can be found on the site of Mayo Clinic, provides us with insight on marijuana's actual essence: People have used marijuana as a medical treatment for thousands of years. Such uses extend even to modern America. Marijuana was listed by the U. S.
Pharmacopeia the organization that sets quality standards for approved drugs in the United States, until the 1940 s, when political pressure against marijuana's recreational use triggered its removal (Mayo Clinic). It appears that there is absolutely no logical reason to have marijuana counted on the list of illegal drugs, because it does not benefit anyone, except drug dealers. Marijuana was being outlawed because of an enormous pressure on the part of Christian fundamentalists. However, we live in the country where State and Church are separated by the law.
Therefore, the fact that people still continue to be charged with possession of insignificant amounts of weed, needs to be viewed within a context of moralists breaking the law, because according to U. S. Constitution, they cannot impose their point of view upon the rest of citizens. It is intolerable when self-proclaimed guardians of public morality decide on what would benefit us the most, without having our consent to do so, in the first place.
The recreational use of Marijuana must be legalized, because we live in 21 st century, when government needs to use logic, when it comes to designing socio-political policies. These policies must correspond to the objective reality. Otherwise, they will remain ineffective. (2) The best example that proves beneficiary effects of allowing marijuana to be used for recreational purposes is New Amsterdam Cafe in Vancouver, BC. Marijuana can be bought there legally, on condition that it is going to be smoked inside, in special room equipped with ventilation. This cafe has never been associated with drunken violence or any other anti-social activities, for that matter.
People simply come in to order food, smoke some weed and to enjoy cafes friendly atmosphere. How can it be bad? In her article Vancouver 'Pot Cafe' Goes Public, Michael Dobson quotes cafes owner Carol Gift, who thinks that her initiative needs to be promoted as something that benefits society: It's something that's working, and something that should be applauded. And we do get applauded (CBC). The popularity of New Amsterdam Cafe continues to grow, and it appears to be only the matter of time, before recreational marihuana is going to be legalized in Canada.
Once it is being done, the majority of Americans will begin demanding the same, on the part of their elected officials. There is a very good old saying if it looks stupid but works, it is not stupid. If Dutch and Canadian societies seem to only benefit, from changing their view on marijuana, maybe we need to do the same? We can only wonder about why officials are incapable of seeing obvious social advantages of marijuana's legalization. The realities of post-industrial era imply that people are free to rely on their own judgment, when it comes to using marijuana for recreational purposes.
Civil society must be respectful of its citizens wishes, even though that these wishes might not be associated with healthy living. Bibliography: Dobson, Michael Vancouver 'Pot Cafe' Goes Public. 1 Sep. 2004. CBC. 26 Nov. 2007. web Even, Dan Marijuana Becomes Focus of Drug War. 4 May. 2005. Washington Post. Com. 26 Nov. 2007.
web Marijuana as Medicine: Consider the Pros and Cons. 2007. Mayo Clinic. Com. 26 Nov. 2007. web Outline: Part one Part two
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Research essay sample on Legalization Of Marijuana For Recreational Use
