On the one side, you have the supporters that claim that marijuana is no greater of a harm than alcohol, which is legal, and even more importantly, it has been proven to have medical benefits.
Of course, on the other side, you have the group that are claiming that legalizing pot as a recreational drug will not have a good outcome. Many of those oppose the drug as a recreational drug acknowledge the science of its medical benefits, but fear that legalizing it beyond that purpose will lead more and more young people to partake in this drug, which will have horrible ramifications in public schools and will most likely lead to heavier drug use (marijuana has been known for years as the "gateway drug" - a drug that eventually leads using more potent drugs).
I would highly encourage each of you to do a look at some of the NUMEROUS websites and blogs that are out there on both the negative and positive arguments to legalizing pot. Trust me, there is a ton of pro/con arguments out there.... some legit and others (on both sides) that are just nuts. I will say this, I heard someone on television today state that the move to do this is nothing more than a further sign of our nation "simply throwing up it's arms and declaring - we give up!" Interesting viewpoint... in my opinion...
BLOG QUESTION:
What is your opinion about the legalization of marijuana as a recreational drug? Is it a bigger deal than what it is being portrayed or is it just an "older generation" making a big deal about nothing?
My opinion here is really gray. I don't have a clear stance on this issue but I do have an opinion. In a perfect world I would want marijuana to be legalized. No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose, it would create more tax revenue, and it could potentially end domestic drug wars in the United States. But like I said, this is a complicated issue and I did mention that that scenario would only exist in the perfect world. Not even a perfect world, but a country that doesn't exist under the same "binge drinking and party" culture that America is engulfed by. If marijuana was legalized there would probably be lounges created in all the major cities for weed hang outs, more and more people would end up with DUI's , etc. Americans would abuse this new system. So I definitely don't think that the older generation is over reacting. It isn't possible to legalize weed without the American people totally going crazy.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Americans will abuse the system for marijuana, or at least I hope they don't. I think that the people will get over marijuana in the next year or two. The topic wouldn't be as popular, and marijuana would become just as normal as drinking. Unfortunately Americans have the tendency to abuse almost anything, so I believe only time will tell if legalizing marijuana was a good decision or not.
DeletePeople abuse it already, it will be easier to regulate should it become legal, same as alcohol. Take a look at prohibition man, things got way out of control. We are in a modern prohibition, and we need to repeal our own generations version of the Volstead Act.
DeleteJEN GOMEZ's POST:
DeleteI believe people will abuse the system for marijuana, they already do it with alcohol. What makes marijuana so different? Just because it's a different drug doesn't change the circumstances of the situation. People are still going to take advantage at the fact that it is legal now and completely disregard the fact that there are laws... Just like alcohol.
I would agree with the entire “in a perfect world” concept a few years ago, however after Colorado being the first state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis they essentially broke the ice for the discussion. It is possible! I give it a max of 10 years before at least 3 more states legalize it. It is definitely a possibility and eventually people who are against it will die out as the argument becomes less popular and more just a normal thing.
DeleteI agree with you that a regulated, legal market in marijuana would reduce the use among teenagers, as well as reduce to their exposure to other drugs in the illegal market. But, I would say maybe not a lot but kind of teh "older generation" is overeacting. I mean I feel as if there is lack of infromativity. What I mean by this is that one may not know all the facts such as ( tabacco and alcohol vs. marijuana) the dangers of alcohol are way more than marijuana. But, then again how you said, it depends on who you define as the "older generation."
DeleteI'm sorry Mr. Gehm but I'm against you on this one, I think pot should be legal. I believe that it does more harm to have it illegal then legal. Teenagers have the ability to easily access pot already, and by legalizing it I don't think teens will have easier access than when it was illegal. What will change is that people will stop going to jail for years just for smoking a plant. In addition, I believe anything should be legal as long as it does not hurt others. Now this being said, there should be regulations on marijuana, including age restrictions, DUI's, smoking on the job while operating machinery. I also think that the country will go crazy for pot in the first couple months when its legalized, but later on it will become normal again. I do not think it is that big of a deal.
ReplyDeleteWhat does scare me though is that if a lot of people started smoking, then the government would be able to get away with almost anything. Marijuana is a mellow drug, and could potentially cause the people to stop caring.
