The issue at hand is the general topic of marijuana, with focus on differing opinions and points of view in the contexts of its legality, affects on health, as well as the greater social implications surrounding it. The current policies regarding to the use of marijuana have stirred much debate worldwide and in turn the media has provided those of less political exposure the opportunity for involvement. The recent inclusion of the masses in this controversial situation is the reason for the magnification of this old issue, dating back many years to its origin in the worldwide scheduling systems of marijuana and other drugs.
Journal articles and other media cite studies on the health, social, and legal affects of marijuana as the logical basis for further study and consideration of legalizing marijuana in areas where it is currently illegal or criminalized to some extent. Testimony of professionals of the medical and political science fields will provide credibility to supporting arguments for the many points of view on the topic of marijuana. This credibility will help the average layperson to draw a line between passionate “Potheads” and professionals who choose to examine this issue from a scientific standpoint. Finally, there are those professionals and passionate potheads that will appeal to the common layperson’s emotional core, more specifically the ideals of freedom and the basic human right of responsible personal decision making. This emotional appeal will be employed in traditional formal forum as well as a less formal, and more opinionated, forum. In this case the credibility of different forums is to be decided by the layperson absorbing the information.
The issue of marijuana is to be taken very seriously because of the way it has presented itself in current events. Educating the populace on the differing viewpoints of marijuana policy is an integral part of coming to a final conclusion for countries and areas where the issue remains undecided. For the sake of the further education of the population three major viewpoints will be analyzed. These viewpoints include those in favor of freedom of open recreational use of marijuana, freedom of use of marijuana in a strictly medical context, and prohibition of use of marijuana in any context. Those in favor of the freedom to use marijuana recreationally are so because they believe that it is a person’s right to decide what to put into their bodies. Many of these people do not see a difference between freedom of marijuana use and the use of drugs such as alcohol and tobacco. Those who are interested in the further research and use of marijuana medically believe, because of medical studies conducted in the recent past, that marijuana poses certain medical benefits with low risk of further damage to health. They believe the government’s prohibition of prescription and medical use is unconstitutional and denies people of their human right to be treated and feel less of the effects of debilitating diseases and conditions. Finally those who are against the use of marijuana in any context are so because they are afraid that it poses a threat as a gateway drug, and by allowing its use may cause a domino effect perhaps leading to the legalization of harder more dangerous drugs.
Position 1: In favor of open recreational use of marijuana.
Right of the person to choose what enters their own body.
If marijuana use is illegal, why then is alcohol and tobacco use legal?
Position 2: In favor of marijuana use only in medical treatment.
Marijuana may be of substantial benefit to people suffering certain ailments.
Marijuana poses little threat to health.
Position 3: In favor of the prohibition of all marijuana use.
Marijuana viewed as a gateway to harder drugs.
Changes in marijuana policy may fuel changes in policies relating to harder, more dangerous substances.
As a responsible American, I try to stay well informed of current events and issues that can potentially affect my way of life. This is the source of my personal interest in marijuana policy. I am a member of the Libertarian Party of America because of my belief that personal freedom should extend as far as possible without negatively affecting another person’s life. This political philosophy leads me to believe that the choosing to use marijuana or to abstain from use should be left to the individual. I believe that government influence is already too far extended into the privacy of American citizens’ lives. However, my political philosophy also requires the enforcement of laws to protect citizens who choose to abstain from marijuana use. The development of an on site intoxication test for drivers should be researched and developed to protect those on the road, a minimum age of eighteen to use marijuana should be enacted, and public use of marijuana outside of the home or designated smoking facilities (Brown Bars) should be strictly prohibited. I think its possible that a liberal stance on marijuana use can lead to a happier and more liberated America and therefore I support those in favor of freedom to use marijuana recreationally.
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