PART III: ROGERIAN ARGUMENT

An Intensive Essay Presenting Common Ground and a Potential Solution

For Legalizing Marijuana

Ryleigh Elizabeth Erickson

Barr: Dual Enrollment English Composition II – Period #3
Thursday, April 8, 2021
 Erickson 2

“I can buy huge amounts of vodka or menthol cigarettes nearly anywhere in the U.S., and we can
attribute thousands of lost lives to those products, but I have to visit Washington or Colorado to
legally purchase a joint, which is a far safer pleasure” (Brewer, J. 2014, July 10). 
 Erickson 3

PART III: ROGERIAN ARGUMENT

An Intensive Essay Presenting Common Ground and a Potential Solution
For ((Fill In Your Accurate Subtitle))
I. Preface: Topic + Subtitle Overview and Cover Photo/Collage

II. Key Quotation Page

III. Introduction and Thesis

A. Cursory Topic Information: Presenting The Problem
Legalizing marijuana is a controversial topic that has a clear line of
agreement and disagreement. On one side of the cause, medical and
recreational marijuana should not be legal, simply because it is
addictive, has some negative effects to the body, and overall has the
potential to disturb society in ways that can put people in danger.
Contrastingly, marijuana should be legalized because it clearly aids
people who are terminally ill or just ill in general, could be used in
substitution of other harmful commonly prescribed medications, and
can potentially be a cure for diseases that have yet to obtain a cure.
One issue to backing up the argument that recreational use should be
legalized is that recreational use does not have a reason to be legalized,
other than personal satisfaction.
B. Laying the Foundation For Discussion
Only medical marijuana should in fact be legalized for its beneficial
purposes, unlike recreational which has no need for legalization. On
the other hand, the argument that contradicts this statement is the fact
that if recreational marijuana is so bad, then why is alcohol, tobacco,
and other harmful substances legal. The concern with substance abuse
is the argument with recreational marijuana but does not justify why
other harmful substances are still legal.
C. Interwoven Quotations
“86% of supporters say that the medical benefits of marijuana are a
very important reason for legalization” (McCarthy, N. 2019, June 14).
D. Minimum of Three Lenses /Perspectives / Viewpoints
Economic lens, medicinal lens, and social lens.
E. Thesis Statement
Balancing these conflicting viewpoints, the legalization of marijuana
must come to a consensus. Because recreational marijuana is not used
for great cause, it leads to substance abuse and societal issues, it
should not be legalized. Medical marijuana, in contrast, should indeed
be legalized for great cause. It is proven that medical marijuana aids
 Erickson 4

people who need it for medicinal purposes. This is where the common
ground meets.

IV. Presenting The Problem

A. Stakeholder I – Viewpoints
Stakeholder one presented the organization NCIA. The NCIA supports all
forms of marijuana legalization. They draw importance to their cause by
presenting the lawful victories they have made regarding its legalization,
and overall boosted their advocacy by positive reinforcement. They also
offer committees within their organization to give a position for their
supporters to make change.
B. Stakeholder II – Viewpoints
Stakeholder two presented the exact opposite. The organization AALM
aims specifically to keep federal illegality of marijuana, not allow it to be
legalized at all, and show the people the direct and secondary harmful
effects of what marijuana does to the body and society.
C. Interpretations / Interwoven Perspectives / Deeper Meanings
Stakeholder two uses little factual research and biased approaches as they
reach out on a personal level to their viewers, whereas stakeholder one
presents a greater amount of statistical facts with a little bias. The
AALM’s tactics though help gain more supporters since they personally
consider their viewers, considering day to day life.
V. Various Approaches Taken Toward Solving The Problem
A. Innovative Viewpoint I Toward The Problem- Steps towards
compromising the legalization 1. Text
Evidence Must Be Referenced (Works Cited & Bibliography)
“which assumes that the proportion of casual and heavy users, who are pooled together in these
simple prevalence rates, remains stable even as the policy changes” (Pacula, R. & Smart, R.
2017, May 8). ncbi
“ “There really isn’t a difference,” Hopfer says. “Medical marijuana is just marijuana that a
doctor has recommended” (Felson, S. 2020, September 17).
2. Interpretations / Interwoven Perspectives / Deeper
Meanings
When studied, it is unfair to say how much marijuana is used during a
certain period of time. When these studies occur, only the general amount is
considered instead of categorizing between medicinal use and recreational use.
One usually overpowers the other and this kind of evidence supports only one
side since only the surface facts are considered rather than the deeper facts.
Although medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are scientifically
composed of the same ingredients, the reason for use differs. Medical marijuana is
specifically suggested by medical professionals and again, recreational use is just
for personal preference.
B. Innovative Viewpoint II Toward The Problem- why medical marijuana
should be legalized 1. Text Evidence
Must Be Referenced (Works Cited & Bibliography)
 Erickson 5