I completely agree with you that marijuana should be legalized. As I said in my post, marijuana is so much better than alcohol in the aspects that marijuana has medicinal effects and the fact that a lot more people dies from alcoholism than smoking weed, is evidence enough that if the harmful substance is legalized then the less-harmful one has the right to be legalized too. However, I don't think smoking marijuana could potentially cause the people to stop caring. I mean like alcohol, the effects of marijuana only lasts for a period of time. So they'll be all carefree for this certain period of time, then eventually, they'll be back to their old selves. So I don't see why would it cause the people to stop caring.
DeleteThat's an interesting and kinda funny thought when you say that marijuana will cause more people to stop caring about government. I dont know if i believe thats true. But it's funny to think about everyone being stoned at once.
DeleteOn a more serious note, the point you bring up about weed being over used the first couple of months and then mellowing out is fantastic. I think you hit it right on the money there, and I wish I could've brought that up in my argument. After awhile only the actual pot heads will continue to rapidly buy pot. Not every US citizen will get high everyday. That might be what the "older generation" does not understand.
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DeleteJEN GOMEZ's comment:
DeleteI agree that something has the right to be legal as long as it doesn't harm anyone. The only problem here is that Marijuana is harmful and it will almost certainly be abused because it would be legal. It adds problems the country, and that is the last thing we need.
Ha Bishoy I think you’re over reacting when you say everyone will stop caring. While it does have its mellow effects not everyone will use it and not everyone will be high 24/7. Plus do you guys know how high the prices for it will be. Marijuana now, illegally, is expensive. Legally it will be heavily taxed and very expensive meaning not everyone can buy it and more importantly afford to abuse it. An ounce, depending on quality, can range anywhere from 80-160 dollars in Colorado. This isn’t something that people will be able to use every day but rather a luxury thing.
DeleteFirst of all, if tobacco and alcohol are legalized then marijuana should be legalized too. I believe that marijuana is less toxic and less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco, so if those harmful substances are legal, then why not make the less harmful substance legal? I just think it is just absurd. I mean let's take alcohol for example, alcoholism can harm brain cells and can lead to the permanent damage of our brains while Cannabis(marijuana) is proven to have neuroprotective properties that actually protect brain cells and curb the harmful effect of alcohol to our brains. And Alcohol is just plainly toxic while Marijuana has proven medicinal effects. And besides, sometimes alcohol can cause a person to be violent while marijuana would just make them feel 'chill'.
ReplyDeleteAs for the 'older generation', I believe they are somewhat making a big deal about nothing. I mean seriously, both marijuana and alcohol are categorized as recreational drugs, and both are psychoactive drugs, then alcohol is proven to kill while marijuana is proven to be far less harmful than alcohol. So why not just make it legal. I mean I am not saying that the 'older generation' is over, over-reacting about this particular subject, I just believe that the concept of marijuana is still foreign and that marijuana is misunderstood.
I think you ralking about the older generation is really important, because ultimately, they are the ones in power right now. I don't know if it is a lack of understanding, or yet-another issue they are too stubborn to compromise on, but this jerry-rigging of the system to fit their opinions is the only reason it isn't legal.
DeleteThe thing about this legalization of marijuana and the 'older generation' making a big deal about it is, as what you said " this jerry-rigging of the system to fit their opinions is the only reason it isn't legal." the 'older generation' just see what they want to see, I mean when you look at the facts between alcohol and marijuana, I think it is just right to think that alcohol should be the one illegal while marijuana should be the legalized one ( not that I'm saying they should make alcohol illegal). I just believe that our elders either have this misconception about pot being dangerous and all or they just believe what they want to believe.
DeleteI meant to say "jury-rig," by the way. Doesn't make a bit of difference, i just needed to correct that.
Deleteyeah, they sound the same either way. lol
DeleteWell the older generation's opinion is extremely important. I don' think that they are neither stubborn nor lack understanding. The older generation understand the harmful effects of legalizing pot. I know I'm for legalizing pot, but I also acknowledge its harmful side effects.
DeleteJEN GOMEZ's post
Deleteif alcohol and marijuana are both categorized as the same thing, why would we add more wood to the fire? It just just increasing all those negative statistics of driving under the influence and all those car accidents that are caused by drinking alcohol.
