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Ryan Bargoil Mr. Campbell English 1102 27 March 2014 LEGALIZE VS LEGAL LIES With support of the movement growing faster than ever, it seems apparent that the time for change is upon us. To date, sixteen states have passed laws to decriminalize small possession and use of marijuana, twenty-one states have passed laws legalizing marijuana at the medical level, and two states have fully legalized marijuana for retail by licensed organizations to adults. According to government surveys, marijuana has been used by 100 million Americans, and fourteen million use it regularly despite harsh drug laws. However, according to the federal government, marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 narcotic (NORML). My argument is that it should be legalized at the federal level. I want to inform the uninformed of how the cannabis plant could benefit our society. It is important to know what marijuana is actually referring to. David West, PhD in plant breeding, clarifies these differences in a report for the NAIHC (North American Industrial Hemp Council). The term marijuana comes from the Mexican slang word marihuana. It was a term used in anti-marijuana propaganda to relate a negative connotation to the plant. It is actually referring to the plant species Cannabis Sativa L. Cannabis can be cultivated to produce either marijuana or hemp, both of which are illegal. The main difference between the two is how they are grown. Marijuana plants are placed further apart, and the male plants are killed to prevent fertilization, producing seedless yields. Hemp plants are grown closely together and used for their fibers, oils, and seeds. Marijuana has a higher level of THC which is the primary

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psychoactive ingredient found in the cannabis plant. It is grown for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes. Due to extremely low levels of THC, the hemp plant has virtually no psychoactive properties and is perfectly harmless, as it grows naturally, all over the world. I will argue each plants side to the story. I will first argue the position of marijuana. As a reminder, marijuana is a valid medical option in many states, as said earlier, twenty-one to be exact, but still is neglected as a legal medical option by the Federal Drug Administration. Marijuana has been manipulated for its medical value for almost as long as history has been recorded. It is used to accommodate the symptoms of serious illnesses, or treatments thereof, such as cancer, epilepsy, and AIDS. Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a psychiatrist, who is a retired professor at the Harvard Medical school and well published author in the field of drugs and drug policy, pointed out in an editorial in the Journal of American Medical Association that, Between 1840 and 1900, European and American medical journals published more than 100 articles on the therapeutic use of the drug known then as Cannabis indica (or Indian hemp) and now as marihuana. It was recommended as an appetite stimulant, muscle relaxant, analgesic, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant. As late as 1913 Sir William Osler recommended it as the most satisfactory remedy for migraine (NORML). One of the biggest complications the drug faces as a valid medical option is its condemnation as a schedule 1 narcotic. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence (DEA). The variety of medical purposes the plant possesses are quite obvious, which makes its classification as a Schedule 1 substance inaccurate and weakly supported by

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evidence. Several petitions have been made to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule 2 substance that can be legally prescribed. All petitions never made it past congress (DEA). Still, the rescheduling of marijuana to a Schedule 2 substance doesnt completely alleviate every issue. At present, the greatest danger in medical use of marihuana is its illegality, which imposes much anxiety and expense on suffering people, forces them to bargain with illicit drug dealers, and exposes them to the threat of criminal prosecution (NORML). What it boils down to is the desire of immediate relief that most people want. Even in a state where medical marijuana is a legal option, the stress of going through the process of getting a license is more than that of obtaining it by far less legal means -- keep in mind the number of states where medical marijuana is not legal out numbers the amount of states where it is. I believe it is unfair to withhold the therapeutic remedies needed by millions of suffering people. There are many who oppose medical marijuana as a medical option, as there are many other pharmaceuticals and marijuana compromises ones health. Marijuana has an edge against pharmaceutical because it is far less addictive than most prescribed drugs (NORML). Mahmoud A. ElSohly, PhD, Research Professor at the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Mississippi has this to say on the matter, "Cannabis as a smoked product, in my judgment, would not be a useful product simply because of the lack of standardization, the fact that it's a smoked material (Should). This claim, along with the majority of opposing arguments, bases its conclusions on the harmful health effects threatening avid marijuana smokers. In reality, there are other ways cannabis can be used that pose no threat to ones health such as vaporizing or eating it. The other portion of those opposing the medical benefits of cannabis might say that marinol is a legal equivalent. Marinol is the only US-FDA approved synthetic cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in marijuana

