The pro and con of legalizing marrijuana

Essay by Jamiec520College, Undergraduate December 2003

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Con

There currently exists controversy concerning smoking marijuana as a medicine. Many well-intentioned leaders and members of the public have been misled, by the well financed and organized pro-drug legalization lobby, into believing there is merit to their argument that smoking marijuana is a safe and effective medicine. A review of the scientific research, expert medical testimony and government agency findings shows this to be erroneous. There is no justification for using marijuana as medicine.

Substance abuse rises whenever public attitude is more tolerant towards drugs (i.e., they are safe and harmless.) Other factors that contribute to a rise in use include increased availability, reduced risk with using or selling and lower prices. In 1993, for the first time in 12 years of steady decline, illicit drug use rose and continues to climb. A major contributing factor is a message that drugs "aren't so bad." To counter this "just say yes" campaign, feel compelled to provide the facts on the use of marijuana as medicine.

These well documented facts will prove beyond a doubt that MARIJUANA IS NOT MEDICINE.

FACT: The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana (THC) is already available in pharmaceutical capsule form by prescription from medical doctors. This drug, Marinol, is less often prescribed because of the potential adverse effects and there are effective new medicines currently available.

FACT: The manufacturers of Marinol, Roxane Laboratories inc., do not agree with the pro-marijuana advocates that THC is safe and harmless. In the Physicians Desk Reference, a good portion of the description of Marinol includes warnings about the adverse effects.

FACT: Major medical and health organizations, as well as the vast majority of nationally recognized expert medical doctors, scientists and researchers, have concluded that smoking marijuana is not safe and effective medicine. These organizations include: the American Medical Association, the American...