I compelety agree with you that marijuana should be legalized and that alcohol bring more harm to one than marijuana. Like I said before"It is established scientific fact that marijuana is not toxic to humans; marijuana overdoses are nearly impossible, and marijuana is not nearly as addictive as alcohol or tobacco." And I think that it is totally
Deletes unfair to treat marijuana users more harshly under the law than those using tabacco and alcohol.
Bishoy, as for your statement, "the older generation understands the harmful effects of legalizing pot" Yeah, there are some harmful and dangerous effects, but alcohol has far more harmful consequences yet it is legalized. So, I believe the older generation realizes this and understands the harmful consequences of alcohol yet they legalized this, but not marijuana which again is less harmful. So, again why not legalized marijuana?
DeleteJen, not legalizing a less-harmful substance while a very harmful substance is legalized, for me is just absurd. And as to adding wood to the fire.. if marijuana is not legalize, then it's like discrimination. Seriously poor plants!
DeleteSo, I'm in a similar boat as Maya. I wouldn't declare myself entirely either way, because it doesn't directly effect me, I don't smoke. My informed opinion though, would likely lean more towards legalization. As much as Mr. Gehm hates the whole "oh but alcohol is worse for you, and that is a gateway substance too" argument, it's the one where the basis of my opinion falls. I do not dispute that marijuana is a gateway drug at all, I know that it is a factually proven thing.
ReplyDeleteBut, so is alcohol: http://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(12)00231-5/abstract (It is an actual study, no BS.) If you don't want to read throughout that whole thing (which you should because it is interesting) the main point I'm trying to make is stated here : "Twelve percent of the survey population of 18–25 year olds (n = 6,496) reported current abuse of prescription opioids. For this population, prevalence of previous substance use was 57% for alcohol, 56% for cigarettes, and 34% for marijuana. We found previous alcohol use was associated with the subsequent abuse of prescription opioids in young men but not young women. Among both men and women, previous marijuana use was 2.5 times more likely than no previous marijuana to be associated with subsequent abuse of prescription opioids. We found that among young boys, all previous substance use (alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana), but only previous marijuana use in young girls, was associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent abuse of prescription opioids during young adulthood."
Okay, so that is a legitimate study, and there are a bunch more out there to look up. Also, I'm not arguing which is more likely to act as a gate, marijuana or alcohol, so don't point out THIS ("but only previous marijuana use in young girls, was associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent abuse of prescription opioids during young adulthood."), because all I'm saying is that both of them are gateway drugs to heavier substances. Apparently, cigarettes are too to an extent, which I found interesting.
My main point here is that alcohol is a gateway drug, and it is legal. Studies also show that it is physically worse for you than marijuana :
archive.saferchoice.org/content/view/24/53/
www.huffingtonpost.com/paul.../alcohol-or-cannabis_b_3799972.html
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-brain-food/201012/alcohol-vs-marijuana-in-the-brain (This one doesn't take a stance, but just gives the science behind each; INTERESTING STUFF)
But yet, it still remains legal. People still break the law using it all the time, whether they are driving or drinking underage, or something completely different:
http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/learn-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-crime
Why? That is the question here, not only to why it is legal, but to why cannabis isn't. Statistically, it is not worse for you. It would bring in much needed revenue:
http://economics.about.com/od/incometaxestaxcuts/a/marijuana.htm (I know it's Canada, but still, the numbers don't lie) and it is overall the right of the American people. If the government is going to allow the legal consumption of a much more harmful substance, not allowing the people access to legal cannabis is hypocritical, and unconstitutional (Although this is a State's rights thing, they still follow the overall law of the land A.K.A. the Constitution of the United States of America.)
I'm horribly upset the hyperlinks aren't active. Looks like y'all will be copy and pasting ;)
DeleteI totally see the direction you are going in when you ask the question why pot wasn't legal in the first place. That's a very good question. Like all of the dangerous substances out there, why is pot illegal? It's not like this law even holds people back from smoking anyway. Why wouldn't alcohol or tobacco be illegal? They both kill millions of people each year anyway.. Just a weird concept for me to grasp.
DeleteYeah why isn’t it legal? Because its portrayal has been defamed by society for so many years. How many people die from abuse and overdose? How harmful is it to your body? In reality prescription drugs and alcohol are the real killers and harmers and yet cannabis is illegal. Part of the reason I feel people are afraid to legalize it is because they are afraid people will ask why greater drugs aren’t as well (like heroine).
