Western High School
Legalization of Marijuana
Hannah Ottolini
English 12
Mrs. May
March 6, 2019
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Legalization of Marijuana
Marijuana dates back 10,000 years, where the ancient Taiwanese used hemp fibers for
decorating pots (pappas). As our country evolved and grew, society began to see multiple uses
for marijuana. From decorating pottery, making ropes, use for medical treatment, or pleasure,
marijuana has become increasingly popular; however, marijuana is illegal under federal law
(Leonard). Within the last decade this had lead to the debate of legalizing marijuana. Whether
recreational or medicinal use, there is a split opinion on how the situation should be handled.
With this blaring disagreeance, society must regulate the distribution and consumption of
marijuana while also considering its negative health implications.
Throughout history the status and regulation of marijuana has changed drastically without
argument; however it wasn’t until 1986 when the topic become increasingly controversial (War
on Drugs). That is when the Anti Drugs act was established which stated mandatory prison
sentence for certain drug offences (War on Drugs). Ronald Reagan was expanding on many of
Nixon's war on drug policies which aimed it “public enemy number one” (War on Drugs 2). The
goal was to keep people from harmful drugs, but instead people felt it was creating a racial
divide (War on Drugs). It, “Allocated longer prison sentences for offenses involving the same
amount of crack cocaine (used more often by black Americans) as powder cocaine (used more
often by white Americans)” creating more problems than solutions (War on Drugs 1). While
Reagan was putting his efforts towards stopping the drugs, four years later in 1990, five states
passed medical marijuana laws (History). Since then there as been an increasing amount of
legalization of the drug.
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Going way back in history, marijuana or hemp was used for ropes, decorating pottery,
and medical reasons (War on Drugs). This was such a practical use that people did not see
anything wrong with it. People began using it for personal and medical use. As time progressed
in 1937 congress passed the marijuana tax act which did not prohibit the use, instead it was
regulated (Martin). Essentially, this act outlawed the use or possession of marijuana. Then in
1952 the Baggs Act provided mandatory prison offences involving drugs, and in particular,
marijuana (Martin). These laws never created backlash from people; however in 1970 when the
Controlled Substances Act was passed things started to change (War on Drugs). This is when
marijuana was placed into the category of a schedule one drug. A scheduled one means that there
is a high potential abuse rate and no currently accepted medical use (Leonard). This makes
testing the components of the plant very difficult. Components in each plant differ from the next
and harmful effects may arise within the natural plant, making research vital to the advancement
on marijuana (Leonard). Tests are being done to move it into a lower regulated category;
however, there are strict regulations that cause the research to move slowly (Leonard). People
were not happy when this occurred and state interest emerged during this time (Martin). Despite
the slow research, marijuana is on the rise in the United States. Within 20 years the United States
went from only 5 states being allowed to use medical marijuana, to now, 48 states being allowed
some form of the drug (History). A poll taken in 2019 resulted in 61% of people wanting
marijuana to become legalized in all forms (enforcement). Marijuana has come a long way in the
history of the United States, but there are still obstacles it faces.
The advancement of legalizing marijuana has risen mostly from the interest of the
individual. The baby boom generation learned through social observations and personal
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experiences that the government's claims about the drug were not true (Martin). It was not the
“demon weed” they claimed it to be, instead it provided relief for a number of symptoms
(Martin). Therefore, individuals began speaking out creating activist groups-like the national
organization- for the reform of marijuana and to promote the legalization for medical uses
(Martin). For any drug, the majority of the decision making falls upon the state legislative. The
presidents can set laws that congress must pass. Like when president Nixon enacted the 1970
Controlled Substances Act (War on Drugs). This demonstrated presidential power with the help
of congress. However, the people were not happy when this occurred and state intrested emerged
during this time (Martin). In more recent years the people have taken it one step further to
successfully legalizing it for recreational use in a number of states (Martin). People were not
agreeing with the direction of marijuana instated by the government, so they took matters into
their own hands.
