DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA

Decriminalizing Marijuana



Abstract

This report provides historical perspectives and comparisons of various approaches to the legal status of marijuana to aid in forming public policy. Information on the impact that decriminalization and legalization of marijuana could have on adolescents, in addition to concerns surrounding medicinal use of marijuana, are also addressed in this report. Recommendations are included in the accompanying policy statement. Thus, there are certain laws, which are applicable, in many countries for almost every drug that, the actions occurs due to the usage of that drug led to the offense. With the help, of rules and regulations nobody can misuse it. It is my point of view that legalization of marijuana will not harm the society.

Decriminalizing Marijuana

Introduction

Today, there is a substantial amount of propaganda of junk science and misinformation about marijuana use by both supporters of marijuana and its opponents. There are also legal constraints and policy research related to marijuana. Although many studies involving marijuana are contradictory, some health effects on the body and mind have been determined. Cannabis is used to counteract the decrease in appetite in patients with AIDS and cancer and to decrease nausea derived from radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

In most cases of European countries, marijuana medical use is illegal and in France, Norway and Iceland. It is legal in Holland and Austria. In addition, consumption is legal in Belgium, Germany or Italy.

In the U.S. the use of marijuana is regulated and approved in fourteen states which include Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Maryland, Colorado, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, Washington, Vermont, Rhode Island and Oregon. While on 12 January 2010, New Jersey also joined other states of America ( Inciardi, 2009).

Discussion and Analysis:

The legalization of marijuana is a topic surrounded in controversy because of its connection with drug culture and the possible medical uses of the plant. To date, about ten nations have essentially or officially decriminalize cannabis for recreational purposes, while even more have allowed it for medical purposes. While many have decriminalized it, no nation has fully legalized marijuana. Medicinal marijuana is a multimillion-dollar industry worldwide, and though the majority of marijuana production is illegal, between 15,000 and 66,000 metric tons of the cannabis was produced in 2009, making it the largest drug production in the world.

Medically, the drug is legal in some countries and is used to combat cancer and other diseases. The use of marijuana provides many risks such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety. Young teens are found to be more perceptible to these when using marijuana. Usage and production has increased dramatically over the years and presents a danger to society. The widespread controversy is due to the argument of whether or not possession of the drug is harmful or helpful in which it presents a worldwide legal problem (Goldstein, 2002).

Decriminalization of Use and Possession of Marijuana

The topic of decriminalizing the use and possession of Marijuana, which has scientific name, Cannabis Sativa, is a very conservational issue in United ...