Legalizing recreational marijuana is a social discussion that is fashioned with arguments for and against. There are evenly resounding opinions as to why it should be legal or not. Several states have decriminalized the use of marijuana either medically and/or recreationally. This is contradictory to federal law which is still a criminal offense. We will look at what marijuana is, the history, and its effect on users. We will look at the most collective arguments for both the pro and con sides of the discussion which will be unbiased. This section will be broken down into the two sides. The conclusion section will contain my personal take on the research performed.
DESCRIPTION OF MARIJUANA
According to the DEA, “Marijuana is a mind-altering
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The first evidence for medicinal use dates as far back as 4,000 B.C. It has been used as an anesthetic, for pain relief and as a suppression for anxiety. “Marijuana was widely used in the U.S. for centuries, where it was considered a useful drug for the treatment of numerous afflictions and remained part of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia until 1941.” (Drug Policy Alliance) Congress passed the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937, and in 1971 President Nixon declares the “war on drugs placing marijuana in the most restricted category of drugs.” (Drug Policy …show more content…
When it is inhaled the component THC travels to the lungs and from there into the circulation of the blood. As we know from biology anything that goes into the bloodstream affects the organs, including the brain. “THC acts on specific brain cell receptors that ordinarily react to natural TCH-like chemicals. These natural chemicals play a role in normal brain development and function.” (NIDA). It takes a longer time for the THC to reach the brain when consumed through digestion. The effects of THC on the brain creates a euphoric feeling. It can manipulate emotion, mood, coordination, thinking and retention, attentiveness, and sensual stimulation. It increases the senses, and when taken in large quantity can cause hallucinations, delusions and even psychosis (NIDA). “The effect of marijuana on perception and coordination are responsible for serious impairments in learning, associative processes and psychomotor behavior” (www.dea.gov). Physical effects include squinted eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, coughing, hunger, higher heart rate and decreased blood pressure (www.dea.gov).
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