If marijuana were to become legal at a federal level there would be many benefits. The
first being the economic prosperity that result from the dismantling of the black market ( Pros &
Cons). The only way to get marijuana now is illegally through the black market, with this drug
taken off there will be less activity. As this occurs the only place to purchase the drug would be
at dispensaries which are higher quality, better labeling, and where the percentages of THC and
CBD are indicated (Pros & Cons). From this change tax benefits will emerge. In colorado they
have paid its debts and even use the tax towards improving the educational system (Pros &
Cons). Over four years Colorado claims $4.5 billion in revenue. The tax money from marijuana
can increase the economy drastically, and as a result increase the number of jobs (Pros & Cons).
After marijuana was legalized in Colorado, Denver's overall crime rate as decreased by 10.1%
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(Cohen). A Study shows that 587,7000 people were arrested for simply possessing marijuana, so
if it was made legal, the police could focus on more violent crimes (Pros & Cons). Along with
less crime involving marijuana there would be a significant decrease in the amount of court
filings (Appendix B). A graph showing the courtroom cases for marijuana from 2006-2015
shows a dramatic drop in cases from 2013-2014 (which is when there was a legalization). There
was a decrease in 5,000 court cases involving possession (Appendix B). Those are thousands of
hours saved by the judge to do court hearings. This saves people money and their time. Also, this
graph shows that they have not completely stopped on patrolling for marijuana (Appendix B).
There are still cases that are not legal and it is good that they are being recognized (Appendix B).
Along with the economy, there are multiple health benefits that coincide with the use of
marijuana. A chemical, cannabidiol, is found in marijuana that prevents cancer from spreading
(Insider). Also it helps with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD (Pros & Cons). A key
ingredient in marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can control seizures by binding to the
brain cells that regulate relaxation (Insider). Deputy Dearing gives a personal example, he stated
“ I had a cousin who uses marijuana and he hasn’t had a seizure since he started using a certain
CBD” (Dearing). Along with medical use, marijuana is used for pleasure and relaxation. In
Denver where marijuana is legal for recreational use, there are yoga classes where people are
high (Take). The experts say that it helps in a overall mind-body wellness that is natural (Take).
When people have taxing days, they like to unwind. Marijuana can help people obtain a natural
relaxation. With this medicine coming from a natural plant, it is a cheaper way to solve health
problems, which will ultimately benefit the healthcare system (Pros & Cons).
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Along with the benefits of marijuana that are many downfalls that correlate with the drug.
The number of people using medical marijuana grows each year, but there are still
misconceptions about the level of danger of the drug (Chronic Pain). If a cookie with THC
budder is consumed, there is 6 servings per one cookie, “ that is what people do not get”
(Dearing). People will consume marijuana without knowing the safe or smart way of doing so,
and in return the implications can be deadly (Dearing). People need to know exactly what is
going into their bodies, as Deputy Dearing states “ what could be in the plant is what I would be
asking too” (Dearing). If we buy marijuana from someone else, it could be laced with something or
grown with an unknown subject. There is no way to tell unless you grow the plant yourselves or buy
it from a accredited dispensary (dearing). Second hand smoke is something that people are also
worried about. Just like cigarette smoke can harm people who are around it, cannabis smoke
could have the same effects (Pros & Cons). Just like any drug, marijuana may be addictive. In
addition, this can be a gateway drug into more serious substances. It may not have the same
strength as heroin or meth, but long term users can become dependent. And when trying to quit
long term drugs can lead to anxiety or irritability (Pros & Cons). When the drug is taken the high
received from THC can alter a person's personality, in return this can affect one's driving
capabilities (Pros & Cons). This surfaces the problem that there is no test that can detect when a
person last smoked.
The present concerns of marijuana are the unknown health implications that could arise
from taking the drug through early adulthood years. Since marijuana is a schedule one drug,
research has to be strictly regulated, this causes the process to be slow (Martin). And even with
the research going slowly, some results have been wavering. A study from New Zealand
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conducted at Duke University showed on average 8 IQ points are lost when marijuana is heavily
smoked during their teen years (National). However, there was a study done with a set of twins,
where one smoked marijuana while the other did not and no difference was found (National).
This leads some people to believe that marijuana is not the problem, but simply genetics
(National). The inconsistent results and the slow process of studying this plant are some concerns
people have with the use of marijuana consumption.