“I learned that these prescription drugs took a toll on my liver and other organs and that I should
have avoided using them… But if I had used marijuana medicinally, which shows promise in
treating arthritis and bears minimal chance of organ damage, the NFL would have fined me and I
could have faced prosecution” (Brewer, J. 2014, July 10).
Concerning medical marijuana use, there is a general misconception. Although some elements of
marijuana may negative, when administered correctly, it can actually provide numerous health
benefits. Medical marijuana has been “used by mainstream medical practitioners in treatment of
AIDS, arthritis, anorexia, and even cancer” (Why should marijuana be legalized for medicinal
purposes, 2017, May 18).

2. Interpretations / Interwoven Perspectives / Deeper

Meanings
Medical marijuana has some obvious benefits. Many sick people suffer of
pain but are prescribed medications that harm them even more, for example,
opioids.
C. Innovative Viewpoint III Toward The Problem- why recreational use
harms society 1. Text Evidence Must Be
Referenced (Works Cited & Bibliography)
“Those opposed also fear a general increase in drug usage with “leading people to use stronger
and more addictive drugs” (McCarthy, N. 2019, June 14).
Societally, marijuana could secondarily put people in danger, making the users of this substance
drive under the influence, for example. “In a study of fatally injured drivers in Washington State,
12.7 percent tested positive for marijuana” (Dunstan, R. et. al., 2011, April 20).

2. Interpretations / Interwoven Perspectives / Deeper Meanings

Out of all arguments not in support of the legalization, these seem to be
the strongest since they are prevalent in every article or informational source,
informing contemplating viewers. When the evidence pertains to society as a
whole and the safety of the people, viewers tend to be more concerned.

VI. Elaborations Upon The Value of Opposing Positions: Collective Personal

Reflections of Viewpoints Points I + II + III and Common Ground Rationales
A. What conclusions may be drawn from reading and applying the
material?
Both arguments are strong but include few contradictions. Medical
marijuana in one stance is a safer alternative as a natural medicine with
many benefits, but then again, if medical marijuana is freely legalized,
then it will be easier to access. This leads into the concept of
recreational marijuana, which has been proven to lead to substance
abuse and harmful effects to the user and society. The main
contradiction in this argument is the fact that even more dangerous
substances such as alcohol, tobacco, etc., are freely legal; so why can’t
recreational marijuana be freely legal?
B. Text Evidence (Any Combination of Sources)
 Erickson 6

“Marijuana policy makers would be wise to draw upon lessons learned

from the experience with tobacco” (Liber Alex C., 2017, September
08).

