Case for Legalizing Marijuana
Case for Legalizing MarijuanaWhat Is Marijuana?
Marijuana, a drug obtained from dried and crumpled parts of
the ubiquitous hemp plant Canabis sativa (or Cannabis indica). Smoked
by rolling in tobacco paper or placing in a pipe. It is also otherwise
consumed worldwide by an estimated 200,000,000 persons for pleasure,
an escape from reality, or relaxation. Marijuana is known by a variety
of names such as kif (Morocco), dagga (South Africa), and bhang
(India). Common in the United States, marijuana is called pot, grass,
weed, Mary Jane, bones, etc. The main active principle of cannabis is
tetrahydrocannabinol. The potency of its various forms ranges from a
weak drink consumed in India to the highly potent hashish. The
following consists of pure cannabis resin. Marijuana is not a narcotic
and is not mentally or physically addicting drug. One can use mild
cannabis preparations such as marijuana in small amounts for years
without physical or mental deterioration. Marijuana serves to diminish
inhibitions and acts as an euphoriant. Only once in a while will it
produce actual hallucinations. More potent preparations of cannabis
such as hashish can induce psychedelic experiences identical to those
observed after ingestion of potent hallucinogens such as LSD. Some who
smoke marijuana feel no effects; others feel relaxed and sociable,
tend to laugh a great deal, and have a profound loss of the sense of
time. Characteristically, those under the influence of marijuana show
incoordination and impaired ability to perform skilled acts. Still
others experience a wide range of emotions including feelings of
perception, fear, insanity, happiness, love and anger. Although
marijuana is not addicting, it may be habituating. The individual may
become psychologically rather than physically dependent on the drug.
Legalization Of Marijuana
Those who urge the legalization of marijuana maintain the drug
is entirely safe. The available data suggested, this is not so,
Marijuana occasionally produces acute panic reactions or even
transient psychoses. Furthermore, a person driving under the influence
of marijuana is a danger to themselves and others. If smoked heavily
and a great deal of consistency, its use has been clearly associated
with mental breakdown. In many persons who smoke chronically, the drug
reinforces passivity and reduces goal-directed, constructive activity.
The chronic use of pure resin (hashish) has been associated both with
mental deterioration and criminality. One of the major complications
of marijuana use is the tendency on the part of some users to progress
to more dangerous drugs. Users in economically deprived areas usually
go on to heroin, whereas more affluent individuals tend to move from
marijuana to more potent hallucinogens such as LSD. There is no
established medical use for marijuana or any other cannabis
preparation. In the United States, its use is a crime and the laws
governing marijuana are similar to those regulating heroin. Many
authorities now urge that the laws be modified to mitigate the
penalties relating to conviction on marijuana possession charges.
The Case...
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