1.
Legalization of Marijuana : Potential Impact on
youth
by Alain Joffe, W. Samuel Yancy
There are many
pro’s and con’s to the legalization of marijuana. There are also many
regulations and limitations if marijuana does become legalized, and rightfully
so.
There are 3 general policy perspectives concerning the status of
marijuana in the United States: prohibition, decriminalization, and
legalization. Prohibition describes the current federal policy: minimal use and
a very strong regulation of distribution sources. Decriminalization refers to
the elimination or reduction of any criminal punishment for the distribution or
use of Marijuana. Legalization is a step above Decriminalization. Legalization
is complete pardon of any use or distribution of marijuana (although it would
more than likely be heavily regulated). This would fundamentally change the
status of Marijuana, allowing advertisement and marketing to every demographic.
The main concern with the legalization of Marijuana is the younger community of
people who would surely be more exposed to the product and tempted to use it
and once they do it could be a gateway for other drugs such as cocaine. Another
concern is that marijuana would be more easily obtained by all. In order to
eliminate the youth’s perception of Marijuana as a recreational activity
pharmaceutical companies should start exploring the option of making a pill
form of marijuana for medicinal use only.
The regulation of
advertisement to minors would be impossible if the Decriminalization or
Legalization options are implemented. This is a valid concern seeing as the two
most popular drugs (alcohol and cigarettes) are so heavily advertised to the
younger demographic. History proves that legalization of one drug could lead to
the use of illegal hardcore drugs such as cocaine. This isn’t a proven theory
but history is a big indication that this could happen. The accessibility There are also extreme medical benefits to the
substance such as ameliorating chemotherapy-induced nausea, wasting and
anorexia associated with AIDS, intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and muscle
spasticity arising from such conditions as multiple sclerosis. The question is
whether the proven medical benefits outweigh the negative effect on the
adolescent community through the exposure of the drug. If pharmaceutical
companies were on board with decriminalization or legalization of marijuana they
could develop a pill form and require a prescription. This implementation would
end the perception of marijuana as a recreational drug.
Marijuana
becoming legal is the least of worries when it comes to addictive substances.
In terms of harmful effect on the body, alcohol and cigarettes are far more
dangerous. This does not mean that the federal government should legalize
marijuana and add another addictive substance to be consumed. We should focus
on making a pill form and eliminating the recreation aspect of marijuana and
begin to look at the substance for medicinal purposes.
NORML Organization
1.
Norml is a non- profit organization that was
founded 1970 by Stephan W Dillian to change the publics and federal governments
opinion about marijuana and end any negative connotations and criminal
punishment attached to the drug. The board of directors includes: Norman
Elliot, Dan Vites, Randy Qwast, Richard Cohen, and many more. The board elects
the officers of the corporation including prominent scientists, researchers,
businessmen and women, writers, attorneys and producers.
2.
The goal of Norml is to normalize the use of
marijuana by adults for medicinal purposes and to change the false perception
of the drug as a recreational, harmful substance. Norml represents the ten
million Americans who use the drug responsibly. In the 1970’s Norml led the
successful efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana offenses in 11 states and
significantly lower marijuana penalties in all others. Norml has seminars,
rallys, benefits, and concerts to educate people. The goal is to normalize and
legalize the use of Marijuana.
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