Persuasive Essay On Legalizing Marijuana

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Marijuana is known as the dried leaves of the cannabis sativa plant ("Marijuana"). Many states within the last few years have begun to change laws on recreational use of cannabis. It can be referenced by the names; weed, pot, cannabis, and Mary Jane. It contains a chemical that alters the brain for a short time to give a person what is called a high. While federal government prohibits all uses of marijuana, some states have allowed for limited uses of it. This creates a political disconnect for how cannabis can be used in the United States. However, careful examination of these laws will provide some clarity.
Marijuana has existed throughout the world since creation. It was designed by God with many medicinal properties, such as; relieving …show more content…

The federal law states that the possession, use, transportation, sale, and purchase of marijuana, medical and recreational, violates the United States laws and can be punishable by jail time and fines. If a particular state disagrees with the constitution, its officers are not required to enforce those specific laws. However, these officers do not have the authority to stop federal law enforcement from carrying out federal law. Also, the individual who reside in a state where these laws differ from those the federal government made legal or illegal, like marijuana use, are not released from punishment when tried by a federal court ("Yes"). This says that a state may change its laws, however, people are not exempt from the federal law, especially when tried in a federal …show more content…

“The U.S. spends more money per marijuana prisoner than it does per school child” (McCabe 139). If someone is convicted of possessing marijuana, after spending time in jail (depending on the amount in possession) that person can no longer get a job, federal payment help for college is denied, and custody of children (if any) can be revoked (McCabe 136).
The effects of cannabis use vary on the amount of it that a person uses. When a person uses marijuana, relationships suffer. Long term use has proven to slightly damage a person’s memory. If someone takes a high dose, he or she can experience hallucinations. Smoking marijuana long term can cause emphysema. However, when compared to smoking regular cigarettes, this chance is very small (McCabe). The daily use of marijuana can result in a lack of determination and desire to do tasks. This is because dopamine levels drop quickly as a result from the use of marijuana and take time to rise to normal levels