Legalization of Marijuana

Legalization of Marijuana Nicole Mills BCOM/275 2/20/2012 Mark Trollinger

Legalization of Marijuana Legalization of Marijuana Each year more than 800,000 citizens are arrested for marijuana, mostly just for possession ("We Are The Drug Policy Alliance", 2011). The most common argument against legalization of marijuana is that it is a gateway drug. According to an article published by The New York Times in 2009, marijuana is a gateway drug. However, this is simply not true and this essay will question the validity of the data used by the authors and identify the fallacies in the argument. Reliability, Credibility, and Validity

The New York Times is considered a reputable source for information and generally well respected by its millions of readers nationwide. The data from which one article in particular written by Sarah Kershaw and Rebecca Cathcart, is based on questionable reliability, credibility, and is a possible invalid source. The article states that Joyce, a 52-year-old writer from Manhattan started smoking when she was just 15 (Kershaw & Cathcart, 2009). At first smoking weed was merely an escape, but turned into an obsession that she could not live without every day (Kershaw & Cathcart, 2009). The argument that marijuana is a gateway drug, and an addiction may be true for Joyce, contrary to this claim; there are many facts that disprove this theory. Although Joyce is or was a user of the drug, the validity of the claim is unsupported by scientific evidence. The article should not quote one persons experience, but rather the results of many or the findings of a credible study. The article reports no scientific data whatsoever. Logical Fallacies It is easy to see why many presume that marijuana is a gateway drug; after all, cannabis is generally the first drug to be used by individuals. However, the majority of users do not move on to harder substances. According to a 12-year study performed by the University of Pittsburgh, marijuana is not a substance that forecasts or eventually leads to substance abuse (Science

Legalization of Marijuana Daily, 2006). In fact, most marijuana users never use other illicit drugs and the greater part of those who do progress to harder substances never become addicted or have related problems ("We Are The Drug Policy Alliance", 2011). Therefore, the argument made by The New Times article is based on the logical fallacy that marijuana is an introductory drug that leads users to other illicit substances because studies show otherwise. Conclusion The debate on marijuana legalization has been around for many years and will probably not fade away any time soon. However, drug use should not be deemed a crime and should be considered an illness treated through rehabilitation, not imprisonment. According

to "AlterNet" (n.d.), American taxpayers are now spending more than a billion dollars per year to incarcerate its citizens for pot (Civil Liberties). In fact, legalizing cannabis would increase sales tax revenue for states as well as lower costs associated with drug arrests and incarceration. The facts stated in preceding paragraphs attest to the unfounded allegation written by The New York Times.

Legalization of Marijuana References AlterNet. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.alternet.org/rights/47815

Kershaw, S., & Cathcart, R. (2009, July). Marijuana is gateway drug for two debates. The New York Times, ().

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2006, December 4). No 'Smoking' Gun: Research Indicates Teen Marijuana Use Does Not Predict Drug, Alcohol Abuse. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 20, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2006/12/061204123422.htm

We are the Drug Policy Alliance. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/marijuana-facts