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Mariah Rehn
English 1010
Irene J. Peterson
07-25-14
Introduction: What are the social implications of legalizing marijuana? The legalization of marijuana
is a very controversial subject, but not debatable enough that more than half of Americans are
in favor of legalizing recreational use and more than 80% support medical use. Many people
who are against the decriminalization of marijuana argue that making pot legal would cause an
array of negative affects to our country. I disagree. Studies have shown that the legalization of
marijuana (medical or recreational) has not done any serious damage and if anything has
improved the health and safety of our citizens. Some worry that marijuana is a gateway drug
and legalizing its use will encourage the use of stronger drugs, would it?
By legalizing the large scale commercial production, distribution and sale of marijuana,
Colorado and Washington have created an unprecedented situation. The Netherlands have not
even gone this far.
The Obama Administration made the decision not to block legalization in states with a firm
and efficient regulatory system, even though marijuana is still illegal under Federal law. The
justice department created a list of eight priorities that should help guide federal prosecutors.
There is concern that Colorado and Washington will use advertising to encourage
consumption by heavy users. Although this may be good for business, it could cause concern
regarding public health.
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Constitution protections of commercial free speech make it challenging to limit marijuana
marketing. With the help of the US attorneys, the justice department can target firms
promoting marijuana products to young adults and adolescence. It is in the justice
departments best interest to make sure marijuana is not marketed in a way that it is appealing
to minors.
Important decisions need to be made in the early stages of this market. Should firms be
allowed to advertise e-cigarettes infused with hash oil or marijuana candies? Should there be
concern that social media or sponsored events are marketing to minors?
With the Federal Governments help, states will be in a better position to avoid the negative
consequences associated with commercialization. (Kilmer)
Walterss opinion is that we shouldnt be indifferent when it comes to the growing addiction
problems causing self-destruction. He believes the Obama administration behaves as if it is
inconsequential.
Marijuana and drug use is one of the biggest health threats in America, if not the biggest.
For years we have seen what drug use and addiction have done to people. Marijuana use and
abuse worsens serious mental illness and could even trigger mental illnesses that permanently
lower a persons IQ.
Marijuana impairs judgment in motor control, damages educational achievement, impairs
cognitive ability, and is seen as a growing contributor to injury and death on the highways.
Even simple drug use accelerates destructive and self-destructive behavior.
The legalization of marijuana brings risk to every community and family, not just the cities
and states here it is made legal. Walters believes that the spread of sales and use of drugs in
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one area is an explosive threat. It makes a mockery of all responsible drug prevention efforts
and enforcement. It creates powerful economic forces aggressively marketing an addictive
disease producing product on an ever widening scale.
The growing population of users and profiteer dealers will surely drive lobbying for
legalization forward. We are endangering all Americans especially the young and poor who we
should be helping to protect.
No Democracy has ever legalized these substances without eventually reversing course.
(Walters)
From bill Clinton to George bush to Barak Obama it seems that marijuana is a gateway drug.
A gate way drug to the oval office. The last three presidents have admitted to breaking US drug
laws. All three of them we not only elected, but reelected into presidency. The real question is,
if Clinton Bush and Obama, all admitted ex pot smokers, are trusted and responsible enough to
run the worlds most powerful Nation, why are we still arresting young adults for the same?
Why are countless people put behind bars for nonviolent drug crimes, and why is pot still
considered a dangerous drug. This is suppressing when almost one half of Americans admit to
at least having tried marijuana. Try explanting to your 22 year old child why it is ok for them to
freely purchase cigarettes, which could kill them but not marijuana which surely wont.
In 1920, the 18
th
amendment banned alcohol, and it took 13 years to enact the 21
st

amendment ending prohibition. On the contrary it has been nearly 80 years since the bureau
of narcotics started the reefer madness era. Its time to legalize marijuana, and time to end pot
prohibition.
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The nation has disputed the war on drugs, since the 1960s. In a 1999 special issue the de-
criminalization of marijuana has been argued for treatment and not punishment. In 2010 this
page was used to enforce Californias proposition 19 to legalize pot.
Why all the sudden support of legalizing marijuana. Our country is ready and other countries
are leading the way. The movement to legalize pot is growing internationally. Uruguay is close
to passing a bill that would legalize and tax marijuana sales.
Here in the US public support for legalization had risen from 12 percent in 1969, to 48
percent last year. Now almost a year after Colorado and Washington passed historic
legalization measures, The Gallop pole reported that 58 percent of US citizens support
legalization. If congress wants to gain as much popularity as marijuana they might consider
revisiting pots federal prohibition.
The justice department should also heed attorney general Eric Holders voluntary guidelines
which focus less on marijuana offences, ease the restrictions on medical marijuana
dispensaries, and allow states to begin experimenting with more reasonable rules. President
Obama should order a review of marijuana being classified as a schedule one drug, which
inaccurately defines pot as being addictive, dangerous, and having no legitimate medical use.
After all a young Barak Obama was only one small step, one small traffic violation, one
unfortunate lapse in Hawaii famed tolerance from becoming just another casulity in this
countrys failed war on drugs. (Vandenheuval)


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Conclusion: After reading this entire article, I can say I see the different point of view, although
some make more sense than others. With strict guidelines regarding advertisement of
marijuana products, this bill makes sense. Why imprison someone for such a minor crime when
the leaders of our great country admit to have done the same in the past. With change comes
concern, but isnt it worth it trying. People fear the outcome of legalizing marijuana, why when
recent studies have shown that it really isnt negatively affecting our country. If this bill is
passed or not, people will still be at odds regarding the use of marijuana. I say lets smoke a
joint and talk about it over a bag of Oreos and Doritos.














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Kilmer, Beau. The feds role after Marijuana legalization. New Your times. Jan, 2014 Web
<http//nytimes.com/roomfordebate>
Vandenheuval, Katrina. Why its always been time to legalize marijuana. The Nation. Oct 2013. Web
<http//thenation.com/article/176904>
Walters, John P. Illegal drugs require a National Response. New York Times. Jan 2014. Web
<http//nytimes.com/roomfordebate>

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