argumentative essay on the legalization of weed

Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalization

Published by gudwriter on May 27, 2018 May 27, 2018

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Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: Marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Paragraph 1:

Marijuana has not caused turmoil in some of the countries where it has been legalized.

• Marijuana does not increase violent, and property crimes as many suggest.
• Studies reveal that in Colorado, violent crimes have declined following the legalization of marijuana.

Paragraph 2:

Prohibiting use of marijuana does not limit its consumption.

• In spite of the many laws prohibiting the use of marijuana, it is one of the most highly abused drugs.
• 58% of young people from all over the world use marijuana.
• It has not been attributed to any health complications.

Paragraph 3:

Legalization of marijuana would help state governments save taxpayers money.

• Governments spend lots of funds on law enforcement agencies that uphold laws restricting the use of marijuana.
• They also spend vast sums of money on sustaining arrested dealers and consumers in prison.
• Legalizing marijuana would result in saving vast sums of money.

Paragraph 4:

Marijuana is less noxious than other legal substances.

• Marijuana has less health side effects than other legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
• Alcohol is 114 times more destructive than marijuana.

Paragraph 5:

Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits.

• Marijuana helps stop seizures in epileptic patients.
• It helps stop nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .

Paragraph 6:

Marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever.

• Marijuana relieves stress and depression in their users by causing excitement.
• Its use reduces violence and deaths related to stress and depression.

Conclusion.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana existent in the modern world. People have continued to ignore health benefits linked to this substance citing their unproven beliefs. Owing to its ability to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals governments should highly consider marijuana legalization. Its legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from maintaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption.

Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay

The argument that marijuana use should be made legal has gained momentum both in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world in recent years. This has seen the drug being legalized in some states in the U.S. such that by 2013, twenty states had legalized medical marijuana. As of the same year, Colorado and Washington had legalized recreational marijuana. The arguments behind the push for legalization majorly revolve around the idea that the drug has medicinal effects. However, there are also arguments that there are serious health effects associated with the drug and this has only further fueled the already raging debate. This paper argues that marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Marijuana has not caused any notable negative effects in countries where it has been legalized. There is a general belief that marijuana consumers are violent. However, no authentic research can prove these assertions. As already seen, some states in the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. In spite of this, no cases of marijuana-related violence have been recorded so far in such states (Markol, 2018). Reports reveal that the rate of violence and property crimes have decreased in Colorado following the legalization of the drug. If marijuana does not increase violent crimes, there is no reason as to why it should not be legalized.

It is also noteworthy that prohibiting marijuana use does not limit its consumption. Less than 10% of countries in the world prevent the use of marijuana, but according to research, 58% of young people in most of these countries are marijuana users (Head, 2016). General reports reveal that marijuana is one of most commonly abused drug in the world. It is also readily available in most states as it is a naturally growing plant (Head, 2016). In spite of its continued use, there are few cases, if any, of marijuana-related health complications that have been reported in any of these countries (Head, 2016). Therefore, if the illegality of marijuana does not limit its consumption, then state governments should consider its legalization.

Legalization of marijuana would further help state governments save taxpayers’ money. It is widely known that in countries where marijuana is illegal, authorities are stringent and will arrest any individual found in possession of the drug (Sanger, 2017). However, as earlier mentioned, laws prohibiting the use of the drug do not prevent its consumption, and this means that many people are arrested and prosecuted for possessing it (Sanger, 2017). State governments therefore use a lot of funds to support law enforcement agencies that seek to uphold laws prohibiting the use of marijuana (Sanger, 2017). Many people have been arrested and incarcerated for either possessing or consuming the drug, and the government has to use taxpayers’ money to sustain such people in prison. Since these actions do not limit consumption of marijuana, state governments should legalize the drug so as to save taxpayers money.

Another advantage of marijuana is that it is less noxious than other legal substances. According to research, marijuana is the least harmful drug among the many legal drugs existent in the world today (Owen, 2014). There are millions of campaigns every year cautioning people against smoking cigarettes, but there has been none seeking to warn people about marijuana consumption (Owen, 2014). Lobby groups have even been making efforts to push for legalization of marijuana. If marijuana had severe health effects as many purport, state governments would be investing heavily in campaigns aimed at discouraging its consumption (Owen, 2014). According to studies, alcohol, which is legal in many countries, is 114 times more harmful than marijuana (Owen, 2014). Therefore, if such harmful substances can be legalized, then there are no justifications as to why marijuana should not be legalized.

Further, marijuana has been proven to have medicinal benefits. Several countries, particularly in Europe, and the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. Their move to legalize marijuana was based on medical reports that showed a variety of health benefits linked to the drug (Noonan, 2017). Research shows that marijuana can reduce seizures in epileptic persons. Several studies have also proven that the drug indeed has a variety of health benefits. For instance, Charlotte Figi, who is now aged 10, used to have more than 100 seizures every month at age three, but since Colorado legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana, her parents started treating her with the substance, and today her seizures have significantly reduced (Noonan, 2017). Marijuana has as well been proven to reduce nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Owing to this medicinal value, state governments should consider legalizing the drug.

Additionally, marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever. Consumption of the drug causes excitement among its users enabling them to forget about troubling situations. Unlike alcohol which is likely to aggravate stress and depression, marijuana works wonders in alleviating anxiety and depression (Sanger, 2017). There are many health and social effects associated with stress, including mental disorders and violence against others (Sanger, 2017). To avoid cases of stress-related violence and mental disorders, state governments should make marijuana consumption legal.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana in the world today. People have continued to ignore the health benefits linked with this substance and have instead focused on citing yet-to-be proven misconceptions. Owing to the ability of the drug to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals, governments should seriously consider its legalization. The legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from sustaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption. So far, there is more than enough evidence proving that marijuana has lots of benefits to individuals, the society, and the government, and therefore should be legalized.

Head, T. (2016). “8 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. ThoughtCo . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.thoughtco.com/reasons-why-marijuana-should-be-legalized-721154

Markol, T. (2018). “5 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. Marijuana Reform . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from http://marijuanareform.org/5-reasons-marijuana-legalized/

Noonan, D. (2017). “Marijuana treatment reduces severe epileptic seizures”. Scientific American . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/marijuana-treatment-reduces-severe-epileptic-seizures/

Owen, P. (2014). “6 powerful reasons to legalize marijuana”. New York Times . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.alternet.org/drugs/6-powerful-reasons-new-york-times-says-end-marijuana-prohibition

Sanger, B. (2017). “10 legit reasons why weed should be legalized right now”. Herb . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://herb.co/marijuana/news/reasons-weed-legalized

Why Marijuana Should be Legal Essay Outline

Thesis:  Marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells.

• Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer.
• In an experiment, researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with Cannabidiol.

Marijuana helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy.

• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains and nausea.
• This can further complicate their health.
• Marijuana can stir up their appetite, decrease nausea, and reduce pain.

Paragraph  3:

Marijuana can control epileptic seizure.

• Marijuana extract stopped seizures in epileptic rats in ten hours.
• The seizures were controlled by the THC.

Disadvantages of Marijuana

Marijuana is addictive.

• One in ten marijuana users become addicted over time.
• If one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms.

Marijuana use decreases mental health.

• Users suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain.
• Users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia.

Marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking .

• Marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer.
• The likelihood of lung cancer can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal

Paragraph 7:

Improved quality and safety control.

• Legalization would lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control.
• Users would know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer.
• There would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana.

Paragraph 8:

Marijuana has a medicinal value.

• Medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions.
• Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain.  

Paragraph 9: 

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving.

• This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it is a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes.
• It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

Legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay

There is an ongoing tension between the belief that marijuana effectively treats a wide range of ailments and the argument that it has far-reaching negative health effects. There has nevertheless been a drive towards legalization of the drug in the United States with twenty nine states and the District of Columbia having legalized it for medical and recreational purposes. It was also found by a study that there is a sharp increase in the use of marijuana across the country (Kerr, Lui & Ye, 2017). Major public health concerns are being prompted by this rise. This should however not be the case because marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells. A study found that Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer. A 2007 report by researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco also indicated that the spread of cancer may be prevented by Cannabidiol. In their lab experiment, the researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with this component (Nawaz, 2017). The positive outcome of the experiment showed that Id-1 expression had been significantly decreased.

Marijuana also helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains, appetite loss, vomiting, and painful nausea. This can further complicate their already deteriorating health. Marijuana can be of help here by stirring up the appetite, decreasing nausea, and reducing pain (Nawaz, 2017). There are also other cannabinoid drugs used for the same purposes as approved by the FDA.

It was additionally shown by a 2003 study that the use of marijuana can control epileptic seizure. Synthetic marijuana and marijuana extracts were given to epileptic rats by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robert J. DeLorenzo. In about ten hours, the seizures had been stopped by the drugs (Nawaz, 2017). It was found that the seizures were controlled by the THC which bound the brain cells responsible for regulating relaxation and controlling excitability.

Some scientists claim that marijuana is addictive. According to them, one in ten marijuana users become addicted over time. They argue that if one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms as anxiety and irritability (Barcott, 2015). However, the same argument could be applied to cigarette smoking, which is notably legal. There is need for more studies to be conducted into this claim being spread by opponents of marijuana legalization.

It is also argued that marijuana use decreases mental health. Those opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana like to cite studies that show that users of the drug suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain. They also argue that users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia. However, these assertions have not yet been completely ascertained by science (Barcott, 2015). The claim about depression and schizophrenia is particularly not clear because researchers are not sure whether the drug triggers the conditions or it is used by smokers to alleviate the symptoms.

It is further claimed that marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking. It is presumed that marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer. The likelihood of lung cancer, according to this argument, can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens. However, the argument touches not on the frequency of use between marijuana and cigarette smokers (Barcott, 2015). It neither takes into account such alternative administration methods as edibles, tinctures, and vaporizing.

Legalization of marijuana would lead to improved quality and safety control. Purchasing the drug off the street provides end users with no means of knowing what they are exactly getting. On the other hand, legalizing it would immediately lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). This would certainly work in the marijuana industry just as it is working in the tobacco and alcohol industries. Users would be able to know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer. Additionally, there would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana sold on the streets.

Marijuana should also be legal because it has a medicinal value. It has been proven that medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions. These include problems due to chemotherapy, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain if medical cannabis products were made available to those suffering from the mentioned conditions. Consequently, more public funds would be available for such other public service initiatives as schools and roads.