DeleteThis is from JEN GOMEZ cause were blog wasn't posting: I am undeceived about this blog. I believe that marijuana should be legalized, but then there are several aspect that make me rethink my choice. For example, the legalization is an open door for tax revenue and it appears to be more harmful when it Is illegal because it was still easily accessible, but it was never strongly regulated. On the other hand, making it legal opens a gate to all other drugs that are illegally used. It would also increase the percentage of accidents under the influence. Even though there are regulations, people still manage to do it anyway. With all these regulations, why is there such a high percentage of under the influence car accidents?
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the "older generation" is making a big deal out of nothing. They are concerned for what's to become of their towns once this happens. If it is legalized, I think that many will take advantage of it and it will be chaos until it is STRICTLY regulated. They are also worried for their own children, and most likely fear that they are going to give into this drug.
I feel like we're stereotyping the older generation honestly. There are older democrats and liberals too. Most old people tend to lean conservatively but that is not always the case. Just for an example my grandma (dad's mom) is a huge supporter of legalizing marijuana (lol). So I feel like using the "older generation" as the term to categorize those who are opposed to legalizing marijuana as incorrect. Just putting that out there.
Deletei agree with you that leaglization would "open doors" for tax revenue. the amount of money being produced can be put to work, and used for social programs such as edcuation and also legalizing it woudl allow for emerging of an income producing business that would create more jobs.
DeleteJen, as what you said, if marijuana is legalized, it would open doors for other drugs to become possibly legalized. I mean, yea it would but I don't believe they will become legalized if you looked at the facts between those drugs and Marijuana. When you look at the facts about marijuana, it actually has medicinal benefits, like it has neuroprotective property so it protects our brain cells. So, I'm pretty sure for other drugs to be legalized, the facts should be taken into consideration and not just for the purpose of "But Marijuana was legalized!"
Delete"It would also increase the percentage of accidents under the influence." I agree. Like alcohol, people will most likely smoke pot then drive. They will feel disoriented and spacey, leading to accidents. It almost seems like alcohol should also be illegal, but we all know how that worked out.
DeleteSo Pot or Not huh… Although it is much easier said than done I must say I’m with my fellow warrior Bishoy on this one. Legalize it. A while ago the idea of legalization would be as radicals as pigs in space; however now a-days, thanks to Colorado, I think it it’s a possible option. For the entire U.S.A, Yes that’s a stretch. But, I could definitely see other states around America turn to legalization in upcoming years. Why? Because marijuana’s portrayal has been truly dramatized in the past and in truth many benefits will come from legalization. Benefits which outweigh the differences. To begin with did you know that more than half the United States agrees to its legalization? This includes more than people who smoke, party, or use it for medical reasons but those who notice its benefits as well. One top of that, unlike many of other drugs (including alcohol), marijuana has never been recorded killing someone through overdose. We also all know it has many benefits in alleviating certain illness. It has been known is help those with cancer suffering from nausea and also those who suffer with appetite issues (HIV patients). You can argue that it will become a problem among children, but it would be under the same circumstances as alcohol is, smoking cigarettes is. Many underage kids drink alcohols simply for the rebellious act they are committing. Most teens have actually admitted to hating the taste of alcohol. However, they drink simply for excitement since they can’t. It is even more exemplified through marijuana since it is illegal! Once you can smoke legally the excitement will generally fade away. Finally legalizing pot will help the economy. It will get rid of pot dealers basically all together which is a heavy supporter of gangs. It will also be taxed like cigarettes and help the economy. So I think legalizing marijuana will bring more aid than harm.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better my self Comrade Justin. I see that you also see pot as a freedom issue. It's not about the use, its about the fact that if it doesn't hurt anyone it should be legal. And I completely agree with you that the pot is definitely a money issue. Pot was probably only legalized so that it could bring in a revenue.
DeleteYou said most teens use alcohol just because of the excitement. Do u think that if marijuana becomes legalized it will have a certain age limit and teens under will have much greater access to it and a greater amount will use it for excitement?
DeleteBish you cannot assume that the legalization of marijuana will not harm people. Although maybe not deadly to the user, it could potentially lead to further drug usage, unstable work environments, and an increase in automobile accidents.
