An End To Prohibition By Nadelmann Summary

An End to Marijuana Prohibition What is the claim? What is the main point the writer is trying to make? Is there a clearly stated thesis, or is it implied? The claim in the source, An End To Marijuana Prohibition, by Ethan A. Nadelmann, states that marijuana should not be prohibited. “The government should treat marijuana more or less the same way it treats alcohol: It should regulate it, control it, tax it, and only make it illegal for children.” This claim was made in 2003 by a Zogby poll. Throughout the source, Nadelmann made many remarks on the benefits of marijuana and why it should be legalized. On point, made by Nadelmann, argued that the cost and reasoning behind marijuana prohibition does not pay off and is unnecessary. “As director

“Yes, insofar as most Americans try marijuana before they try other illicit drugs.” Many people view marijuana as a “gateway” drug, and thus it should be prohibited. Nadelmann presented this idea in his writing and agreed that many people do use marijuana before other drugs, but he also back the negative reason with positive facts. “But no, insofar as the vast majority of Americans who have tried marijuana have never gone on to try illegal drugs…and most have never even gone on to become regular or problem marijuana users.” In the approach to responding to counterarguments Nadelmann reasonably acknowledge concerns, and then he respectfully backed them with positive viewpoints towards ending marijuana prohibition. “There’s certainly a greater variety of high-quality marijuana available today than 30 years ago.” Nadelmann was able to counterargument this fact by using positive facts on how the positive side outweighs the negative. “What’s more, one needs to take only a few puffs of higher-potency pot to get the desired effect, so there’s less war and tear on the lungs.” Nadelmann’s argument are all appropriately qualified and written

“Two of every five Americans --- according to a 2003 Zogby poll…” The information, provided by the poll, helped Nadelmann express the large amount of people who supported his claim. “Al Gore, Bill Bradley, and John Kerry all say they smoked pot in past days.” Nadelmann also included the names of former presidents and political candidates to show that even important people have used marijuana. “As director of the country’s leading drug-policy-reform organization…” The idea of a drug-policy director supporting the end to marijuana prohibition strengthens Nadelmann’s idea that marijuana should not be illegal. “Enforcing marijuana laws cost an estimated $10-15 billion in direct cost alone.” Nadelmann provided facts to help strengthen his argument and provide appropriately qualified points to validate his reasoning. All of Nadelmann’s point provide credible information, but his sources are not all up to date. “Two of every five Americans --- according to a 2003 Zogby poll…” The poll was taken 14 years ago. While the information is out of date, valid, unbiased, information was still provided throughout the source in