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving. This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it has already been cited to be a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes. Among the surveys those arguing along this line might cite is one that was conducted back in 2010, revealing that of the participating weekend night-time drivers, “8.6 percent tested positive for marijuana or its metabolites” (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It was found in yet another study that 26.9% of drivers who were being attended to at a trauma center after sustaining serious injuries tested positive for the drug (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

As the discussion reveals, legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people. There are also other health conditions that can be controlled through the drug. Arguments against its legalization based on its effects on human health also lack sufficient scientific support. It is thus only safe that the drug is legalized in all states.

Barcott, B. (2015).  Weed the people: the future of legal marijuana in America . New York, NY: Time Home Entertainment.

Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2016).  Marijuana legalization: what everyone needs to know . New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Kerr, W., Lui, C., & Ye, Y. (2017). Trends and age, period and cohort effects for marijuana use prevalence in the 1984-2015 US National Alcohol Surveys.  Addiction ,  113 (3), 473-481.

Nawaz, H. (2017).  The debate between legalizing marijuana and its benefits for medical purposes: a pros and cons analysis . Munich, Germany: GRIN Verlag.

Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana. (2010). In  CNBC . Retrieved June 25, 2020 from  https://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223 .

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Argumentative essay marijuana legalization

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Addiction (Abingdon, England)

To examine briefly the (i) rationales for two policy proposals in the United States to make it mandatory for cigarettes to contain very low levels of nicotine and to legalize cannabis for recreational use by adults; and (ii) possible lessons that participants in each policy debate may learn from each other. We briefly describe the diverging policies towards cannabis and tobacco in the United States, explain and critically analyse their rationales and discuss possible policy lessons. Advocates of cannabis legalization have argued that prohibition has been an ineffective and expensive policy that penalizes ethnic minority users unjustly of a drug that is far less harmful than alcohol. The prohibition of traditional tobacco cigarettes has been advocated as a way to eliminate cigarette smoking. These proposals embody very different attitudes towards the harms of recreational adult drug use. Advocates of nicotine prohibition demand that alternative methods of nicotine delivery must be sh...

If caffeine and other such banalised psychoactive substances are left out of consideration, almost everywhere in Europe today cannabis is one of the 'big three'of psychoactive substances, along with alcohol and tobacco. Although the international drug control system applies continuing pressure against it, cannabis has taken on a semi-legal status in many parts of Europe, at least at the level of the user.

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Summary Points • The US states that have legalized retail marijuana are using US alcohol policies as a model for regulating retail marijuana, which prioritizes business interests over public health. • The history of major multinational corporations using aggressive marketing strategies to increase and sustain tobacco and alcohol use illustrates the risks of corporate domination of a legalized marijuana market. • To protect public health, marijuana should be treated like tobacco, not as the US treats alcohol: legal but subject to a robust demand reduction program modeled on successful evidence-based tobacco control programs. • Because marijuana is illegal in most places, jurisdictions worldwide (including other US states) considering legalization can learn from the US experience to shape regulations that prioritize public health over profits.

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Regions & Countries

Americans overwhelmingly say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use.

With a growing number of states authorizing the use of marijuana, the public continues to broadly favor legalization of the drug for medical and recreational purposes. 

An overwhelming share of U.S. adults (88%) say either that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use by adults (59%) or that it should be legal for medical use only (30%). Just one-in-ten (10%) say marijuana use should not be legal, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted Oct. 10-16, 2022. These views are virtually unchanged since April 2021.

The new survey follows President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon people convicted of marijuana possession at the federal level and direct his administration to review how marijuana is classified under federal law. It was fielded before the Nov. 8 midterm elections, when two states legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes – joining 19 states and the District of Columbia , which had already done so.

Pew Research Center asked this question to track public views about the legal status of marijuana. For this analysis, we surveyed 5,098 adults from Oct. 10-16, 2022. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for this report, along with responses, and its methodology .

Over the long term, there has been a steep rise in public support for marijuana legalization, as measured by a separate Gallup survey question that asks whether the use of marijuana should be made legal – without specifying whether it would be legalized for recreational or medical use. This year, 68% of adults say marijuana should be legal , matching the record-high support for legalization Gallup found in 2021.

There continue to be sizable age and partisan differences in Americans’ views about marijuana. While very small shares of adults of any age are completely opposed to the legalization of the drug, older adults are far less likely than younger ones to favor legalizing it for recreational purposes.

This is particularly the case among those ages 75 and older, just three-in-ten of whom say marijuana should be legal for both medical and recreational use. Larger shares in every other age group – including 53% of those ages 65 to 74 – say the drug should be legal for both medical and recreational use.

Republicans are more wary than Democrats about legalizing marijuana for recreational use: 45% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents favor legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, while an additional 39% say it should only be legal for medical use. By comparison, 73% of Democrats and Democratic leaners say marijuana should be legal for both medical and recreational use; an additional 21% say it should be legal for medical use only.

Ideological differences are evident within each party. About four-in-ten conservative Republicans (37%) say marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use, compared with a 60% majority of moderate and liberal Republicans.

Nearly two-thirds of conservative and moderate Democrats (63%) say marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use. An overwhelming majority of liberal Democrats (84%) say the same.

There also are racial and ethnic differences in views of legalizing marijuana. Roughly two-thirds of Black adults (68%) and six-in-ten White adults say marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use, compared with smaller shares of Hispanic (49%) and Asian adults (48%).

Related: Clear majorities of Black Americans favor marijuana legalization, easing of criminal penalties

In both parties, views of marijuana legalization vary by age

While Republicans and Democrats differ greatly on whether marijuana should be legal for medial and recreational use, there are also age divides within each party.

A 62% majority of Republicans ages 18 to 29 favor making marijuana legal for medical and recreational use, compared with 52% of those ages 30 to 49. Roughly four-in-ten Republicans ages 50 to 64 (41%) and 65 to 74 (38%) say marijuana should be legal for both purposes, as do 18% of those 75 and older.

Still, wide majorities of Republicans in all age groups favor legalizing marijuana for medical use. Even among Republicans 65 and older, just 17% say marijuana use should not be legal even for medical purposes.

While majorities of Democrats across all age groups support legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, older Democrats are less likely to say this. About half of Democrats ages 75 and older (51%) say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational purposes; larger shares of younger Democrats say the same. Still, only 8% of Democrats 75 and older think marijuana should not be legalized even for medical use – similar to the share of all other Democrats who say this.

Note: Here are the questions used for this report, along with responses, and its methodology .

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Clear majorities of Black Americans favor marijuana legalization, easing of criminal penalties

Concern about drug addiction has declined in u.s., even in areas where fatal overdoses have risen the most, religious americans are less likely to endorse legal marijuana for recreational use, 6 facts about americans and marijuana, four-in-ten u.s. drug arrests in 2018 were for marijuana offenses – mostly possession, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

2018 Theses Doctoral

Essays on Cannabis Legalization

Thomas, Danna Kang

Though the drug remains illegal at the federal level, in recent years states and localities have increasingly liberalized their marijuana laws in order to generate tax revenue and save resources on marijuana law enforcement. Many states have adopted some form of medical marijuana and/or marijuana decriminalization laws, and as of 2017, Washington, Colorado, Maine, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alaska, and the District of Columbia have all legalized marijuana for recreational use. In 2016 recreational marijuana generated over $1.8 billion in sales. Hence, studying marijuana reforms and the policies and outcomes of early recreational marijuana adopters is an important area of research. However, perhaps due to the fact that legalized recreational cannabis is a recent phenomenon, a scarcity of research exists on the impacts of recreational cannabis legalization and the efficacy and efficiency of cannabis regulation. This dissertation aims to fill this gap, using the Washington recreational marijuana market as the primary setting to study cannabis legalization in the United States. Of first order importance in the regulation of sin goods such as cannabis is quantifying the value of the marginal damages of negative externalities. Hence, Chapter 1 (co-authored with Lin Tian) explores the impact of marijuana dispensary location on neighborhood property values, exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in marijuana retailer location. Policymakers and advocates have long expressed concerns that the positive effects of the legalization--e.g., increases in tax revenue--are well spread spatially, but the negative effects are highly localized through channels such as crime. Hence, we use changes in property values to measure individuals' willingness to pay to avoid localized externalities caused by the arrival of marijuana dispensaries. Our key identification strategy is to compare changes in housing sales around winners and losers in a lottery for recreational marijuana retail licenses. (Due to location restrictions, license applicants were required to provide an address of where they would like to locate.) Hence, we have the locations of both actual entrants and potential entrants, which provides a natural difference-in-differences set-up. Using data from King County, Washington, we find an almost 2.4% decrease in the value of properties within a 0.5 mile radius of an entrant, a $9,400 decline in median property values. The aforementioned retail license lottery was used to distribute licenses due to a license quota. Retail license quotas are often used by states to regulate entry into sin goods markets as quotas can restrict consumption by decreasing access and by reducing competition (and, therefore, increasing markups). However, license quotas also create allocative inefficiency. For example, license quotas are often based on the population of a city or county. Hence, licenses are not necessarily allocated to the areas where they offer the highest marginal benefit. Moreover, as seen in the case of the Washington recreational marijuana market, licenses are often distributed via lottery, meaning that in the absence of an efficiency secondary market for licenses, the license recipients are not necessarily the most efficient potential entrants. This allocative inefficiency is generated by heterogeneity in firms and consumers. Therefore, in Chapter 2, I develop a model of demand and firm pricing in order to investigate firm-level heterogeneity and inefficiency. Demand is differentiated by geography and incorporates consumer demographics. I estimate this demand model using data on firm sales from Washington. Utilizing the estimates and firm pricing model, I back out a non-parametric distribution of firm variable costs. These variable costs differ by product and firm and provide a measure of firm inefficiency. I find that variable costs have lower inventory turnover; hence, randomly choosing entrants in a lottery could be a large contributor to allocative inefficiency. Chapter 3 explores the sources of allocative inefficiency in license distribution in the Washington recreational marijuana market. A difficulty in studying the welfare effects of license quotas is finding credible counterfactuals of unrestricted entry. Therefore, I take a structural approach: I first develop a three stage model that endogenizes firm entry and incorporates the spatial demand and pricing model discussed in Chapter 2. Using the estimates of the demand and pricing model, I estimate firms' fixed costs and use data on locations of those potential entrants that did not win Washington's retail license lottery to simulate counterfactual entry patterns. I find that allowing firms to enter freely at Washington's current marijuana tax rate increases total surplus by 21.5% relative to a baseline simulation of Washington's license quota regime. Geographic misallocation and random allocation of licenses account for 6.6\% and 65.9\% of this difference, respectively. Moreover, as the primary objective of these quotas is to mitigate the negative externalities of marijuana consumption, I study alternative state tax policies that directly control for the marginal damages of marijuana consumption. Free entry with tax rates that keep the quantity of marijuana or THC consumed equal to baseline consumption increases welfare by 6.9% and 11.7%, respectively. I also explore the possibility of heterogeneous marginal damages of consumption across geography, backing out the non-uniform sales tax across geography that is consistent with Washington's license quota policy. Free entry with a non-uniform sales tax increases efficiency by over 7% relative to the baseline simulation of license quotas due to improvements in license allocation.

