General Purpose: Persuasive

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience not support the legalization of marijuana.

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Against Legalizing Marijuana

(Problem-Solution Order)

Good evening Fellow classmates. I want to share with you some astonishing information. Today, more than 6 million Americans are abusing prescription drugs - that is more than the number of Americans abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants, combined. Think about that number - 6 million people is the equivalent of the combined populations of Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia. This information was a part of speech delivered as recently as September 6, 2006.

I pose this question to you now: what would the benefit be of legalizing marijuana when the current prescription drug abuse is already as great as it is?

I want to talk to you about 3 popular myths, and explain why they are myths, and then offer you an opportunity to ask me questions at my conclusion.

Haught Street Obama "Yes We Cannabis" Poster

Day 46 - West Midlands Police - Cannabis Drugs Rai...

English: Close up shot of some high quality mariju...

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Main Points:

Myth #1 (1): Marijuana is harmless

Fact: Short-term effects cause memory loss, loss of coordination, distorted perception, difficulty with problem solving, increased heart rate, and anxiety�;

Fact: Marijuana contains 50 - 70% more carcinogens than does tobacco smoke;

Fact: Marijuana is Classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse with no currently accepted medical use in treatment of diseases;

Fact: With kids being most vulnerable, usage can lead to significant health, safety, social, and learning or behavior problems; and

Fact: Smoking marijuana leads to changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin, and alcohol.

Myth #2 (5): Marijuana is used to treat cancer and other diseases

Fact: While it is true that THC, the primary active chemical in...