A solution would be to research the topic more and learn more about the drug. This
includes getting marijuana out of the schedule 1 drug category. That is what puts the limitations
on the drug testing (Leonard). The chemical components in the pant provide the most effective
treatment; however the amount in each plant differs from one to the next. This is where the
problem lies. Research needs to be done to make sure the plant is safe, but regulations make this
process slow (Leonard). In addition, as more states legalize medical marijuana, there is a
difference in what that actually means (Leonard). The drug still remains illegal under the federal
law, but more states are legalizing it in some form (Sessions). In the states that medical
marijuana is allowed the limitations of the laws will differ from state to state (Leonard). The
amount of plants one can possess in their house differs from each state on a range of 6-12 plants
(Leonard). Some of those states limit the mature versus immature seeding of plants (Leonard).
Then some states allow you to cultivate marijuana if a state dispensary is nearby while some
states require a locked area (Leonard). With the use of marijuana becoming more present, there
need to more consistent laws to help regulate what is acceptable and what is not.
Whether we like it or not, marijuana is going to be legal everywhere in our country. As
Deputy Dearing states, “After 22 years of fighting against it, it's not stopping. We need to stop
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fighting it at the border and we need to shift our direction with it. There are more violent drugs to
fight over ” (Dearing). We must find ways to regulate the use versus stop it from entering our
system. No matter the status of marijuana declared by the government, how an individual uses or
abuses this drug is entirely up to them.
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Appendix A:
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Appendix B:
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Works Cited
“A History of Marijuana Laws in the United States.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 20
Apr. 2018,
www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/health/marijuana-laws-timeline/?noredirect=on.
Belville, Russ. “What's Happened In Colorado Since Marijuana Was Legalized?” Weed News,
Weed News, 21 May 2017,
www.weednews.co/whats-happened-in-colorado-since-marijuana-was-legalized/.
Cohen, Peter J. "Medical marijuana, compassionate use, and public policy: expert opinion or
Vox Populi?" The Hastings Center Report, May-June 2006, p. 19+. Opposing Viewpoints
in Context,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A147613671/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&
xid=948ecd3f. Accessed 27 Feb. 2019.
Dearing, D (2019, March 4). Personal interview
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Editors, History.com. “War on Drugs.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 31 May 2017,
www.history.com/topics/crime/the-war-on-drugs.
“Enforcement.” Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), www.bjs.gov/content/dcf/enforce.cfm.
Insider, Business. “The Positives and Negatives: How Marijuana Affects Your Brain and Body.”
TheJournal.ie,
www.thejournal.ie/marijauan-health-effects-legalised-medical-negative-positve-1256236-J
an2014/.
Chronic Pain: a Proven Prescription for Using Marijuana to Relieve Your Pain and Heal Your
Life. Touchstone, 2014.
"Jeff Sessions Appointment Poses Threat To Booming Marijuana Industry." NPR: Economy, 22
Nov. 2016. Opposing Viewpoints in Context,
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xid=2696111f. Accessed 27 Feb. 2019.
Leonard, Kenneth E. "Variations In State Medical Marijuana Laws Lower Quality of Care."
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http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/FJWFFZ172124856/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=
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OVIC&xid=6aff3b8a. Accessed 27 Feb. 2019. Originally published as "What counts as
‘medical marijuana’ varies from state to state – and that’s a problem," The Conversation,
16 May 2016.
Martin, Scott C. “Marijuana in the United States: How Attitudes Have Changed.” Time, Time, 20
Apr. 2016, time.com/4298038/marijuana-history-in-america/.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Marijuana.” NIDA,
www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana.
Pappas, Stephanie. “25 Odd Facts About Marijuana.” LiveScience, Purch, 22 Nov. 2016,
www.livescience.com/56600-odd-facts-marijuana.html.
“Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana in the US.” The Credible Choice, 14 Mar. 2018,
www.thecrediblechoice.com/how/marijuana-legalization-pros-cons/.
"Take a Deep Breath: Pot Comes to Yoga Class." AFP News Footage, 23 Aug. 2014. Opposing
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