Marijuana Use And Heroin Use example essay topic

Kevin Feb. 28, 2001 English 1010 Mr. Wentz Marijuana Legal or Illegal Cannabis, sold as marijuana, hashish and hash oil, is the most frequently used illicit drug in Canada. Roughly one in four Canadian adults report having used cannabis at some time in their lives. Cannabis use has been on the rise among young people. "For example, a 1997 Addiction Research Foundation survey found that 25 per cent of Ontario junior high school students used cannabis in the previous year, up from 13 per cent in 1993". (cannabae) Knowing this, should the United States legalize cannabis? There are some questions that must be answered first. What other uses does cannabis have and how would legalizing affect the drug rings in the US.

In terms of health risks, some consequences of cannabis are clearly known, while others, such as the effects of chronic exposure, are less obvious. In terms of respiratory damage, marijuana smoke contains higher concentrations of some of the constituents of tar and tobacco smoke. In addition, it is hotter when it contacts the lungs and is typically inhaled more deeply and held in the lungs longer than tobacco smoke. In terms of physical co-ordination, Cannabis impairs co-ordination.

This brings with it the risk of injury and death through impaired driving or accidents such as falls. When it comes to pregnancy and childhood development, Cannabis use by pregnant women may affect the fetus. As with tobacco smoking, risks such as low birth weight and premature delivery increase with use. Research has shown a link between chronic heavy marijuana use and damage to the respiratory system similar to that caused by tobacco. "Long-term marijuana smoking is associated with changes, such as injury to the major bronchi, that leave the lungs open to injury and infection. Frequent, heavy use has been linked with bronchitis". (dope head) There Is also no link between marijuana smoking and lung cancer.

Some interesting facts on cannabis; the impact of health problems linked to cannabis is much less than that resulting from alcohol or tobacco use. Survey data from the U.S., show that dependence on nicotine among smokers is several times more damaging than cannabis dependence among marijuana users. "Moreover, the legal drugs tobacco and alcohol account for the bulk of the economic costs of substance use. A recent Ontario study found that annual health care costs resulting from cannabis use were 8 million dollars when compared to those for tobacco 1.07 billion dollars and alcohol 442 million dollars". (cannabae) Is Marijuana a gateway drug? Researchers are looking into using marijuana to help crack cocaine addicts to quit. "There are 40 million people in the United States who have smoked marijuana for a period of their lives". (cannabae) Knowing this, Why aren't there millions of heroin or cocaine users?

In Amsterdam, both marijuana use and heroin use went down after marijuana was decriminalized, even though there was a short rise in cannabis use right after decriminalization. "Unlike addictive drugs, cannabis causes almost no tolerance. Some people even report reverse tolerance. That is, the longer they have used marijuana the less they need to get high". (dope head) So users of marijuana do not usually get bored and look for something more powerful. The idea that using marijuana will lead you to the use of heroin or speed is called the Gateway Theory.

The Gateway Theory was created by the CIA and anti-drug prohibitionists to try and explain the increase in heroin use after the Vietnam War. There have never been any concrete statistics to back up this idea, but somehow it was the single biggest thing which the newspapers yelled about during Reefer Madness II. So the theory that marijuana is a gateway drug has been thrown out and is no longer accepted by the medical community. The marijuana plant is not just used for smoking. It has many other uses. Hemp is also produced by Cannabis plant.

It is the strongest known natural fiber. It can be used for ropes, clothing, netting, etc. Also the hemp oil can be used for scents such as patchovel. Cannabis is also used for medical reasons such as cancer side effects, migraine head ache, and many other related causes. If the United States were to legalize cannabis there would have to be some realistic changes in the law.

Taxing cannabis would be a good way to strengthen the economy. In Canada they only used 8 million dollars for health care related expenses, therefore, there would be a considerate amount of extra money. That money could go to strengthening the schools, roads, or even lower taxes on property or food. In Amsterdam when cannabis was decriminalized the popularity rose in the beginning, but dropped to a new low. Would the same be the case for the United States? Crime would possibly drop because cannabis would be legal and it would eliminate the criminal element.

If the government was to regulate marijuana, such as alcohol. This would eliminate most of the drug dealers. Drug dealers wouldn't be able to make money off of marijuana, therefore, they would have to work a regular job and be forced to make an honest living. I purpose that marijuana be legalized and alcohol be illegal. I believe that DUI related deaths would dope to a new low. People can overdose or die of cirrhosis from alcohol.

People can't overdose or die from marijuana.