• Cannabis--Law and legislation
• Marijuana industry
• Drug legalization
• Drugs--Economic aspects

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Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana: An Argumentative Essay

The debate over the legalization of marijuana has revealed strong opinions on both sides and continues to suffer from an ongoing argument. As published studies show, there are both positive and negative effects associated with marijuana use. While some argue that it should remain illegal due to its potential to be a gateway drug and its negative impact on health, others believe that it has important medicinal uses and can help alleviate pain and anxiety.

One important statistic to consider is that 9 out of 10 Americans have tried marijuana in some form, according to a survey done by Kelley Smart. This indicates that marijuana is already prevalent in society, regardless of its legal status. Therefore, legalizing it would provide an opportunity for the government to monitor and regulate its use, making it safer for individuals and reducing the involvement of criminal organizations in the marijuana market.

In addition, there have been numerous stories published about the positive effects of marijuana on medical conditions such as epilepsy. Children who suffer from epileptic seizures have shown significant improvement after using medicinal marijuana, as documented in their personal stories. This supports the idea that marijuana can be an effective treatment option for certain health conditions.

On the other hand, opponents argue that legalizing marijuana may lead to an increase in drug use, especially among youths. They cite research that shows a correlation between marijuana use and a decrease in academic performance, as well as an increased likelihood of developing addiction problems later in life. These negative effects cannot be ignored and should be taken into consideration when weighing the pros and cons of legalization.

Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana

One of the best arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana is its potential medicinal uses. Current research has revealed that marijuana can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. Supporters argue that legalizing marijuana would make it easier for patients to access this type of treatment.

Another reason to support the legalization of marijuana is the potential economic benefits. The cannabis industry has seen a rapid growth in recent years, with the legal market reaching billions of dollars. Legalization could create jobs and generate tax revenue that can be used for various purposes, such as education and healthcare.

While there are strong arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana, there are also valid concerns and reasons to oppose it. One of the main concerns is the potential for increased substance abuse. Opponents argue that making marijuana legally available may lead to higher rates of usage, especially among younger individuals.

Another argument against legalization is the negative impact it could have on public health. Some studies have suggested that marijuana use can have negative effects on cognitive function, especially when it comes to memory and learning. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for marijuana to be a gateway drug, leading to the use of more harmful substances.

Lastly, there is disagreement about the long-term effects of marijuana use. While some studies have shown potential benefits, others have cited negative effects such as increased risk of mental health issues and the potential for addiction. The debate surrounding marijuana legalization is ongoing, with differing opinions about its overall impact on individuals and society.

An Argumentative Essay

Another argument for legalizing marijuana is its potential medical benefits. Numerous research studies have shown that marijuana can be used to alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. By legalizing marijuana, patients can have easier access to this alternative medicine.

Furthermore, legalization can help in changing the negative attitudes towards marijuana and its users. Many people view marijuana users as lazy, unmotivated individuals. However, this stereotype is not supported by research and stories of successful and productive individuals who use marijuana. Legalization can help shift these stereotypes and bring more understanding and acceptance to those who use marijuana responsibly.

On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential negative effects of marijuana use, especially among younger individuals. Some studies have shown a link between heavy marijuana use in adolescence and cognitive impairments later in life. Pediatricians, in particular, worry about the impact of legalization on the development of young brains.

There are also concerns about the potential for marijuana abuse and addiction. While marijuana may not be as addictive as other substances, there are still individuals who develop dependence and struggle to quit. Legalizing marijuana may increase access and availability, potentially leading to more individuals becoming dependent on the drug.

About Half Say They Have Tried Marijuana

While this number may seem high, it’s worth considering that the overall perception of marijuana has shifted significantly in recent years. With the ongoing debate surrounding its legalization, more and more people have become open to trying marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. Many individuals argue that marijuana is a natural alternative to other substances, such as cigarettes or alcohol, and that it can even have potential medicinal benefits.

Opponents of marijuana legalization, on the other hand, argue that the drug can have negative effects on individuals’ health, especially when used heavily or at a young age. Studies have shown that heavy marijuana use can lead to deficits in cognitive functioning and can increase the risk of mental health issues, particularly among young people.

Positive Effects of Legalization

Another positive effect of legalization is the potential for increased tax revenue. As marijuana becomes a legal product, it can be taxed just like alcohol and cigarettes. This tax revenue can be used to fund important social programs such as education and healthcare.

The legalization of marijuana can also have positive impacts on public health. While marijuana use does have some risks, the legalization and regulation of the drug allows for better control and monitoring. This can help to ensure that the product is safe and of high quality, reducing the risk of individuals being exposed to dangerous substances.

Lastly, the legalization of marijuana can stimulate the economy through job creation and increased tourism. The marijuana industry has the potential to create a significant number of new jobs, benefiting both urban and rural communities. Furthermore, marijuana tourism can attract visitors from around the world, boosting local economies.

In summary, the positive effects of legalizing marijuana are numerous. It can reduce crime, generate tax revenue, improve public health, address racial disparities in drug enforcement, and stimulate economic growth. These benefits should be considered in the ongoing debate about marijuana legalization.

Negative Effects of Legalization

The report also pointed out that the current trend of marijuana legalization has made the drug more accessible to youth. A survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about 1 in 10 youths aged 12 to 17 reported using marijuana in the past month in 2017, which was significantly higher than the reported rates in states where marijuana is illegal.

Furthermore, the legalization of marijuana has also led to an increase in emergency room visits related to the drug’s use. A study published in Pediatrics in 2018 analyzed the number of pediatric emergency department visits for marijuana-related reasons in Colorado before and after the drug was legalized in the state. The study found that the number of visits more than doubled from 2005 to 2015.

Another concern is the increase in marijuana-related traffic accidents. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2018 analyzed the effect of marijuana legalization on motor vehicle crash fatality rates in the United States from 1985 to 2014. The study found that states that legalized marijuana had a 5.2% higher rate of crash fatalities compared to states where marijuana was illegal.

What are the benefits of legalizing marijuana?

Legalizing marijuana can have several benefits. Firstly, it can generate tax revenue for the government, which can be used for various public services and programs. Secondly, it can create job opportunities in the marijuana industry, boosting the economy. Additionally, legalizing marijuana can help regulate its quality and safety, reducing the risk of contaminated or dangerous products. It can also free up law enforcement resources, allowing them to focus on more serious crimes.

What are the drawbacks of legalizing marijuana?

There are also potential drawbacks to legalizing marijuana. One concern is that it could increase the number of people using marijuana, which may have negative health effects. Another drawback is the potential for increased drug abuse and addiction. Legalizing marijuana could also lead to more stoned driving incidents, similar to alcohol-related accidents. Additionally, it may be difficult to enforce regulations and control the black market, as some people may still prefer purchasing marijuana illegally.

What are the arguments against legalizing marijuana?

There are several arguments against legalizing marijuana. Some people believe that it can be a gateway drug, leading to the use of more dangerous substances. Others argue that marijuana can have negative effects on mental health, especially in young people. There is also concern about the impact on workplace productivity and safety, as marijuana use can impair cognitive function and motor skills. Finally, opponents of marijuana legalization worry that it can have a negative influence on youth and send the wrong message about drug use.

Can legalizing marijuana help with medical conditions?

Yes, legalizing marijuana can have benefits for medical conditions. Marijuana has been found to have therapeutic properties and can help alleviate symptoms of various illnesses, such as chronic pain, nausea, and seizures. It can also be used as an alternative to opioids for pain management, potentially reducing the risk of addiction. Legalizing marijuana can provide patients with safe and regulated access to medicine that can improve their quality of life.

Does legalizing marijuana lead to increased crime rates?

There is no clear consensus on the relationship between marijuana legalization and crime rates. Some studies suggest that legalizing marijuana can lead to a decrease in certain types of crimes, such as drug-related offenses or property crimes. However, other research indicates that marijuana legalization might have no significant impact on crime rates or may even lead to an increase in certain types of crimes. It is important to consider various factors and context when examining the relationship between marijuana legalization and crime.

What are the pros of legalizing marijuana?

Some proponents argue that legalizing marijuana would generate tax revenue, create jobs, and reduce drug-related violence.

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

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The Evidence—and Lack Thereof—About Cannabis

Research is still needed on cannabis’s risks and benefits. 

Lindsay Smith Rogers

Although the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law, medicinal and recreational cannabis use has become increasingly widespread.

Thirty-eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical cannabis, while 23 states and D.C. have legalized recreational use. Cannabis legalization has benefits, such as removing the product from the illegal market so it can be taxed and regulated, but science is still trying to catch up as social norms evolve and different products become available. 

In this Q&A, adapted from the August 25 episode of Public Health On Call , Lindsay Smith Rogers talks with Johannes Thrul, PhD, MS , associate professor of Mental Health , about cannabis as medicine, potential risks involved with its use, and what research is showing about its safety and efficacy. 

Do you think medicinal cannabis paved the way for legalization of recreational use?

The momentum has been clear for a few years now. California was the first to legalize it for medical reasons [in 1996]. Washington and Colorado were the first states to legalize recreational use back in 2012. You see one state after another changing their laws, and over time, you see a change in social norms. It's clear from the national surveys that people are becoming more and more in favor of cannabis legalization. That started with medical use, and has now continued into recreational use.