C. Recap Multiple Lenses / Perspectives

The social lens applies to this topic in respect to effects of marijuana
on society. This lens mostly applies to the anti-legalization side
because of the harmful effects that marijuana users can cause to
society as a whole. Medically, marijuana should definitely be legal to
help medical patients and replace really harmful and addictive
prescription drugs. Medical marijuana saves lives. Economically,
marijuana can be used in advantage for money, but then again could be
used for nation-wide distribution in a controlled economic
environment.
D. Interpretations / Interwoven Perspectives / Deeper Meanings
When controlled, medical marijuana can be a great thing.
V. Closing Applications of Rogerian Argument To Today’s Society and Conclusions
A. Topic Rephrasing
The legalization of marijuana should happen, but only medically, for a
greater cause.
B. Common Ground / Modern Applications
The compromise for these arguments should be to only legalize
medical marijuana. Recreational should not be legalized because when
free use is available, it leads to dependency and even careless users
driving under the influence.
C. Common Ground Collective Ideas Revisited
The ideology that recreational marijuana is restricted but other harmful
substances aren’t is the point these supporters make. While this is true,
why would we add another legal substance like recreational marijuana,
even though it can cause substance abuse and societal problems?
Medical marijuana would be distributed under control, in benefit for
its users.
D. Final Text Evidence (Any Combination of Sources)
In regards to recreational use and personal freedom, “60% say it’s a
matter of freedom and personal choice” (McCarthy, N. 2019, June 14).
E. Final Interpretations / Interwoven Perspectives / Deeper Meanings
Overall, based on research and experiment results, biased but
reasonable point of views, and benefits of medical use, medical
marijuana should indeed be legalized. Recreational marijuana
legalization would lead to many more problems in the society, health
of the people, and economy.
Erickson 7
 Erickson 8

PART III: ROGERIAN ARGUMENT

An Intensive Essay Presenting Common Ground and a Potential Solution
For Legalizing Marijuana

Legalizing marijuana is a controversial topic that has a clear line of agreement and

disagreement. On one side of the cause, recreational marijuana should not be legal, simply

because it is addictive, has some negative effects to the body, and overall has the potential to

disturb society in ways that can put people in danger. Contrastingly, medical marijuana should be

legalized because it clearly aids people who are terminally ill or just ill in general, could be used

in substitution of other harmful commonly prescribed medications, and can potentially be a cure

for diseases that have yet to obtain one. One issue to backing up the argument that recreational

use should be legalized is that recreational use does not have a reason to be legalized, other than

personal satisfaction. Only medical marijuana should in fact be legalized for its beneficial

purposes, unlike recreational which has no need for legalization. On the other hand, the argument

that contradicts this statement is the fact that if recreational marijuana is so bad, then why are

alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances legal? The concern with substance abuse is the

argument with recreational marijuana but does not justify why other harmful substances are still

legal. “86% of supporters say that the medical benefits of marijuana are a very important reason

for legalization” (McCarthy, N. 2019, June 14). Balancing these conflicting viewpoints, the

legalization of marijuana must come to a consensus. Because recreational marijuana is not used

for great cause, it leads to substance abuse and societal issues, it should not be legalized.

Medical marijuana, in contrast, should indeed be legalized for great cause. It is proven that

medical marijuana aids people who need it for medicinal purposes. This is where the common

ground meets.
 Erickson 9

Stakeholder one presented the organization NCIA. The NCIA supports all forms of

marijuana legalization. They draw importance to their cause by presenting the lawful victories

they have made regarding its legalization, and overall boosted their advocacy by positive

reinforcement. They also offer committees within their organization to give a position for their

supporters to make change. Stakeholder two presented the exact opposite. The organization

AALM aims specifically to keep federal illegality of marijuana, not allow it to be legalized at all,

and show the people the direct and secondary harmful effects of what marijuana does to the body

and society. Stakeholder two uses little factual research and biased approaches as they reach out

on a personal level to their viewers, whereas stakeholder one presents a greater amount of

statistical facts with a little bias. The AALM’s tactics though help gain more supporters since

they personally consider their viewers, considering day to day life.

