LEGALIZATION OF MARIHUANA IN USA Research Proposal

LEGALIZATION OF MARIHUANA IN USA - Research Proposal Example Cannabinoids is the scientific name that refers to marihuana. It is a collective term to refer to a variety of compounds which can be extracted from the cannabis plant. It can also be produced synthetically to mimic the effects of natural cannabis compounds (Solowij 1998, p. 4). Cannabis preparation is derived from the female plant of cannabis sativa, in which marihuana is prepared from the flowering tops and leaves. It may be smoked in the size of a cigarette called "joint" or in a water pipe. Deep inhalation is usually done, in which smokers hold their breath in order to maximize absorption of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive constitution of the substance (Hall and Solowij 1998, p. 1611). Cannabis may also be eaten; however, users prefer it to be smoked since this is easier in achieving the desired psychoactive effects (ibid). The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities of marihuana being legalized in the United States. In order to do this, it is important to determine both its positive and negative effects on the physical aspects of the user, as well as the social aspects of society. Legal changes are predicted to impact the use of marihuana through changes in full use price. Related effects on the use of substitute or complement goods must also be considered. It is inferred that marihuana use and other intoxicating substances will be affected by changes in marihuana policy (Model 1993, p. 737). These would happen if marihuana use is legalized in the United States. Should the Use of Marihuana be Legalized The legalization of marijuana has been a major topic of controversy in several countries, not only in the United States. The passage of a legislative bill legalizing the medicinal use of marihuana creates an intensified focus on the subject. Despite the medical benefits that the weed can bring to a patient, several people strongly oppose its general use even medically, claiming that the level of impairment it can potentially induce on a person is dangerous. However, those in favor of the legalization point out that this beneficial usage of marihuana in the medical field should be merited and given due attention to. They further argue that in fact, the use of alcohol and tobacco does not have any beneficial results either, yet their consumption is legal. In the United States, the use of marihuana for medicinal purposes is known as "compassionate use" in which the drug is currently classified as a Class I controlled substance. This would mean that the substance, once found to occupy three categories is subject to strict federal regulation. These categories are high potential for abuse, lack of an accepted medicinal purpose and unsafe use even with medical supervision (Brown and Dobs 2002). Although these arguments seem to have good grounds, this paper posits that marihuana should not be legalized in the United States. Reasons Why Marijuana Usage Should not be Legalized Marihuana should not be legalized in the United States because of the adverse physical effects it induces on the user, whether the substance is purportedly used for medical purposes or not. Prolonged usage of the marihuana substance causes negative effects on the body. Among these are the effects on reproductive hormones in males. There have been conflicting human