Exploratory Paper: Legalization of Marijuana

Benjamin Carter

English Composition

Exploratory Research Paper

The Legalization of Marijuana

A stunning new law has gone into effect in some states legalizing the retail sale and recreational use of marijuana. This new law is went into effect this past November in Colorado and Washington State allowing their residents of legal age to purchase and use marijuana without reproccution from the law. This is only a state law and is still illegal under federal law. Since this has never happened in the United States, many are wondering how it will affect our nation. I have a few questions of my own. What kind of benefits could marijuana have and is it safe? Since it’s still illegal under federal law, what is the government planning on handling this new law, and could it somehow help our crippling economy?

Like many other people, I don’t know enough about marijuana but I do know that it is already in use for medicinal purposes. So far about one third of our nation approves the sale of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Many glaucoma and cancer patients currently use marijuana to reduce the amount of pain and discomfort that comes along with radiation and chemotherapy treatments. It is also available to those who are HIV positive to help with their pain. It has been shown in many studies to really help. In one study, participants on cannabis reported a 34% to 40% decrease in pain compared to the 17% to 20$ decrease seen from patients on a placebo (The Univeristy of California Center for Medicinal Cannibis Research, 2010). Many studies have concluded that marijuana has anti-inflammatory properties and that the THC found in marijuana works like our own natural cannabinoids, which are basically receptors in the brain that make you feel good, and can make you have less anxiety and an overall well-being feeling (National Cancer Institute, 2013). This could help people with chronic pain often associated with illnesses such as Fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis. As I researched...