Legalization of Marijuana Cannabis Essay Example

its use before reaching the age of 34.

According to supporting evidence, 15% of alcohol consumers and 32% of tobacco smokers exhibit indications of drug dependence (n.d., para.2). The IOM affirms that cannabis withdrawal symptoms are rare and do not require substitute medication for quitting. The majority of marijuana users do not encounter unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they cease using it, as reported by the IOM. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse.

The commission established by Nixon had the main objective of assessing the hazards linked to drug use and generating a thorough report on marijuana. This commission issued a report called "Marijuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding," which analyzed prior studies on marijuana and determined that it does not cause physical dependency (National Commission on Marijuana, 1974). The legal standing of marijuana has far-reaching consequences that go beyond solely human physiology, encompassing practical law enforcement and economic aspects.

In spite of its drawbacks, marijuana use can be likened to that of coffee, soda, candy, alcohol, and tobacco. It is crucial for Americans to reassess their prior notion that marijuana is wicked and a gateway drug. The perception of it as a gateway drug primarily arises from the fact that consumers frequently engage with dubious drug dealers because it is illegal. If Americans acknowledge the squandered resources and money in the ineffective battle against marijuana and comprehend the potential profits from its legalization, legalizing marijuana would be the logical choice.

Despite common beliefs, marijuana is addictive and can cause various health issues such as lung cancer, decreased libido, and serving as a "gateway" drug.

The definition of addiction has changed over time due to societal norms and political convenience. It is important to note that substances like caffeine and tobacco, although widely used, legal, and socially accepted, are often not included in addiction discussions unless someone desires to quit.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), addiction refers to the body's reliance on a drug in order to prevent physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. It is evident that marijuana affects essential brain functions such as learning and memory. Consequently, it is inaccurate to claim that marijuana is non-addictive since it clearly leads to withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Moreover, studies have shown that marijuana hinders sexual activity, resulting in individuals distancing themselves from their partners and experiencing a decline in intimacy.

Research conducted in the 1970’s revealed that marijuana usage can lower testosterone levels, leading to a decrease in libido for both women and some men. A study demonstrated that individuals who used marijuana reported a decline in sexual desire. Participants shared their experiences, describing how it negatively impacted their sex lives. One participant stated, "My boyfriend and I have been heavy smokers for the past year, and I can confidently say that it significantly impairs our sexual relationship. It has greatly reduced our libido." Another participant mentioned, "As I've been smoking marijuana (for nearly five years now), it increasingly hampers my ability to engage in sexual activities" (Castleman, 2012).

Scientific evidence has proven that long-term marijuana smoking affects the reproductive system. The gateway theory suggests that using less harmful substances, such as marijuana, may ultimately result in increased usage of more dangerous drugs. To investigate this

theory, Swedish researchers conducted an experiment involving laboratory rats who were given an equivalent amount of THC (the compound responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects) to what is typically found in one joint.

A study by Ellgren (2007) found that when rats were given THC and offered the chance to access heroin by pressing a lever, those who had received THC consumed more heroin than those who had not. Further examination of the rat's brain showed that the THC dosage altered the brain cells associated with positive emotions, leading to increased cravings for heroin in the rats that were given THC.

More research is needed to establish regulations on marijuana use due to ethical concerns. The medical and pharmacology industries currently rely on scientific principles and extensive clinical studies to determine the safety and efficacy of medications. Marinol, a synthetic version of marijuana's natural compound, has been extensively studied and is considered a more advanced treatment option compared to marijuana (Kraus, 2007).