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responsible for its therapeutic properties. The active ingredient in marinol is synthetic THC. This is only one cannabinoid found in marijuana, whereas scientists have discovered sixty-six naturally occurring cannabinoids; several of these in marijuana have proven therapeutic utilities. This is why many patients prefer the real deal to the fake stuff (NORML). It is hard to overlook the benefits marijuana poses as a medicine, but why not allow it to be used recreationally? The following are statistics gathered by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind alcohol and tobacco). Around 50,000 people die each year as a result of alcohol poisoning. More than 40,000 deaths each year are accounted to tobacco smoking. In comparison, marijuana is non-toxic and cannot cause death by over dose (NORML). Both tobacco and alcohol are multi-billion dollar industries, despite the harmful health effects caused by each. This makes the whole but it is bad for you argument invalid in my book. Marijuana can potentially be a healthier alternative to drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco after a stressful day at work. Instead, we spend an insane amount of tax payers (our) dollars to charge people with a victimless crime. The fact of the matter is, prohibition of marijuana has been a complete failure and its time to throw in the towel instead of throwing away our money. According to a comprehensive study done by Dr. Jon Gettman on marijuana arrests in the US from 1995 through 2002, US marijuana arrests increased by 163% being at 287,850 per year in 1991 and 755,000 per year in 2003. When the available data was reviewed, it was concluded that increased arrest rates are not at all associated with reduced medical costs. State and local justice costs for marijuana arrests are estimated to be $7.6 billion, about $10,400 per arrest (NORML). What I would like to know is, why spend so much money on a program that does not even prove effective, when there is

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money to be made? How much exactly? A recent report done by Harvard economist Dr. Jeffrey Miron estimated that if prohibition were replaced by a system of regulation, the result could mean $10 billion-$14 billion per year in reduced government spending and new revenues (Miron). Colorado, the first US state to fully legalize marijuana, yielded approximately $3.5 million dollars in sales in the month of January alone (NORML). Assuming every state followed suit and made that much in taxes per month, thats an extra $2.1 billion per year in tax revenue (and thats being conservative). This way, the illegal market for cannabis would virtually be dealt with, further decreasing crimes involving marijuana. Now, lets discuss hemp. First consider the role hemp played in early America. In 1619, the Virginia assembly passed the first marijuana law, which required every farmer to grow hemp and it was legal to pay your taxes with hemp until the late 1800s (Marijuana). In 1916, the US government predicted that, by 1940, all paper would be made from hemp. Other products made from hemp include: medicine, rope, canvas, oil, clothing, and food. In 1938, Time Magazine referred to hemp as the Billion Dollar Crop because it was the first cash crop with a business potential exceeding a billion dollars (Yurchey). Hemp is without a doubt the most efficient crop known to man. Not only can we add even more cash flow to our economy with the legalization of hemp, but we could also help solve some major world issues in the process. One major problem we are creating for our future generations is global warming. How does this relate to hemp? Well, rainforests are being destroyed every day in order to harvest trees for paper and other lumber products. Over 80% are already gone. Trees are natural consumers of carbon dioxide. They take it in and release oxygen back into the atmosphere. No trees means a build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming (National). This is where hemp comes in. One acre of hemp will produce the same amount of fiber as four

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acres of trees. Hemp has a growing season of 70-140 days. In comparison, trees take hundreds of years to fully mature (Julin). Apart from trees, hemp can replace many other materials. Plastics made from hemp are 100% recyclable and biodegradable (less pollution), and can be produced without the use of oil, a quickly depleting natural resource. Apart from its small environmental footprint, this plastic is highly desired for its strength and heat durability (Hansen). The largest growing market for hemp lies in its health care products. The high amount of essential fatty acids in hemp oil make it ideal for use in lotions, chap stick, shampoos, soaps, and shaving products, providing the skin with healthy nutrients (Hansen). In my opinion, hemp could potentially have a huge impact in the fight towards world hunger. Hemp seeds and oil are rich in omega 3s and EFAs. While hemp seed cant supply ones entire dietary needs, hemp seeds, and its byproducts, can supplement a poor diet to maintain good health (Hansen). The brevity and simplicity of hemps growing season is highly advantageous in this regard. Since it can be mass-produced and grown just about anywhere, lowbudget programs can be created to aid people all across the world that suffer from malnutrition. In addition to its versatility as an agricultural commodity and its eco-friendly properties, it would certainly come with economic perks. Note that, while hemp products are legal to trade within the US, manufacturing of such products is strictly forbidden. This means for every health care product, food product, etcetera, hemp fibers, seeds, and oils are imported from other countries (mainly Canada). This incurs a relatively high cost. Available trade statistics indicate that the value of all products labeled hemp imported into the US was nearly $11.5 million in 2011, a number that has more than doubled since 2007 when the value was $4.8 million (Hansen). This means the market is not only growing, but growing rapidly. I cant help but