But there is a murky differentiation between medical and recreational cannabis. I think a lot of people are using cannabis to self-medicate. It's not like a medication you get prescribed for a very narrow symptom or a specific disease. Anyone with a medical cannabis prescription, or who meets the age limit for recreational cannabis, can purchase it. Then what they use it for is really all over the place—maybe because it makes them feel good, or because it helps them deal with certain symptoms, diseases, and disorders.

Does cannabis have viable medicinal uses?

The evidence is mixed at this point. There hasn’t been a lot of funding going into testing cannabis in a rigorous way. There is more evidence for certain indications than for others, like CBD for seizures—one of the first indications that cannabis was approved for. And THC has been used effectively for things like nausea and appetite for people with cancer.

There are other indications where the evidence is a lot more mixed. For example, pain—one of the main reasons that people report for using cannabis. When we talk to patients, they say cannabis improved their quality of life. In the big studies that have been done so far, there are some indications from animal models that cannabis might help [with pain]. When we look at human studies, it's very much a mixed bag. 

And, when we say cannabis, in a way it's a misnomer because cannabis is so many things. We have different cannabinoids and different concentrations of different cannabinoids. The main cannabinoids that are being studied are THC and CBD, but there are dozens of other minor cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis products, all of varying concentrations. And then you also have a lot of different routes of administration available. You can smoke, vape, take edibles, use tinctures and topicals. When you think about the explosion of all of the different combinations of different products and different routes of administration, it tells you how complicated it gets to study this in a rigorous way. You almost need a randomized trial for every single one of those and then for every single indication.

What do we know about the risks of marijuana use?  

Cannabis use disorder is a legitimate disorder in the DSM. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people who develop a problematic use of cannabis. We know there are risks for mental health consequences. The evidence is probably the strongest that if you have a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, using cannabis early in adolescence is not the best idea. We know cannabis can trigger psychotic symptoms and potentially longer lasting problems with psychosis and schizophrenia. 

It is hard to study, because you also don't know if people are medicating early negative symptoms of schizophrenia. They wouldn't necessarily have a diagnosis yet, but maybe cannabis helps them to deal with negative symptoms, and then they develop psychosis. There is also some evidence that there could be something going on with the impact of cannabis on the developing brain that could prime you to be at greater risk of using other substances later down the road, or finding the use of other substances more reinforcing. 

What benefits do you see to legalization?

When we look at the public health landscape and the effect of legislation, in this case legalization, one of the big benefits is taking cannabis out of the underground illegal market. Taking cannabis out of that particular space is a great idea. You're taking it out of the illegal market and giving it to legitimate businesses where there is going to be oversight and testing of products, so you know what you're getting. And these products undergo quality control and are labeled. Those labels so far are a bit variable, but at least we're getting there. If you're picking up cannabis at the street corner, you have no idea what's in it. 

And we know that drug laws in general have been used to criminalize communities of color and minorities. Legalizing cannabis [can help] reduce the overpolicing of these populations.

What big questions about cannabis would you most like to see answered?

We know there are certain, most-often-mentioned conditions that people are already using medical cannabis for: pain, insomnia, anxiety, and PTSD. We really need to improve the evidence base for those. I think clinical trials for different cannabis products for those conditions are warranted.

Another question is, now that the states are getting more tax revenue from cannabis sales, what are they doing with that money? If you look at tobacco legislation, for example, certain states have required that those funds get used for research on those particular issues. To me, that would be a very good use of the tax revenue that is now coming in. We know, for example, that there’s a lot more tax revenue now that Maryland has legalized recreational use. Maryland could really step up here and help provide some of that evidence.

Are there studies looking into the risks you mentioned?

Large national studies are done every year or every other year to collect data, so we already have a pretty good sense of the prevalence of cannabis use disorder. Obviously, we'll keep tracking that to see if those numbers increase, for example, in states that are legalizing. But, you wouldn't necessarily expect to see an uptick in cannabis use disorder a month after legalization. The evidence from states that have legalized it has not demonstrated that we might all of a sudden see an increase in psychosis or in cannabis use disorder. This happens slowly over time with a change in social norms and availability, and potentially also with a change in marketing. And, with increasing use of an addictive substance, you will see over time a potential increase in problematic use and then also an increase in use disorder.

If you're interested in seeing if cannabis is right for you, is this something you can talk to your doctor about?

I think your mileage may vary there with how much your doctor is comfortable and knows about it. It's still relatively fringe. That will very much depend on who you talk to. But I think as providers and professionals, everybody needs to learn more about this, because patients are going to ask no matter what.

Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast , an editor for Expert Insights , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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Argumentative Essay on Cannabis

Cannabis is commonly the most used illicit substance in many countries around the world, including the United States. It comes from the cannabis plant, which evolved about 28 million years ago on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, according to a pollen study published in May of 2019. Its use, the study suggests, has been found to date as far back as 2500 years. Studies have strongly suggested marijuana’s a wide range of benefits, from medical to recreational. Today cannabis, also known as hemp or marijuana, is legal in 15 states while criminalized in the remaining 35. There are various opinions on whether cannabis should be legalized or not. The present paper discusses the existing views and defends the idea that it should be federally legalized because of its medical and recreational benefits and a dramatic reduction in law enforcement costs.

The primary argument against the legalization of cannabis is that it is “the most commonly used addictive drug after tobacco and alcohol” (National Institute on Drug Abuse 4). More than 22 million Americans use marihuana at least once a month, and every 10th adult and every 6th adolescent become addicted to this drug (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention para. 1, 2). Except for addiction and the decreased ability to control own life, the regulars use of marijuana reduces cognitive function in middle age (Auer et al. 352).

More precisely, there is a strong correlation between addiction to cannabis and poor verbal memory and executive function, and slow processing speed of the brain (Auer et al. 352). From this, it could be inferred that the legalization of marijuana will be a fatal strike for the well-being of the entire nation. In other words, the legalization of this drug will increase the number of people who are addicted to it and, therefore, will increase the number of middle-aged and older adults who suffer from cognitive impairments.

At the same time, it might be argued that tobacco and alcohol are also legalized, but many people anyway do not smoke tobacco and do not drink alcohol. Besides, some people smoke or drink alcohol from time to time to celebrate holidays or cope with stress and do not get addicted. Interestingly enough, the survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in April 2021 illustrates that 91 percent of American adults support the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes (Schaeffer para. 2).

Furthermore, the results of the survey conducted by Keyhani et al. show that more than 80 percent of adults believe that the use of marijuana is beneficial since it helps manage pain, treat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, depression, and stress (282). Most importantly, people are aware not only of the benefits of cannabis but also of its risks. Respondents admit that they are afraid of legal problems because of the use of cannabis, addiction, and memory problems (Keyhani et al. 282). This way, it is apparent that most American citizens are conscious enough of the issue of cannabis and are ready to be responsible for their actions after the legalization of this drug.

Another argument against the legalization of cannabis is that it is widely perceived as a gateway drug. This means that after some time, the effect of marijuana will stop to satisfy its user and, subsequently, such a person will shift to the use of “harder” drugs such as, for example, heroin or cocaine. The marijuana gateway hypothesis appeared in the 1970-s, and since these times, debate on whether cannabis is a gateway drug does not stop.

In spite of the fact that in the academic community, there is no common opinion on the marijuana gateway hypothesis, several studies prove that the use of this drug does not cause a consequential addiction to other drugs. For instance, the US Department of Justice researched this topic and discovered no “scientific support for cannabis use leading to harder illicit drug use” (Nöel and Wang 11). Therefore, the legalization of cannabis is not expected to lead to an increase in the number of adults and adolescents addicted to hard drugs.

Nonetheless, it is impossible to deny that marijuana is addictive. Without a doubt, legalization will lead to the rise of people addicted to this drug because some people in the states where marijuana is prohibited are willing to try it but are afraid of breaking the law. This, in turn, means more traffic accidents, more addicted teenagers who steal hemp from their parents or forge an identity card. Besides, legalization means increased pressure on hospitals caused by the sharply raised number of emergency room visits and demand for addiction treatment. From this perspective, it is clear that people who do not use cannabis will suffer significant losses, and their lives are put in danger as well.

Still, the legalization of cannabis will save the lives of people who are used to buying it on the street and, thus, have no way to check the quality of the purchase. Legalization will decrease the illegal trade with cannabis, and, therefore, people who use this drug could at least be sure that its quality is satisfactory. What is more, legalization is a way to force sellers to certify the quality of cannabis through tests in specialized laboratories. The government will be able to control the entire production chain, from marijuana fields to laboratories where the final product is tested. Finally, through the legalization, the federal government could impose age restrictions and this way, prevent immature Americans from abuse of this substance.

As it has been already noted in the introduction, the legalization of cannabis will reduce law enforcement costs. In 2018, “663,000 arrests for marijuana-related offenses” were made in the US (Gramlich para. 2). These arrests cost approximately $4 million to the federal government annually. The legalization of marihuana will enable police officers to spend their time, efforts, and budget on solving more acute and dangerous problems than catching people who store, purchase, or use cannabis.

To conclude, it is common knowledge that fruit often tastes sweeter when it is forbidden. People who want to smoke marijuana will find a way to buy it. Those who are in good health and prefer other stress-relieving practices such as yoga, meditation, or jogging, will not use cannabis under any circumstances. Simultaneously, the legalization of marijuana will significantly relieve life for people who suffer from severe pains and various medical conditions. Finally, legalization will help to economize a substantial amount of money and utilize it more efficiently. The use of cannabis unquestionably has numerous adverse effects. Nonetheless, individuals should be free to decide independently what to do with their lives and whether the game with cannabis is worth the candle.

Works Cited

Auer, Reto, et al. “ Association between lifetime marijuana use and cognitive function in middle age: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. ” JAMA Internal Medicine , vol. 176, no. 3, 2016, pp. 352-361.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Marijuana Fast Facts and Fact Sheets , 2017. Web.

Gramlich, John. “ Four-in-ten U.S. drug arrests in 2018 were for marijuana offenses – mostly possession. ” Pew Research Center . 2020.

Keyhani, Salomeh, et al. “ Risks and benefits of marijuana use: a national survey of US adults. ” Annals of Internal Medicine , vol. 169, no.5, 2018, pp. 282-290.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Marijuana Research Report . 2020.

Nöel, Wm. & Wang, Judy. “ Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug? Key Findings and Literature Review. ” U.S. Department of Justice. 2018.

