Con-Legalizing Marijuana

Con-Legalizing Marijuana

  • Submitted By: kmar10
  • Date Submitted: 11/30/2010 10:01 PM
  • Category: Miscellaneous
  • Words: 609
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 658

Con-Legalizing Marijuana
Background
Marijuana is the product of Cannabis sativa, a hemp plant, and refers to the plant’s leaves and flowers. Hemp is a type of marijuana plant that can be used for paper, rope, and any type of fabric. The state could authorize the production of hemp because of all its uses. Marijuana has been used for centuries as a painkiller, now has become more popular as a recreational drug that produces a general feeling of well-being. Users may experience both physical and psychological effects. Physical effects range from red eyes and dry mouth, to an increased heart rate and loss of coordination. Some effects include relief from pain and nausea, increased appetite, and reduced muscle spasms. They are considered beneficial for medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and more. Psychological effects may involve hallucinations, impaired judgment, and mood swings. Some studies have also linked marijuana use to short-term memory problems. Although pot doesn’t cause physical addiction, users can develop a psychological dependence on the drug. It is illegal in mostly all countries, but in some nations they have lowered the penalties for owning or using small amounts of the drug. In 1996, California became the 1st state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use under prop 215. In our recent election, California attempted to legalize marijuana under prop 19 and failed. Under current state law, the possession, cultivation, or distribution is generally illegal in California. Also, possession of less than one ounce of pot is now a misdemeanor in California punishable by a fine, while selling is a felony and may result in a prison sentence. MJ is the most widely used illegal drug in the country. Marijuana is classed as an hallucinogen and is America’s #1 cash crop.
Proposition 19 The legalization of pot for recreational use was on our recent ballot for Proposition 19. It legalizes marijuana under California but not federal law. Permits...

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