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imagine the profitability of growing it domestically. This would cut down importation costs, and allow us to gain some in exports. Subsequently, more companies might invest in switching to hemp after the hassle of importing is done away with. Hemp cultivation would also provide more jobs and aid in the stimulation of our economy. Still, one major difficulty stands in the way. One has to consider the harsh reality of the situation. The first point to address is the transition to machinery needed to manufacture hemp products, which, at this moment, would be a large investment. Research and funding thereof would be needed in large amounts to reduce production costs and maximize both quality and profit. However, legal constraints currently preclude research into the viability of hemp fiber production in the US (NORML). The second reason is entirely political. Major businesses, such as paper and lumber, would likely suffer with the emergence of the hemp industry in our country. These businesses pay high dollar to produce propaganda against the plant, because they are aware of the dangers it could causes to them. An entirely hemp-based world is completely unreasonable, but reducing negative environmental impacts by even a small fraction could go a long way in providing for our future generations. So, there you have it. The capabilities of the cannabis plant in a nutshell. Even though the plant looks good on paper, its important to address the real-world ramifications of its legalization. It all sounds good and makes sense, but what will really happen when it is made legal at the federal level? A major concern for those opposing legalization is teen use. Supporters of cannabis legalization understand the harmful effects on the developing young mind, and in no way condone the use of marijuana by adolescents. But still, there is worry. Legal marijuana use means more marijuana use, and more marijuana use means above all more teen use, David Frum points out in an article for CNN. This claim is slightly unrealistic. There is no doubt that

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teen marijuana use has increased in recent years, but there is no statistical evidence to claim that there is a correlation with its legalization. Daniel Rees, economics professor at the University of Colorado Denver, stated that the data often showed a negative relationship in legalization and use (Rees). Children also have a natural urge to do things they arent supposed to. The huge fuss made over marijuana sparks their curiosity and makes it more appealing. Some people call this the forbidden fruit factor. A huge issue lies in drug education for our youth. As a child, you are taught that marijuana is a drug and does many horrible things. This is dangerous because when kids try the drug, and none of the horrible things take place, they may think that it is alright to try other drugs. Drug dealers dont ask for IDs. This catchy slogan used to campaign for the legalization of marijuana is catchy, but also thought provoking. So has the time finally come to lift the ban on this plant? We will receive a huge hint later this year with two states having passed legislation to legalize the retail of marijuana to adult consumers. It may be too soon to tell, but it cant hurt to look at what is already going on. Colorado was the first to implement the laws on January 1st of this year, so they will be my focus. In just two months, the state collected $6.5 million in tax revenue from marijuana sales (the first $40 million will be put toward school construction). There are estimated to be 7,500 jobs statewide in the marijuana industry. Colorado is projected to reap in $98 million over the next fiscal year starting in July (Stuart). This is by no means a small industry, and it is merely at its beginning. Furthermore, no statistical evidence is available to prove an increase in the states crime rates in correlation to legalization. With all eyes on Colorado, and soon enough Washington, many forget that there are several developed companies that have regulated systems for marijuana that work perfectly. Probably the most famous of these countries, Amsterdam pulls in large amounts of marijuana tourism each year. Marijuana is sold in what are referred to as

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coffee shops and a limit on how much can be purchased is set. Studies conducted from the infancy of their marijuana policies show no correlation between legalization of marijuana and the increase of usage or crime (NORML). In conclusion, marijuana prohibition has been a waste of time, and an even bigger waste of money. Valuable time has been lost in researching more and more efficient uses. Valuable time has been spent behind bars by people who have committed victimless crimes. Our hard earned dollars are paying to keep them there. It is time for the citizens to take a stand. It is time people were made aware of the wool being pulled over their eyes. It is time... to legalize. The journey has been long and hard but will soon be over. The voice of the people will be heard, for it grows louder with the support of each individual. Stop the legal lies, and legalize.

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Works Cited DEA, US Drug Enforcement Administration. "DEA / Drug Scheduling." DEA / Drug Scheduling. US Justice Department, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. "Forest Holocaust." National Geographic: Eye in the Sky--Deforestation. National Geographic, 1996. Web. 27 Apr. 2014 Hansen, Ray. "Industrial Hemp Profile - Agricultural Marketing Resource Center."Industrial Hemp Profile - Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2014. Julin, Brian S. "Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis Hemp."Auburn University. Auburn.edu, 1994. Web. 22 Apr. 2014 "Marijuana Timeline." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2014. Miron, Jeffrey. "The High Cost of Marijuaan Prohibition in the US." The High Cost of Marijuana Prohibition in U.S. Marijuana Policy Project, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. "NORML.org - Working to Reform Marijuana Laws." Norml Foundation, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. Rees, Daniel. "Study Shows No Evidence Medical Marijuana Increases Teen Drug Use." Study Shows No Evidence Medical Marijuana Increases Teen Drug Use. Medical Xpress, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. "Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option? - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org." ProCon.org Headlines. ProCon.org, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. Stuart, Hunter. "If You Support Legal Marijuana, Memorize These 13 Stats." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 19 Apr. 2014. Web. 22 Apr. 2014

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West, David. "HEMP AND MARIJUANA: Myths and Realities." HEMP AND MARIJUANA: Myths and Realities. North American Industrial Hemp Council Inc, 27 Feb. 1998. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.