Schaeffer, Katherine. “ 6 facts about Americans and marijuana. ” Pew Research Center . 2021.

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Home » Uncategorized » Five Reasons Why We Should Legalize Cannabis

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Five Reasons Why We Should Legalize Cannabis

Cannabis use in the United States has had a long and complicated history. For decades, people who used cannabis were subject to social ostracization and criminal prosecution. However, attitudes toward cannabis have been evolving in recent years. An increasing number of states have started to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational use. This shift in policy has been driven by a variety of factors including changing public attitudes and the potential economic benefits of legalization. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of legalizing cannabis in our country.

1. Legalization for the Environment

Legalizing cannabis can have significant benefits for the environment. When cannabis is grown illegally, it is often done in environmentally damaging ways, such as using chemical pesticides or clearing primary forests to make room for crops. Legalization could allow customers to support more environmental growers. This will incentivize more responsible growing practices, such as the use of organic farming methods or the use of renewable energy sources to power indoor grow operations. In addition, the culture of growing cannabis can help to discover and preserve precious marijuana seeds , increasing biodiversity and facilitating a deeper understanding of cannabis plants and their cultivation.

2. Legalization for Justice

Where cannabis is illegal, people are being arrested and charged for possession or sale, which leads to costly court cases and a burden on the criminal justice system. Legalization would free up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crimes and simultaneously reduce the number of people incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. This could help to reduce the overall prison population and save taxpayers money.

In addition, legalization can have significant benefits for justice and equity, particularly for marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis. Communities of color have been particularly affected by the war on drugs, with Black Americans being nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white Americans, despite similar rates of use.

By regulating cannabis cultivation and sales, legalization can help to eliminate the black market and reduce the involvement of criminal organizations in the cannabis industry. This can lead to safer communities and reduced drug-related violence in communities that have been most affected by the criminalization of cannabis.

3. Legalization for Public Health

Cannabis has been shown to have many beneficial and therapeutic effects on both physical and mental health. However, people may be hesitant to seek medical marijuana treatment due to fear of legal repercussions if cannabis is illegal. Legalization can allow more people to enjoy better health outcomes. It can also promote the safer use of cannabis by educating the public on appropriate cannabis use and providing quality control measures for cannabis products. Legalization can also lead to increased research into potential medical applications of cannabis and could lead to the development of innovative treatments.

Another potential perk of cannabis legalization is that it could reduce the use of more harmful drugs. In the absence of cannabis, people may turn to more dangerous drugs like heroin or fentanyl to manage chronic pain or other conditions. By legalizing cannabis, we can provide a safer alternative for these individuals and could reduce the overall demand for these more dangerous drugs. States that have legalized cannabis found a decrease in opioid overdose deaths and hospitalizations, suggesting that cannabis are an effective alternative to prescription painkillers.

4. Legalization for the Economy

The legalization of cannabis can generate significant tax revenue for governments and create new economic opportunities. When cannabis is illegal, it is sold on the black market, and no taxes are collected on these sales. However, when it is legal, sales can be regulated, and taxes can be imposed on those sales. In states that have legalized cannabis, tax revenue from cannabis sales has been in the millions of dollars , with California registering a whopping $1.2 billion in cannabis tax revenue in 2021. This impressive income can be used to reduce budget deficits, fund various public services such as education and healthcare, and create new opportunities for investment in projects that revitalize the economy.

Aside from tax revenue, legalizing cannabis can create new jobs. The cannabis industry is a rapidly growing industry, and legalization could lead to the creation of new jobs in areas such as cultivation, processing, and retail sales. This can help to reduce unemployment and create new gainful opportunities for people who may have struggled to find employment in other industries. Legalization can also lead to increased investment in related industries, such as the development of new products or technologies to improve cannabis cultivation or the creation of new retail businesses. There are now several venture capital funds and investment groups that focus solely on cannabis-related enterprises.

5. Legalization for Acceptance

Finally, legalization could help reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis use. Before cannabis legalization, people who use the plant were often viewed as criminals or deviants. Legalization can help change this perception and lead to more open and honest conversations about cannabis use. Ultimately, legalization could lead to a more accepting and inclusive society where individuals are not judged or discriminated against for their personal and healthcare choices. By legalizing cannabis, we can harness the power of a therapeutic plant. Legalization can heal not just physical and mental ailments of individuals but also the social wounds that have resulted from its criminalization.

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• Essay on Smoking

Legalization Of Marijuana Argumentative Essay

Type of paper: Argumentative Essay

Topic: Smoking , Alcohol , Drugs , Criminal Justice , Crime , Marijuana , Social Issues , Alcoholism

Words: 1600

Published: 01/30/2020

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Legalization of marijuana

Introduction Talk of marijuana legalization in the United States today and you will be sparking a considerably heated debate among the politicians and the citizenry alike (Bello, 2007). Apparently, this has been one of the most contentious issues in the political circles of the United States lately. During the presidential debate of the recently completed presidential elections, the question of legalization of marijuana was among the top issues raised as a way of gauging the standpoint of the politicians. In answering the question, the presidential aspirants remained skeptical about the issues as either answer would have had significant impact on the support on their race to the white house. The fact that no one was willing to give a straight answer on the issues for fear of losing considerable support is an indication that, indeed, the issue is a matter of controversy in contemporary society. The people upholding either opinion are almost equal in number. This paper endeavors to discuss why marijuana should be legalized.

The arguments for the legalization of marijuana

Apparently, prohibiting marijuana and legalizing alcohol and cigarettes can be challenged from a moral standpoint. The type of intoxication a person should use, is supposed to remain subject to the personal liberty of the individual in question. Challenging the legalization of alcohol and illegalization of marijuana is not a difficult thing to do since, rationally; illegalizing the drug is a way of curtailing the people’s right to choice and personal liberty (Hoffman & Weber, 2010). Making choices should be liberal especially to people of majority age. Research indicates that, indeed, alcohol and cigarettes are more dangerous than marijuana. Some researchers argue that unlike cigarettes, marihuana is purely natural and does not contain such dangerous substances as tar. While alcohol and cigarettes cause liver cirrhosis and lung cancer respectively, there is no known ailment directly connected to marijuana. As such, arguing from a health standpoint, illegalizing marijuana is not at all justified Speaking of health, there are verified reports that marijuana has some scientifically proven health benefits. A perfect illustration is the case of cancer. Cancer is arguably the most dangerous condition in the history of the medical world. Cancer has no treatment and the processes carried out to mitigate it are a matter of chances. For instance, chemotherapy is not absolutely effective. Perhaps the solution, according to some scientists is the consumption of marijuana in regulated amounts. This will help keep away cancer. Other researchers argue that marijuana sees are the only things with the highest amount of proteins (Bello, 2007). Protein is a very important nutrient in the body of a human being. It therefore follows that people should be encouraged to consume marijuana in food. For this reason, the government should consider legalizing marijuana. Legalization of marijuana is one of the most effective ways of reducing crime. Apparently, crime that is incidental to the consumption of illegal drugs constitutes a significant part of the statistics. People selling illegal drugs will always sell them at an exorbitant price due to an overwhelming demand being served by a handful of suppliers. Legalization of marijuana only means lower prices. Low prices for marijuana will reduce the number of crimes committed with the intention of getting money to access the illegal drugs (Earleywine, 2007). Such crimes as mugging, conning, burglary and the like will be less heard of in society. Essentially therefore, legalization of marijuana is equal to killing many birds with the same stone. For instance, it will satisfy the consumers, reduce crime, and boost health and reduce the consumption of such dangerous things as alcohol and cigarette. Research indicates that the costs of prohibition are not worth the fight. Such monies should be channeled elsewhere so as to be put into more constructive use. For instance the monies can be used to boost the facilities at the hospitals and schools. If an estimate of the amount spent on prohibition can be articulately evaluated and tabled before the citizenry, people would remain in utter shock. The amounts of money and resources spent on prohibiting marijuana include such costs as the cost of apprehending suspected criminals, the cost of taking them through the prosecution, the costs of a state counsel and the costs of having to rehabilitate the individual (Goldberg et al, 2009). Legalization of marijuana will lead to saving of all these costs. Saving such amounts can contribute to the wellbeing of the economy since the money can be used to enhance other parts of the economy. Apparently, there are more serious crimes that need to be taken through the criminal justice system. Legalization of marijuana will decongest the criminal justice system to make it more effective in handling such serious crimes as terrorism. Decongesting the state prisons and penitentiaries will allow the other prisoners to enjoy better conditions in jail, devoid of noise and congested air. This will also give the police time to conveniently go about solving more serious crimes and enforcing the law without any hitch (Bello, 2007). It is pointless chasing around petty criminals like marijuana smokers when there are bigger threats to society. Economists say that the money spent on the war on drugs is a sunken cost. A huge sunken cost is an expense incurred without any corresponding income or benefits. The war on drugs is a futile effort. Instead of the spending the billions on drugs, the money should directed elsewhere. Another primary reason why legalization of marijuana should be advocated for by all standards is because, through such effort, the government will be able to raise its revenue through taxation. Through taxation, the government will raise adequate funds to fight higher drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Additionally, it is imperative to mention that through legalization efforts, the country will be able to break existing trade connection and unearthing the drug lords and terrorists associated with marijuana. This is considerably easy where intelligence comes in to work with the people that are currently consuming marijuana under the legal framework.

The counterarguments

Despite all the above convincing points, critics find a fault in every point. For instance, the most significant argument held by the anti-legalization campaigners is the actuality that the medical benefits claim made by the proponents of the idea, is not yet scientifically measurable. Further, the critics and anti-legalization campaigners argue that Marijuana is a habitual drug that may cause complications later in life (Hoffman & Weber, 2010). For instance, the user may turn to be a mental retard or a psychiatric case due to the hallucinations it is associated with. Critics argue that marijuana cannot be measured to determine which an average dose is. For instance, Marijuana cannot be taken as pills. It is the consumption of rolls of the dry leaves. The second counterargument is the belief that marijuana problems in judgment. This may cause serious accidents, especially on the road. Distorted judgment can really cost the nation in terms of losing human lives and having to pluck out the menace from society. Sober judgment is usually the most important aspect of decision making. Yet another counterargument is the fact that the Internal Revenue authority may not find it easy taxing the vendors of marijuana as documenting the transactions can be quite a hassle. Other critics argue that almost all arguments for legalization are ideal and not at all practical.