When studied, it is unfair to say how much marijuana is used during a certain period of

time. When these studies occur, only the general amount is considered instead of categorizing

between medicinal use and recreational use. One usually overpowers the other and this kind of

evidence supports only one side since only the surface facts are considered rather than the deeper

facts. Although medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are scientifically composed of the

same ingredients, the reason for use differs. Medical marijuana is specifically suggested by

medical professionals and again, recreational use is for personal preference. The way marijuana

is studied is combined, “which assumes that the proportion of casual and heavy users, who are

pooled together in these simple prevalence rates, remains stable even as the policy changes”

(Pacula, R. & Smart, R. 2017, May 8).Within results like these, it is unfair to judge statistical use

because when seeing the results as a whole, all users are seen as careless users. That is not the

case, and part of the percentage in these studies uses marijuana medically. “There really isn’t a
 Erickson 10

difference,” Hopfer says. “Medical marijuana is just marijuana that a doctor has recommended”

(Felson, S. 2020, September 17). When contemplating the difference between medical and

recreational marijuana scientifically, it is safe to say that there is no difference. It just depends on

the user.

Medical marijuana has some obvious benefits. Many sick people suffer of pain but are

prescribed medications that harm them even more, for example, opioids. Medical marijuana is

considered a “natural medicine” and is proven to be safer than other commonly prescribed drugs.

“I learned that these prescription drugs took a toll on my liver and other organs and that I should

have avoided using them… But if I had used marijuana medicinally, which shows promise in

treating arthritis and bears minimal chance of organ damage, the NFL would have fined me and I

could have faced prosecution” (Brewer, J. 2014, July 10). This NFL player directly stated that

marijuana would have been a healthier option for his body but because of its illegality status, that

was forbidden, so he had to stick with harming medications that are in no way natural.

Concerning medical marijuana use, there is a general misconception. Although some elements of

marijuana may be negative, when administered correctly, it can actually provide numerous health

benefits. Medical marijuana has been “used by mainstream medical practitioners in treatment of

AIDS, arthritis, anorexia, and even cancer” (Why should marijuana be legalized for medicinal

purposes, 2017, May 18). The ones who argue this fail to realize the tremendous benefits that

reside with medical marijuana, and only focus on the negative parts.

When arguing against the legalization, people tend to focus on the societal and bodily

effects. “Those opposed also fear a general increase in drug usage with “leading people to use

stronger and more addictive drugs” (McCarthy, N. 2019, June 14). It is commonly misconnected

that marijuana is highly addictive. Although it has addictive tendencies, it isn’t. Rather, it causes
 Erickson 11

dependency. Societally, marijuana could secondarily put people in danger, making the users of

this substance drive under the influence, for example. “In a study of fatally injured drivers in

Washington State, 12.7 percent tested positive for marijuana” (Dunstan, R. et. al., 2011, April

20). Out of all arguments not in support of the legalization, these seem to be the strongest since

they are prevalent in every article or informational source, informing contemplating viewers.

When the evidence pertains to society as a whole and the safety of the people, viewers tend to be

more concerned.

Both arguments are strong but include few contradictions. Medical marijuana in one

stance is a safer alternative as a natural medicine with many benefits, but then again, if medical

marijuana is freely legalized, then it will be easier to access. This leads into the concept of

recreational marijuana, which has been proven to lead to substance abuse and harmful effects to

the user and society. The main contradiction in this argument is the fact that even more

dangerous substances such as alcohol, tobacco, etc., are freely legal; so why can’t recreational

marijuana be freely legal? “Marijuana policy makers would be wise to draw upon lessons learned

from the experience with tobacco” (Liber Alex C., 2017, September 08). Marijuana in numerous

circumstances is compared to many other drugs or substances in experimentation. They may be

different, but marijuana, when used responsibly, is nothing like tobacco or alcohol. The social

lens applies to this topic in respect to effects of marijuana on society. This lens mostly applies to

the anti-legalization side because of the harmful effects that marijuana users can cause to society

as a whole. Medically, marijuana should definitely be legal to help medical patients and replace

really harmful and addictive prescription drugs. Medical marijuana saves lives. Economically,

marijuana can be used in advantage for money, but then again could be used for nation-wide
 Erickson 12

distribution in a controlled economic environment. When controlled, medical marijuana can be a

great thing.

