Legalization of Marijuana
In today’s society, marijuana, affectionately named, ‘weed’, or ‘grass’ has become a major focal point. The topic is about the legalization of marijuana. Many states have started to incorporate marijuana into medicine. California has allowed the use of marijuana and has set up distribution centers across the state. However marijuana is still a federal crime and some of these distribution centers have come under federal attack. Marijuana is not a crime for people of severe diseases. They sometimes need help and marijuana can bring them back from the brink of death.
The article, “Is Marijuana the Right Medicine for You?: A Factual Guide to Medical Uses of Marijuana”
“Legislators Grapple Over How to Legalize Medical Marijuana Use” by Hakim, Danny talks about the rise of political power of marijuana in New York. The state is thinking of legalizing marijuana but is having issues with the state growing and distributing medical marijuana or if the people that are eligible should find ways of getting it themselves. Hakim states that New York is having issues with the wording, “The key issue is control. (1)” He says while the state can legalize the drug the federal government’s stance is still the same. “It’s Illegal, (1)” and therefore there are no compromises. He argues that the illegality of the drug is not in question and that the government’s stance will not change while New York will defy the law and attempt to make it legal. New York he says will make it legal in the near future. Hakim goes to talk about Montel Williams, the TV talk show host that uses medical marijuana. Mr. Williams uses the drug on a daily basis for his multiple sclerosis. Mr. Williams has even talked to the governor of New York about legalization. Hakim shows that even stars are promoting the drug for the health benefits. The article is mainly non-biases but does try to show that marijuana has taken a spot light in the politics of New York and will continue to be a hot topic.
“Talking points on Medical Marijuana” by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the government talks about medical marijuana and its stance. Its stance is no for medical marijuana. It argues its point with pin point precession. It states, “Medicine in the U.S. is Based on Science,” and goes on to say, “Smoked Marijuana Has Not Been Demonstrated by Science to be a Safe and Effective Medicine. (1)” The government’s argument is one of facts. It states fact after fact to prove that marijuana is not necessary. They continue to argue their point by just showing the government process. From the FDA to the Office of National Drug Control Policy it has gone in-depth to prove its point. The government continues that marijuana can be taken in pill form and is not needed on the market. However the government is always trying to help its citizens and has started to fund research and alternative delivery mechanisms. The government goes on to provide adequate care with its known research but is continuing to try and find new solutions. The government’s stance seems not to be changing in any direction but the one it is already in and will continue further into the future.
In the end the first two articles discuss the state and benefits of medical marijuana while the government tries to redefine its position. As of now the government’s stance on marijuana is that’s its illegal and will remain illegal for the future. While many states are trying to legalize marijuana it has run into many problems of word choice and the bill itself. As of now only one state has ratified a bill and is allowing medical marijuana, California. Marijuana is a hot topic in today’s geo-political discussion. The government has begun studies and will continue to fund studies to see the benefits of medical marijuana. I believe that both sides have fought hard for their causes. I would say that the side that wants marijuana legalized has won because of its compassion. While the government uses cold hard facts, it has no compassion. Arguments are won with more than just words and the legalized side will continue to fight. Their commitment is very deep and they will succeed in the long run. The legalization of marijuana will happen in my life time.
Bibliography:
Is Marijuana the Right Medicine for You?: A Factual Guide to Medical Uses of Marijuana
Legislators Grapple Over How to Legalize Medical Marijuana Use. By Hakim , Danny
Publication: New York City: New York Times , 2007.
Talking Points on Medical Marijuana By Office of National Drug Control Policy
Copyright 1999 Congressional Information Service, Inc March 1, 1999
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