Rebuttal of the counterarguments

In rebutting the counterarguments, I would say that the measurability is not an issue at all when it comes to the legalization of marijuana. After all, all the legal intoxicants in the society lack measurability. For instance, alcohol cannot be measured as it does not obey the rule of diminishing marginal utility. Apparently, this counterargument does not hold water as the other intoxicants are more dangerous that marijuana, from a medical standpoint. Talking o the drug being habitual is not a point worth winning the debate. Arguably, the most addictive intoxicant in the world today is tobacco. Yet, tobacco is on the shelves of virtually every store. As much as marijuana may cause problems in judgment, this is no different from alcohol and other intoxicants. It is not anything new. Worth mentioning perhaps is the actuality that upon legalization, the government should design a time schedule of selling and consequently consuming the drug so as not to interfere with office hours. As such, I still strongly believe that marijuana should be legalized in present times.

Summarily, the main reasons why marijuana should be legalized are reduction in crime, cancer therapy, decongesting the CJS, generating government income, creating employment, and higher prohibiting costs. Gurus in social science argue that these merits, coupled with morality and social equity outweigh the arguments posed by the opponents. In straightforward terms, the legalization of marijuana is supported by both economists and social scientist. While the opponents of marijuana legalization dwell on the perceived negative image associated with the drug, the proponents insist that alcohol and cigarette are more dangerous options. The few shortcomings that exist in the name of counterarguments are considerably weak. For this reason, marijuana should be legalized.

Bello, J. (2007). The Benefits of Marijuana: Physical, Psychological and Spiritual. Lifeservices Press. Earleywine, M. (2007). Pot politics: Marijuana and the costs of prohibition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Goldberg, J. H., Millstein, S., Schwartz, A., & Halpern-Felsher, B. (2009). Intertemporal tradeoffs: Perceiving the risk in the benefits of marijuana in a prospective study of adolescents and young adults. Medical Decision Making, 29(2), 182-192. Hoffmann, D. E., & Weber, E. (2010). Medical marijuana and the law. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(16), 1453-1457.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Marijuana Legalization — The Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana

The Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana

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Published: Mar 16, 2024

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Economic benefits, medical benefits, criminal justice and public health.

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211 Marijuana Essay Topics & Examples

Should marijuana be legalized? This question is controversial and worth discussing!

🔝 Top 10 Marijuana Research Topics

🌱 marijuana essay: how to write, 🏆 best marijuana essay examples.

• 💡Interesting Cannabis Topics to Write about

🥇 Exciting Marijuana Essay Topics

🎓 controversial weed topics, 🔎 marijuana research paper topics, ❓ marijuana research questions.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug made from a plant and used for recreational and medical purposes. Being fully prohibited in some countries, it is fully legalized in others. In your essay about marijuana, you might want to focus on the pros and cons of its legalization. Another option is to discuss marijuana dependence. One more idea is to compare and contrast marijuana laws in various US states. Finally, you can discuss the business aspects of the issue.

Whether you have to write an argumentative, descriptive, or cause and effect essay, our article will be helpful. It contains marijuana topics to research and write about. You can use them for a paper, speech, or any other assignment. Best marijuana essay examples are added to inspire you even more.

• Mental and physical effects of cannabis
• Marijuana and mental ability: the correlation
• Cannabis consumption: the key modes
• Marijuana: short-term and long-term effects
• Cannabis and reproductive health
• History of cannabis
• Legal status of marijuana in various countries: compare and contrast
• Should cannabis be legalized?
• Cannabis as a gateway drug
• The use of marijuana for medical purposes

With the current-day process of drug legalization and the popularization of cannabis, writing a marijuana essay becomes more than a one-track, anti-drug endeavor.

Whether your stance is for or against recreational drug use, you should be able to call upon credible sources to form a well-rounded and informed opinion that may sway your readers toward your cause.

Starting from your pre-writing process and bibliography and until you write your conclusion, you need to keep in mind particular points that will make tackling any marijuana essay topics easy. From a structural and pre-writing viewpoint, you should:

• Brainstorm your ideas. Doing so will allow you to decide on a particular approach to your subject.
• Do your research, compiling your bibliography, and perusing various book and journals titles, as well as research papers, interviews, and statistics.
• Utilizing authoritative sources to support your argument will make your writing more academic and respectable.
• Write a marijuana essay outline, which should help you better your essay structurally.
• Compose an eye-catching title. Marijuana essay titles are already intriguing, so do your best not merely to draw your readers in but to prepare them for your argument by demonstrating your stance on the topic.

If you are still not sure how to begin your paper, look for sample ones online. Searching for good examples will help you understand the tools that work in essay writing, which ones you can apply to your issue, and which bore the audience.

Just remember that plagiarism is a punishable offense. However, gaining some inspiration from the work of others is not!

Now you are ready to begin, having carried out the research and created guidelines for your writing process. However, an intriguing title and an issue that may easily excite people is not enough to convince your readers of your subject’s validity.

Nonetheless, the potentially provocative nature of your paper provides you with the ability to write a fail-safe marijuana essay hook. Your introduction should build upon the sentiment expressed in your title and give your audience an initiative to read further.

You can start by providing surprising statistics or describing a present drug scenario. The goal of writing an introduction is to give your readers a brief understanding of your issue and present them with partial facts, making them want to continue reading.

Do not be afraid to expand your topics and link various data together while keeping in mind an academic approach.

Adverse societal effects of marijuana use may include an increase in the number of car accident cases, especially if there is no culture of safety around recreational drug use. However, trying to link it to society’s degradation may require more evidence than mere statistics.

Understand which approach is more likely to convince your audience and be ready to respond to potential counterarguments to your facts. Treating your audience as knowledgeable is one of the central characteristics of a good essayist.

Remember to write only sentences that are relevant to your argument. A sound mental practice when writing an essay is to continuously ask yourself, whether each phrase relates to your thesis statement.

If yes, does it help advance it forward? If the answers for these questions is no, you may have to rephrase, remove, or even re-research your facts to demonstrate a compelling understanding of the issue.

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💡 Interesting Cannabis Topics to Write about

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• Marijuana Legalization: Chronic Seizure Treatment With that said, despite numerous states already having legalized one or both applications, the federal government remains opposed to either form of legalization, and marijuana possession and use remain federal offenses.
• Adverse Effects of Marijuana Use This paper aims to provide an analysis of the article that gives a perspective on the adverse health effects and harm related to marijuana use. Thus, the academic article on the adverse effects of marijuana […]
• “Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use” by Volkow et al. Based on national marijuana studies and DSM-IV, the researchers conclude that addiction to marijuana is a non-debatable statement and that starting marijuana use in adolescence doubles or even quadruples the risks of cannabis use disorder.
• Marijuana Use May Double the Risk of Accidents for Drivers According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the number of Americans driving under the influence of illegal substances has risen drastically. The risk of a crash is also related to the number of […]
• Legalized Marijuana: Negative and Positive Sides The economy and finance from the very beginning were anticipating that this law will bring the largest income to the state’s budget and create plenty of job opportunities under the rule of law.
• Marijuana: Legislative History and Future The focus of the legislation in many states is to end the illegal sale of cannabis and monetize it for tax purposes and so that distribution can be controlled.
• Ethical Perspective of the Legalization of Marijuana In spite of a popular view of the medical benefits of marijuana, doctors insist that the use of marijuana provides the same dangerous effect as other drugs.
• Marijuana Legalize: Advanatages and Disadvantages The truth that marijuana is illegal and prohibited is suitably caused by the number of funds invested in the war against drugs.
• Arguments for Banning the Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana is a dangerous drug that should not be legalized even if it is in the context of it containing the medicinal value.
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• College Students in UK and Marijuana The reasons for the punishments are very different but the result remains the same: marijuana is still used by the majority of students and is available for everyone.
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• Psychological Effects of Marijuana Some people experience panic reactions, which tend to be temporary and often are triggered by a feeling of not being in control Marijuana’s psychological effects include a sense of euphoria or well-being, relaxation, altered time […]
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• Federal vs. State Law: Medical Marijuana in the US The main problem is that these laws and regulations have not reduced the number of people who use marijuana for medical purposes.
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• Legal Marijuana Market Analysis and Taxes Impact Consequently, the primary goal of this paper is to understand the impact of taxes on the financial stability of the market for legal marijuana with the help of the law of supply and demand and […]
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• The Legalization of Marijuana: Regulation and Practice It is imperative to note that legalization of marijuana is a topic that has been quite controversial and has led to numerous discussions and disagreements.
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• Use of Marijuana and Its Consequences The plant was grown in the United States of America for agricultural purposes during the colonial period up to the beginning of the 20th century.
• Should Marijuana Drugs Be Decriminalized? The production, preparation, trade and use of marijuana has been prohibited in most parts of the world and a lot of resources are used every year to combat it. Thus, decriminalization of marijuana is likely […]
• Argument About Legalizing Marijuana in America Therefore, if at all the government of the United States is to prohibit the use of marijuana in the country, it should be ready to cater for the high costs that come in hand with […]
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• Why Is Marijuana Legalized In Some States And Not Others? I consider the legalization of marijuana to be a positive step as its prohibition entails intrusion of personal freedom and just like any other substance it is only harmful when it is not taken in […]
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• How Many Individuals Smoke Marijuana in the United States?
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• What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Legalising Marijuana?
• Does Legalizing Marijuana Make Sense?
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• Does Marijuana Have Medicinal Purposes?
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• Chicago (N-B)

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Reading Sanskrit

Michael Ondaatje’s “Definition,” a poem about reading a Sanskrit dictionary, took me back to the five years that I spent studying the language at the University of Chicago (Poems, February 12th & 19th). I still have my Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English dictionary (which I assume is the one that Ondaatje is referring to), and I flip through it from time to time because its entries are like poems unto themselves.

Studying this ancient language has kept me curious for more than thirty years. Some Sanskrit poems use a literary device of intended secondary meanings, and that makes reading them a fun and reflective experience. When Ondaatje writes, “Wherever you turn / definitions push open a door,” he evokes the variegated ways that people communicate; his poem reminds us that, if we work to decipher and embrace multiple meanings, we can enter new worlds.

Anna Hammond New York City

High Supply

As a longtime California cannabis cultivator, both before and after decriminalization, I found the comments by New Yorkers in Jia Tolentino’s piece about legalization strikingly similar to those that Californians have made over the years (“In the Weeds,” February 26th). Eli Northrup, a public defender who held the first meeting of the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program, said that New York is not basing its program “on any existing model.” Yet choosing not to study the successes and failures of other states is to risk repeating the latter.