The legalization of marijuana should happen, but only medically, for a greater cause. The

compromise for these arguments should be to only legalize medical marijuana. Recreational

should not be legalized because when free use is available, it leads to dependency and even

careless users driving under the influence. The ideology that recreational marijuana is restricted

but other harmful substances aren’t is the point these supporters make. While this is true, why

would we add another legal substance like recreational marijuana, even though it can cause

substance abuse and societal problems? Medical marijuana would be distributed under control, in

benefit for its users. In regard to recreational use and personal freedom, “60% say it’s a matter of

freedom and personal choice” (McCarthy, N. 2019, June 14). Overall, based on research and

experiment results, biased but reasonable point of views, and benefits of medical use, medical

marijuana should indeed be legalized. Recreational marijuana legalization would lead to many

more problems in the society, health of the people, and economy. The common ground in this

controversy is to go the medical route, which gives important reason to the cause. Experimental

results are presented on both sides, but so are biased points of views. Although it may reach the

crowd personally, we need to be able to, “keep it honest” (Student Class Discussion).
 Erickson 13

Works Cited

Brewer, J. (2014, July 10). Bizjournals.com. Retrieved April 08, 2021, from
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2014/07/3-reasons-
recreational-marijuana-should-be-legal.html

Cover Page Picturehttps://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-time-to-consider-using-

medical-marijuana. Date Retrieved: March 4, 2021.

Dunstan, R. (2011, April 20). Why we should not legalize marijuana. Retrieved April 08, 2021,
from https://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223

Felson, S. (2020, September 17). Recreational marijuana FAQ. Retrieved April 08, 2021, from
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/recreational-marijuana-faq

Liber Alex C. Liber Kenneth E. Warner, A. C. (2017, September 08). A safer way to legalize
marijuana: Health affairs blog. Retrieved April 08, 2021, from
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20170908.061869/full/

McCarthy, N. (2019, June 14). The Arguments For And Against Marijuana Legalization In The
U.S. Retrieved April 7, 2021, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/06/14/the-arguments-for-and-against-m

Pacula, R., & Smart, R. (2017, May 8). Medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Retrieved
April 08, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358421/

Why should marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes? (2017, May 18). Retrieved April 08,
2021, from https://www.coastalintegrativemedicine.com/medical-marijuana/marijuana-
legalized-medicinal-purposes
 Erickson 14

Bibliography

Brewer, J. (2014, July 10). Bizjournals.com. Retrieved April 08, 2021, from
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2014/07/3-reasons-
recreational-marijuana-should-be-legal.html

Cover Page Picturehttps://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-time-to-consider-using-

medical-marijuana. Date Retrieved: March 4, 2021.

Dunstan, R. (2011, April 20). Why we should not legalize marijuana. Retrieved April 08, 2021,
from https://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223

Felson, S. (2020, September 17). Recreational marijuana FAQ. Retrieved April 08, 2021, from
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/recreational-marijuana-faq

Liber Alex C. Liber Kenneth E. Warner, A. C. (2017, September 08). A safer way to legalize
marijuana: Health affairs blog. Retrieved April 08, 2021, from
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20170908.061869/full/

McCarthy, N. (2019, June 14). The Arguments For And Against Marijuana Legalization In The
U.S. Retrieved April 7, 2021, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/06/14/the-arguments-for-and-against-m

Pacula, R., & Smart, R. (2017, May 8). Medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Retrieved
April 08, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358421/

Why should marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes? (2017, May 18). Retrieved April 08,
2021, from https://www.coastalintegrativemedicine.com/medical-marijuana/marijuana-
legalized-medicinal-purposes
Erickson 15
Erickson 16