Oceanography

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 3

Introduction 4

What is the ethical issue? 4

What is the ethical dilemma? 5

What are the morally relevant facts and why? 6

For: 6

Against: 8

What are the overriding moral considerations? 9

What is the “correct” moral solution? 9

References 11

Abstract

This student will show the legal and ethical ramifications of the decriminalization of marijuana for recreational use. There are many arguments for and against decriminalization, but whatever your argument it remains an individual’s decision on whether or not to use marijuana. Although it is not a legal right, there have been studies proving the benefits of legalization.

Introduction

Though, entire subfields of ethics have been devoted to studying the moral implications of popular policy issues like abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, animal testing, and stem cell research, the moral implications of marijuana use is largely unexplored, despite being an issue frequently addressed in public policy. As a result, the field of bioethics has been enriched by the development of a multitude of philosophical constructs like potential personhood, human rationality, and solidarity with nonhuman animals, but a morally fruitful discussion on drug use—specifically marijuana use—is noticeably absent and quite rare. (Ochs, 2014)

Marijuana is federally classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance—along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. There is a strong public consensus in favor of intense policy changes, and though voters might not agree on all of the specifics, there appears to be virtual unanimity in desiring a relaxed approach to marijuana’s medical benefits while likewise conceding that it is relatively safe for recreational use. With the changing attitudes of voters, it is highly likely that both legal and medical protocol will soon be amended to reflect the current political, social, and cultural landscapes. (Ochs, 2014)

Many in the public domain view these developments...