Marinol, a drug authorized to be similar to marijuana, has been found effective in relieving chronic pain, reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea, and treating symptoms related to "wasting syndrome" in individuals with HIV/AIDS. However, advocates for legalizing marijuana for these specific conditions often dismiss marinol as a viable and safe alternative. The main difference between marinol and marijuana is that marinol does not cause the euphoric feeling typically associated with marijuana use. Psychologists from different parts of the United States highlight the negative effects of cannabis and emphasize the importance of psychology career competencies.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides a list of conditions related to cannabis use. These conditions

include cannabis intoxication, where maladaptive behavior occurs while using cannabis or shortly after. Another condition is cannabis intoxication delirium, which results in disturbances in consciousness and decreased ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention. Additionally, there is cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, characterized by hallucinations or delusions that go beyond the usual effects of intoxication. Lastly, cannabis-induced anxiety disorder leads to significant distress or impairment in important areas such as social interactions, work performance, etc., due to prominent anxiety symptoms like panic attacks or obsessions/compulsions (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

The DSM primarily focuses on the more severe consequences of ongoing marijuana usage, but it also includes additional classifications for cannabis use. While not all heroin addicts started with marijuana, it is recognized as a gateway drug. Due to its illegal status, individuals who consume marijuana often come into contact with harder drugs. If the FDA regulated marijuana, these individuals would no longer face such situations. Similar to any medication (whether over-the-counter or prescribed), marijuana can have different side effects for each person, including a decreased sex drive. However, it also has the potential to alleviate symptoms like nausea and various types of pain.

Although some argue that pharmaceutical drugs can effectively treat various illnesses, it is important to acknowledge that these medications often have side effects and may require additional medication to address new symptoms. Conversely, if marijuana were subject to taxation, it could make a significant contribution to the economy. This idea is supported by the fact that the U.S. currently spends 7.7 billion dollars on enforcing marijuana prohibition, highlighting the potential revenue that could be generated through its taxation, similar to tobacco or

alcohol. By keeping marijuana illegal, only drug dealers benefit from this arrangement. As law enforcement continues their pursuit of these minor drug dealers, taxpayers are burdened with millions of dollars in expenses related to apprehension and incarceration.

The economic benefits of legalizing marijuana are significant, providing a compelling argument for its legalization. The cultural use of cannabis differs between Japan and the United States. In Japan, cannabis has been used since 300-500 BC for various purposes such as making baskets and fishing gear. It was also used to create sacred clothing for the Emperor. Additionally, burning cannabis leaves was a common tradition in Japan to purify worship rooms, summon spirits, cleanse the area, and promote dancing.

After World War II, Japan's cultivation of Cannabis came to a halt due to the occupation by allied forces and their assistance in reconstruction. American General Douglas MacArthur and his colleagues utilized this opportunity to amend the Japanese constitution in 1948, incorporating several laws from the United States. Among these laws was the Cannabis Control Act, which enforced stringent regulations and made cannabis usage illegal. The widespread use of cannabis in everyday life prompted Western companies to acknowledge its potential market and provide synthetic alternatives as substitutes. Presently, cannabis is classified as a controlled substance and carries a significant social stigma within Japanese society.

In today's Japanese society, the use and history of cannabis have been largely forgotten. Those who engage in recreational marijuana use are stigmatized and seen as "stone-cold drug addicts" (Uno, 2011). The Japanese people tend to equate marijuana with other 'hard drugs' and have strict laws and punishments in place compared to

other developed countries. In a case from 1993, Christopher Lavinger, a New York Disc Jockey, received a sentence of 16 months in prison and 35 days in solitary confinement after Japanese authorities discovered 1.5 grams of marijuana, 3.5 grams of cocaine, and some LSD (Hays, 2009).

To progress towards a 'Pro-Marijuana' Japan, education plays a crucial role. The initial step involves informing the public about the benefits that cannabis can offer. Additionally, educating them on the historical use of cannabis within their ancient traditions and gaining support from influential figures can generate financial profit for various purposes.

While facing stringent laws and societal disapproval regarding cannabis usage, Japan has the potential to enact change through comprehensive understanding and education. By effectively utilizing these resources, the country could establish new legislation that surpasses or modifies existing constitutional and legal prohibitions related to cannabis consumption.