Marijuana Legalization Essay examples -- Marijuana Law Reform, 2015

In the U.S. today, the use of recreational drugs and legislation concerning them revolves heavily around the most used illegal substance, marijuana. Marijuana is also known as cannabis, as well as a slew of other names, as it is derived from one of the three Cannabis plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis’ popularity can largely be accredited to its THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. THC is the main psychoactive component found in cannabis that produces the â€Å"high† that marijuana users may experience. The drug is most commonly rolled into a â€Å"joint†, or weed cigarette, and smoked. While weed may provide its users a feeling a euphoria, it gives lawmakers headaches as it presents several social and legal difficulties. In the United States, laws regarding marijuana vary from state to state, but the drug is generally illegal throughout the country. Decriminalization in many states allows for freer cannabis consumption, and medical marijuana allows for patients to intake prescribed drugs without any issue. With the relative availability for marijuana despite its legal standing, obvious social constraints are placed upon members of society. Cannabis has long been used as a medicinal agent. The first uses of medical marijuana can be traced to the Chinese emperor Shen Neng, and this practice dates as far back as 2700 B.C.. The use of medical marijuana has spread from China to India, to ancient Rome, and then through Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant was used to treat any number of ailments, including â€Å"gout, malaria, beriberi, rheumatism, and, curiously, poor memory† (Understanding Marijuana 11). Marijuana was also used as a painkiller, an anesthetic, and even as a cure for flatulence. Today, the ... ...om/time/nation/article/0,8599,1912113,00.html>. Nakaya, Andrea C. Marijuana. San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint, 2007. Print. "National Institute on Drug Abuse - The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction." Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . "Proposition 19." Voter Information Guide November 2, 2010 | California Secretary of State. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . Robison, Jennifer. "Decades of Drug Use: Data From the '60s and '70s." Gallup.Com - Daily News, Polls, Public Opinion on Government, Politics, Economics, Management. 2 July 2002. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . "VOTES FOR AND AGAINST NOVEMBER 2, 2010, STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES." Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . Marijuana Legalization Essay examples -- Marijuana Law Reform, 2015 In the U.S. today, the use of recreational drugs and legislation concerning them revolves heavily around the most used illegal substance, marijuana. Marijuana is also known as cannabis, as well as a slew of other names, as it is derived from one of the three Cannabis plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis’ popularity can largely be accredited to its THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. THC is the main psychoactive component found in cannabis that produces the â€Å"high† that marijuana users may experience. The drug is most commonly rolled into a â€Å"joint†, or weed cigarette, and smoked. While weed may provide its users a feeling a euphoria, it gives lawmakers headaches as it presents several social and legal difficulties. In the United States, laws regarding marijuana vary from state to state, but the drug is generally illegal throughout the country. Decriminalization in many states allows for freer cannabis consumption, and medical marijuana allows for patients to intake prescribed drugs without any issue. With the relative availability for marijuana despite its legal standing, obvious social constraints are placed upon members of society. Cannabis has long been used as a medicinal agent. The first uses of medical marijuana can be traced to the Chinese emperor Shen Neng, and this practice dates as far back as 2700 B.C.. The use of medical marijuana has spread from China to India, to ancient Rome, and then through Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant was used to treat any number of ailments, including â€Å"gout, malaria, beriberi, rheumatism, and, curiously, poor memory† (Understanding Marijuana 11). Marijuana was also used as a painkiller, an anesthetic, and even as a cure for flatulence. Today, the ... ...om/time/nation/article/0,8599,1912113,00.html>. Nakaya, Andrea C. Marijuana. San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint, 2007. Print. "National Institute on Drug Abuse - The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction." Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . "Proposition 19." Voter Information Guide November 2, 2010 | California Secretary of State. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . Robison, Jennifer. "Decades of Drug Use: Data From the '60s and '70s." Gallup.Com - Daily News, Polls, Public Opinion on Government, Politics, Economics, Management. 2 July 2002. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. . "VOTES FOR AND AGAINST NOVEMBER 2, 2010, STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES." Web. 30 Sept. 2011. .