On both coasts, candidates for licenses have faced far too much red tape; at the same time, the legalization of weed, which added taxes and jacked up the price per ounce, gave a shot in the arm to the illicit economy, which offers lower prices. Albany and Sacramento would have done well to turn to experts in the underground market for help navigating the specifics of marijuana cultivation, distribution, and sales. State and local leaders seem to have greatly underestimated the time, energy, and creativity necessary to bring a formerly prohibited activity to Main Street and to Wall Street.

Jonah Raskin San Francisco, Calif.

Tolentino, in her otherwise informative article about the chaotic opening of New York’s market for legal marijuana, risks perpetuating reefer madness when she writes, “Several products advertised a truly terrifying potency: one bag of peach gummy rings from the California brand Smashed supposedly contained two hundred and fifty milligrams of THC per gummy, enough to send a devoted stoner like myself to the emergency room.” I also found two hundred and fifty milligrams to be too much for one gummy. So I cut it in half.

William deJong-Lambert New York City

Burned and Banned

Claudia Roth Pierpont, in her article about the role of books during wartime, mentions a U.S. Office of War Information poster showing a photograph of a book burning with the caption “ THE NAZIS BURNED THESE BOOKS  . . . but free Americans CAN STILL READ THEM ” (Books, February 26th). That photograph appears to depict books looted from Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute for Sexual Science, known for its pioneering research on sexuality and its advocacy for homosexuals, transgender people, and women. Today, in many states, fewer and fewer “free Americans” have unrestricted access to similar books.

Michael Ward Costa Mesa, Calif.

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Why a Native American Nation Is Challenging the U.S. Over a 1794 Treaty

The Onondaga have asked an international commission to find that the United States violated a treaty guaranteeing the nation 2.5 million acres of land.

Sidney Hill serves as Tadodaho, the spiritual leader of the Onondaga Nation. Credit... Lauren Petracca for The New York Times

Supported by

By Grace Ashford

Reporting from the Onondaga Nation Territory in central New York.

• Published March 15, 2024 Updated March 19, 2024

Four or five years ago, Sidney Hill’s young son came to him with a question that Mr. Hill didn’t know how to answer.

The boy had learned that day about the millions of acres of land that his people, the Onondaga, had once called home, and the way that their homeland had been taken parcel by parcel by the State of New York, until all that was left was 11 square miles south of Syracuse.

“We lost all this land,” Mr. Hill recalled his son saying. “How can that be?”

In many ways, Mr. Hill was the best person to answer that question. As Tadodaho, the spiritual leader of the Onondaga Nation, he was responsible for protecting its legacy and guiding it into the future. He was one of a handful of elders who have worked for decades on a legal and diplomatic strategy to fight back against the historic wrongs his son now sought to understand.

Even so, it caught him off balance.

The younger generation needed to know, he said. “But it doesn’t make much sense to them.”

Mr. Hill tried to reassure his son that all that injustice was in the past.

But he knew how hard it was to accept past wrongs, particularly when their consequences so informed the present. It was why he had spent so long pushing — first Onondaga elders, then the United States justice system and, finally, an international human rights commission — for a correction to that history.

Onondaga Lake

Detail area

New York City

The Onondaga claim that the United States violated a 1794 treaty, signed by George Washington, that guaranteed 2.5 million acres in central New York to them. The case, filed in 2014, is the second brought by an American Indian nation against the United States in an international human rights body; a finding is expected as soon as this year.

Even if the Onondaga are successful, the result will mostly be symbolic. The entity, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, has no power to enforce a finding or settlement, and the United States has said that it does not consider the commission’s recommendations to be binding.

“We could win against them, but that doesn’t mean that they have to abide by whatever,” Mr. Hill said in an interview.

The 2.5 million acres have long since been transformed by highways and utility lines, shopping malls, universities, airports and roller rinks.

The territory encompasses the cities of Binghamton and Syracuse, as well as more than 30 state forests, dozens of lakes and countless streams and tributaries. It is also home to 24 Superfund sites, the environmental detritus of the powerhouse economy that helped central New York thrive during the beginning and middle half of the 20th century.

Most notorious of these is Onondaga Lake, which once held the dubious title of America’s most polluted lake.

Industrial waste has left its mark on Onondaga territory, leaving the nation unable to fish from its streams and rivers. The history of environmental degradation is part of what motivates the Onondaga, who consider it their sacred responsibility to protect their land.

One of their chief objectives in filing the petition is a seat at the table on environmental decisions across the original territory. The other is an acknowledgment that New York, even if only in principle, owes them 2.5 million acres.

Across the nation, government officials have grappled with the notion of reparations to address historical injustices. In 2022, officials in Evanston, Ill., began distributing $25,000 to Black descendants of enslaved people as reparations for housing discrimination.

In New York, people who were once imprisoned for marijuana crimes received preference for licenses to sell cannabis; Gov. Kathy Hochul last year also created a statewide task force to examine whether reparations can be made to address the legacy of racial injustice.

Some Native nations have been willing to drop land claims in exchange for licenses to operate casinos. But the Onondaga say they are not interested in cash. Nor are they interested in licenses to sell cannabis or operate a casino — which they consider socially irresponsible and a threat to their tribal sovereignty.

There’s really just one thing that Mr. Hill says would be an acceptable form of payment: land.

The Onondaga insist they are not looking to displace anyone. Instead they hope the state might turn over a tract of unspoiled land for the nation to hunt, fish, preserve or develop as it sees fit. One such repatriation effort is underway : the return of 1,000 acres as a part of a federal settlement with Honeywell International for the contamination of Onondaga Lake .

The United States has not contested the Onondaga's account of how the nation lost its land. Indeed, the lawyers representing the United States in the Onondaga case have centered their argument on legal precedence, noting that courts at every level — including the U.S. Supreme Court — rejected the Onondaga’s claims as too old and most remedies too disruptive to the region’s current inhabitants.

To the Onondaga, the logic required to square these contentions seems unfair. Why should the United States be allowed to steal their land and face no obligation to give some back?

Joe Heath, a lawyer representing the Onondaga, said the refusal to acknowledge the past stands in the way of healing the future.

“If we don’t admit that those things have happened, how do we move forward together?” he said. But Mr. Heath understood that such an admission would have serious legal and practical implications.

“The problem is that all of the land in New York, in the United States, is stolen Indian land," he said. “What does that mean in terms of U.S. property law?”

‘All of our Country and for a very trifle’

There was a time when the United States worked with the Haudenosaunee, the confederacy that includes the Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Tuscarora, Mohawk and Seneca nations, as the fledgling government sought to defuse conflicts in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War.

The federal government entered into three treaties that affirmed the confederacy’s sovereignty and ownership over much of the northern part of New York State. Critically, those treaties guaranteed that no one but the federal government would have the authority to deal with the Haudenosaunee.

But as early as 1788, New York State had started to chip away at the Haudenosaunee land and sovereignty. Over the next 34 years, the state would come to control nearly all of the Onondaga land — as well as most of that owned by the other Haudenosaunee nations — because of a series of transactions that the Onondaga say were illegal.

“The [New] York people have got almost all of our Country and for a very trifle,” Onondaga chiefs told federal officials in 1794, according to the papers of U.S. Indian Commissioner Timothy Pickering.

For the next two centuries, the Onondaga continued to fruitlessly press their case in numerous face-to-face meetings with presidents, members of Congress and governors of New York.

Legal options were limited: In New York, for example, Native people were not considered to have standing to sue on their own behalf until 1987.

When Indian nations did make it into the courtroom, many claims were dismissed.

The Onondaga’s decision to go to court was decades in the making, with the first discussions beginning more than 40 years ago. For the next 20 years, the Council debated in the long house — a long, low structure made of whole logs used for ceremonial events and Haudenosaunee gatherings.

Mr. Hill is one of 14 chiefs on that council, each of whom represents a different clan. In the Onondaga tradition these chiefs are male, but they are appointed by the clan mothers.

The chiefs did not initially embrace the idea of a lawsuit, seeing it as another venue for broken promises.

“Our elders were always afraid of going into courts,” Mr. Hill said. Many were concerned that losing in court could lead them to lose what little land they had left.

“We finally said, we have to do something,” Mr. Hill said.

In 2005, the Onondaga filed a version of their current claim in Federal District Court in the Northern District of New York, naming as defendants the State of New York, its governor, Onondaga County, the City of Syracuse and a handful of the companies responsible for the environmental degradation over the past centuries. A similar case filed by the Oneida Nation was, at the time, pending before the Supreme Court.

But just 18 days after the Onondaga filed their petition, the Supreme Court rejected the Oneidas’ case. The decision referenced a colonial-era legal theory known as the Doctrine of Discovery, which holds in part that Indigenous property claims were nullified by the “discovery” of that land by Christians.

The “long lapse of time” and “the attendant dramatic changes in the character” precluded the Oneida nation from the “disruptive remedy” it sought, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in the majority decision.

The ruling appeared to doom the chances of any Native nation seeking recompense through the courts. The history seemed settled.

‘Disruptive to who?’

Of the more than 1,600 words in the Supreme Court’s ruling, one stood out to Hill: “disruptive.”

“When I heard that, I said, ‘Well, OK, disruptive to who?’” he recalled. “It’s already been disruptive to us, as Indigenous people.”

Some might have left it at that: an admission that Native people could never be made whole for the profound wrongs perpetrated on them.

Instead, lawyers for the Onondaga used the rejection as the premise for a new argument. They contended that the U.S. court system’s refusal to find in their favor proved that they could not find justice in the United States.

The petition filed before the international commission amounts to the most direct challenge of the United States’ treatment of Indigenous people to date in terms of human rights — and the first to apply the lens of colonialism.

“What the Onondaga litigation is doing right now is to force a political dialogue with the colonial occupier,” said Andrew Reid, a lawyer representing the Onondaga, adding that a favorable finding could prompt a political conversation about the United States’s treatment of native people on the world stage.

Representatives for the State Department declined to be interviewed and did not respond to requests for comment. But in legal documents, the United States contended that the Onondaga’s central claims have been rejected in prior cases; that they have had “abundant opportunity” for their case to be heard; and that they are merely unhappy with the outcome. It also contended that the commission has no jurisdiction, given that the bulk of the nation’s losses took place two centuries before it was established.

