Marijuana, Legalization vs Injustice Essay Example

amount and usage of medical marijuana just like any other medication. While these drugs can assist in recovery and improve mental health or performance, they may only be obtained with approval from healthcare professionals.

Marijuana has been beneficial in addressing different neurological conditions, such as depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, arthritis and alcohol and opiate addiction (Kallen, 2006). Its medicinal properties also include easing chronic pain, lowering intraocular pressure and mitigating muscle spasms. In previous times, marijuana was a widely prescribed medication created by Lilly pharmaceuticals.

Marijuana was previously prescribed for various purposes including migraines, insanity, and hysteria. However, its prohibition should not solely be based on the fear of recreational use as it holds valuable medical attributes. Despite concerns about damaging effects, such as the harmful effects of marijuana smoke on the lungs, these issues can be addressed. Marinol, a prescription-only drug created in the 1980s by isolating THC from marijuana and creating a pill form is an example ("Reefer Rx: marijuana," 2004).

Using marijuana in pill form is a way to avoid respiratory issues, instead of smoking it. Although some argue that pills may not be absorbed as quickly into the bloodstream, alternatives like mouth sprays and vaporizers have been developed to address this concern (Reefer Rx: Marijuana, 2004). Ongoing research on medical marijuana aims to identify components that can benefit individuals with cancer and degenerative illnesses. A study conducted in Spain in 2009 discovered that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could trigger self-destruction of human brain-cancer cells. Additionally, other studies from 2008 showed THC's effectiveness in slowing down the progression of degenerative illnesses (Kluger, 2009).

Research shows that marijuana has numerous medicinal benefits and legalizing it could generate government

revenue through taxation. Its current high cost is largely due to its illegal status, but users are willing to pay these prices and would likely continue even with increased taxes. In fact, Proposition 19 in California was estimated to produce over $1 billion in tax revenue from marijuana sales by Randall Jensen in 2010.

Jensen (2010) explained that Proposition 19 aimed to legalize marijuana within California's state law but not under federal law. The proposal authorized local governments to tax commercial production, distribution and sale of marijuana while also permitting individuals over age 21 to grow, sell, and smoke it for medicinal purposes only. Despite its failure to pass, the proposition had potential for generating significant tax revenue from commercial production and distribution in the medical field. Furthermore, hemp - a durable fiber historically used for paper and clothing industries since colonial times in the United States (Mass) - can be cultivated from marijuana plants.

It is a fact that the oldest artifact of human industry is a piece of hemp fabric from around 8,000 BC (Mass). Presidents Jefferson and Washington were known to cultivate hemp, and Ben Franklin possessed a hemp mill, indicating the potential of this plant (Mass). The Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper by President Jefferson (Mass). Hemp was widely trusted during the Colonial Era and the Early Republic, particularly for ship transportation, as evidenced by the derivation of "canvass" from "cannabis" (Mass). Hemp was also commonly used for fabrics, twine, and paper of various quality levels.

According to Mass, fabrics made from hemp are incredibly durable and resistant to degradation. Additionally, unlike synthetic fibers, hemp is biodegradable. Clothing crafted from

hemp has the added benefit of being anti-bacterial, meaning that it resists fostering odors even after multiple days. In contrast with crops like cotton, hemp does not degrade the soil. Furthermore, throughout the growing season, hemp plants shed their leaves, thus adding rich organic matter to the soil and helping it retain moisture. Another advantage of utilizing hemp is its ability to produce large amounts of paper without the need for forest destruction. Therefore, marijuana offers various possibilities for the paper and clothing industry with its impressive extraction capabilities. In conclusion, legalizing marijuana would offer several benefits to both the medical environment and individuals afflicted by medical issues.

The potential for increased tax revenue from the distribution of marijuana is attractive, while the use of hemp fibers in paper and clothing production could benefit the environment by reducing the need to cut down trees. Further exploration of the benefits of legalizing this drug could dispel past concerns and myths surrounding it.