“The judicial process functioned as it should have in this matter,” the United States wrote in legal papers.

The commission’s decision could come at any time, but Sidney Hill is trying not to focus on it.

Most days he is glad to have tried.

“We aren’t sure how it’s going to go,” he says. “But at least it won’t be hanging there for the next generation.”

An earlier version of this article misstated the first name of an Indian commissioner under President George Washington who later became secretary of state. He was Timothy Pickering, not Thomas Pickering.

How we handle corrections

Grace Ashford covers New York government and politics for The Times. More about Grace Ashford

Politics in the New York Region

Illegal Donations: A Chinese business titan pleaded guilty to federal charges that he made more than $10,000 in straw donor contributions to political candidates  — including, a person familiar with the case said, to a New York congressman and Mayor Eric Adams.

A Cannabis Mess: Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered officials to come up with a fix for the way New York licenses cannabis businesses  amid widespread frustration over the plodding pace of the state’s legal cannabis rollout.

N.Y. Budget: Both of New York’s legislative chambers have announced their budget proposals. They have until April 1 to hash out a spending plan  with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who unveiled her proposal in January .

Covid Deaths: Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo was subpoenaed to appear  before a House subcommittee to answer for his administration’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic, a development that could further damage his chances at a political comeback.

Redistricting: After rejecting a congressional map proposed by the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission  and seizing control of the drawing process, Democrats adopted new district lines  that would improve their chances of winning the House majority in November, but not drastically.

Long Odds: Republicans selected Mike Sapraicone, a former police detective who runs a security firm  and positions himself as a moderate, as their preferred nominee in a long-shot bid to unseat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

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Bill to legalize recreational marijuana keeps advancing, but hefty opposition remains

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The House Committee for Commerce & Consumer Protection approved a bill Tuesday legalizing recreational cannabis , but it still faces more hurdles and some don’t think it will make it.

In a 3-to-7 vote, Senate Bill 3335 moves on with amendments, including an agreement to let cannabis sellers form labor unions.

Lawmakers heard hours of testimony.

“I feel like everyone should have access to clean tested cannabis and not have to be subject to the illicit market,” said Walter Nakashima, of the Big Island.

“We need more hope, not dope,” said Pastor Allen, of Nanaikapono Protestant Church. “Let’s fix the problems that we have now before we do anything else.”

“It’s disappointing when people don’t listen to data or facts,” said Drew Daniels, of the Big Island.

“I’m glad that the representatives are taking that into consideration and taking into consideration the thoughts of the constituents that are in support.”

As recreational marijuana bill advances, opponents seek to ensure their voices are heard

Among the critics is former Gov. Linda Lingle, who testified for the first time since she left office 14 years ago.

Besides public health, Lingle is worried about money.

“As you know, because of the Maui fires, we’re facing serious budget issues in the state government,” said Lingle. “And this is just going to make that situation worse.”

A state-sponsored working group found that legalizing marijuana would generate $34-$53 million in tax revenue annually, but the state would have to spend millions setting up the framework for dispensaries and enforcement. In the end, though, legalization ultimately comes down to votes.

Supporters are optimistic.

“There’s hope because it’s the furthest it’s ever gone,” said Nakashima. “And, you know, we’re gonna keep fighting, and you know, we can’t stop, and we won’t stop.”

But the odds may not be in their favor.

When the House passed the bill’s second reading last week, 22 of the 51 members voted no.

“And that’s a great indicator that the bill is going to die because at least 10 of those representatives in the finance committee already voted no,” said state Rep. Elijah Pierick, who represents Royal Kunia, Waipahu, and parts of Ewa Beach.

If passed in the finance committee, the bill goes back to the full House.

After that, it’ll have to be negotiated with the Senate.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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Michigan Cops Bust One Of The Largest Illegal Weed Grow Operations To Date

D espite Michigan’s flourishing legal marijuana market , which reported sales exceeding $3 billion in 2023 , the state is grappling with a thriving illicit market .

This stark reality was highlighted by a major bust by the Michigan State Police's Marijuana & Tobacco Investigation Section, reported Crain's Detroit Business on Tuesday.

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In the March 7 crackdown, the state police dismantled what Crain's Dustin Walsh called Michigan's largest illegal marijuana grow operation to date. The operation involved raids on four commercial buildings in Livonia, resulting in the seizure of over 6,000 marijuana plants, 2,500 pounds of psilocybin mushroom bars, and 700 pounds of marijuana flower. The market value of the marijuana flower alone surpasses $1 million. The Michigan State Police (MSP) clarified that these operations all lacked legal operators' licenses.

First Lt. Tom Kish , head of the specialized unit, pointed to Michigan’s lenient laws on illicit marijuana as a key factor behind the persistence of large-scale illegal operations. He noted that following the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2019, the state’s Court of Appeals ruled that illegal grow operations could face only misdemeanor charges. Kish observed that this has led to increased criminal activity in the sector.

"These larger grows are becoming a big issue," Kish said per Crain's. "I can tell you the perception was that black market marijuana would go away when the adult-use market came online. That's not true. The black market in Michigan is a huge problem and it's a booming illegal marketplace. That's largely because of our penalties, or lack thereof."

Meanwhile, Kish’s unit has been busy, having seized over 10,000 illegally grown marijuana plants in the last month alone. He stressed the illicit market’s disregard for safety and testing standards, citing the squalid conditions of the facilities in Livonia. He also pointed to a connection between these operations and human trafficking, with foreign nationals often found working in substandard conditions.

During the Livonia raids, foreign nationals were indeed found. "We have a lot of foreign nationals that are connected to these illegal grow ops," Kish said. "Some from China, South America or Mexico; people who are trafficked here to produce or procure black market marijuana. Many don't speak English and are forced to process flower or tend to plants under terrible living conditions. It's becoming a serious problem.”

Cannabis from the seized operation also tested positive for banned pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, posing significant health risks.

Illegal operators’ use of trafficked labor and hazardous chemicals enables them to undercut Michigan’s legal market, which happens to be one of the most affordable in the country.

Read more at Crain's Detroit Business

© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

This article Michigan Cops Bust One Of The Largest Illegal Weed Grow Operations To Date originally appeared on Benzinga.com .

Aegis | Child sex abuse case against Harford Board of…

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Aegis | child sex abuse case against harford board of education survives latest challenge to child victims act.

A Harford County judge ruled Tuesday that the state’s Child Victims Act is constitutional in a lawsuit filed against the county’s Board of Education alleging negligence due to the sexual abuse of a student that happened in the 1980s and 1990s.

Judge Alex Allman rejected a motion brought by lawyers representing the school board to dismiss the case on the grounds that Maryland’s Child Victims Act is unconstitutional.

“There is a high burden here,” Allman said. “We’re talking about invalidating a duly passed law of legislature that was signed by the governor, and is in place right now. That is a lot to ask for the court to do. It certainly is a high threshold (that) demands an extra level of attention.”

The Child Victims Act went into effect on Oct. 1  and permits individuals who experienced childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits against their abusers, regardless of how long ago the abuse took place. Supporters lauded the legislation as a means for victims to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable whenever they felt prepared to take action.

Earlier this month, a Prince George’s County judge also found Maryland’s Child Victims Act to be constitutional in a case involving the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

Even though the law removed the statute of limitations that prevented victims from suing their abusers or the institutions that employed them, lawmakers included a provision that permitted appeals based on constitutional reasons to be made to the Maryland Supreme Court after going through the Appellate Court of Maryland first.

Aaron M. Blank, whose firm represents the anonymous victim in the Harford case, said during a news conference Tuesday evening that he fully backed the judge’s ruling. He criticized the arguments made by the school board’s legal team.

“We think the judge absolutely got the decision on the law correct,” Blank said. “We agree on 100% of his ruling. We felt the defendants took a wishy-washy position on how the law should be viewed and applied.”

Attorneys representing the Harford County school board focused their case on a 2017 Maryland statute that prolonged the time for child sex abuse survivors to file lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that hired them until the age of 38.

Specifically, the school board’s legal team argued the 2017 law contained a provision that provides immunity from claims filed after a survivor turned 38, called a “statute of repose.” The school board’s attorneys assert that this clause establishes a vested right that cannot be repealed.

“It’s important to our argument,” Edmund O’Meally, a lawyer for the school board, said Tuesday in court. “I am taking the position, with respect to the Board of Education, both the statute of limitations and the statute of repose in and of themselves bar any recovery in this case.”

The case involves allegations of sexual abuse that the anonymous plaintiff endured at the hands of two school employees in the 1980s and 1990s when the plaintiff was a student attending Harford County schools.

According to documents filed in Harford Circuit Court, the plaintiff was allegedly sexually abused between 1985 to 1986 by a fifth grade teacher at Deerfield Elementary School. The plaintiff says he was confined in his teacher’s classroom for lunchtime detentions, during which she “groomed, coerced, and ultimately sexually abused him on multiple occasions.”

The plaintiff alleges the abuse went on for about three months and involved kissing, oral sex and simulated and actual sexual intercourse. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff’s parents were “forced to sign some type of ‘contract’” in a meeting with the school’s administration agreeing not to speak about the abuse he had endured.

The plaintiff alleges that he was sexually abused again when he was in 11th grade at Edgewood High School by a school custodian. According to the lawsuit, the school custodian allegedly “ordered” the plaintiff to “perform oral sex on him.”

The plaintiff alleges the custodian “continued to sexually abuse” the plaintiff in his office on school grounds multiple times. According to court papers, the plaintiff reported the custodian to law enforcement in November 2020, and the custodian entered into a plea deal that would register him as a sex offender to avoid jail time.

The lawsuit accuses the Board of Education of Harford County of “not properly vetting their staff … not properly training and/or supervising their staff; negligently retaining staff they knew or should have known were sexually abusing students (including the plaintiff); failing to recognize clear and obvious signs of grooming behaviors by staff; failing to investigate reports of concerning and/or criminal behavior; and failing to have in place any legitimate measures to protect against a teachers and/or staff sexually abusing a student.”

During the post-hearing news conference Tuesday, the victim in the Harford case shared his thoughts.

“The only people that are opposed to [the Child Victims Act] are the ones that allowed the abuse to occur in their buildings, by their employees and by their priests,” the plaintiff said during a news conference later on Tuesday. “No child signs up to be sexually abused.”

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