DeleteI completely agree with what you stated about teenagers simply wanting to drink or smoke marijuana for the thrill, and that legalizing it would lower the numbers.
DeleteMarijuana should be legalized because of the fact that alcohol and tobacco are, and they do more harm, than marijuana does to a person. It is established scientific fact that marijuana is not toxic to humans; marijuana overdoses are nearly impossible, and marijuana is not nearly as addictive as alcohol or tobacco. It is unfair and unjust to treat marijuana users more harshly under the law than the users of alcohol or tobacco. Another reason is that many people use marijuana because it aids those suffering from a variety of serious ailments. Marijuana gives relief from pain, nausea, and other symptoms for many individuals who have not been treated successfully with typical medications. Marijuana is also too expensive for our justice system and should instead be taxed to support beneficial government programs. Marijuana arrests make justice more expensive and less efficient in the United States, wasting jail space, clogging up court systems, and diverting time of police, attorneys, judges, and corrections officials away from violent crime, the sexual abuse of children, and terrorism. In addition, the taxing of marijuana can be put to better use such as social programs (education). I think that the “older generation” is not so much; but is kind of making a big deal out of this. I mean honesty I think they just need to review the facts. (Tobacco & alcohol vs. marijuana)
ReplyDeleteSo you said "Marijuana should be legalized because of the fact that alcohol and tobacco". So do you think if pot gets legalized heroine should be legalized because alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are legal?
DeleteGod Bless the "older generation" in this case because although alcohol and tobacco are currently legal and knowingly harmful,why should we promote the escalation of the problems reached through substance abuse? It is really unnecessary.
DeleteI see what you mean when you say marijuana should be legalized because alcohol and tobacco are legal and they are more harmful. Just by saying "more" means that marijuana is harmful to a degree. But I agree with Abu, just because other substances are legal doesn't mean all should be.
DeleteWhat do you mean when you say that "marijuana is too expensive for our justice system?"
DeleteI think there are both positive and negative effects of pot being legalized. I personally think that we shouldn't legalize marijuana. This is because it will have great adverse social effects. First of all, it will be much easier for citizens to gain access to pot. This will cause an increase in the abuse of the substance. In addition, marijuana is known to be the gateway drug. Therefore it is likely that by legalizing pot, we will also have protests to legalize crack, heroine, cocaine and other drugs.It is like opening pandora's box. Not a smart idea. On the other hand people will probably be more likely to be wasting there times doing this drug instead of helping the nation prosper.For example, a student could be learning new concepts in math but instead he is too busy doing pot. his will cause our nation to be at the same spot it is today. And i believe that currently if someone really desires to smoke they still have access to it and still can do it. So if someone is really desperate to get high they can do it pretty easily without getting caught.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not believe pot is a gateway drug, I did not consider the possibility of the legalization of other drugs. Pot is where the line should be drawn; the controversy would be extreme if heroine or cocaine were legalized.
DeleteI thought your likening this situation to opening Pandora's box was interesting.
DeleteThis is a tricky topic and as always there is not right answer, nor is there a consensual solution. Like anything new, there is a novelty phase. If pot it legalized, a dramatically great amount of people will try marijuana. It's not like they will all become hooked and smoke at work and in school. It will become as casual a pastime as smoking cigarettes. While I do not believe marijuana is safe health-wise (with the exception of medicinal marijuana), people just have the right to smoke if they please. Marijuana does kill brain cells, but so does anything that isn't oxygen. When you breath in smoke, you are reducing the amount of oxygen in your brain cells/depriving them of air. So I think marijuana should be legalized for recreational use.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the first amendment argument is strong enough in this particular case. So should we give people the right to kill if it is their form of "pursuit of happiness"? I know that is a far-fetched example but the only argument if any for the legalization would be an economical one; but regulation would be just way too difficult nationally, therefore pointless.
DeleteYes i agree with you that if it becomes legalized more people will try it do to easier accessibility. This phenomenon can result on great negative impacts for the United States.
DeleteJames, as much as I agree with you, I would like to say that Marijuana does not kill brain cells. Cannabis or marijuana, actually contain properties that serves as neuroprotection, so they kind of protect the brain cells.
DeleteAlthough many of you have made some interesting points, I see more harm than good from the legalization of marijuana. Essentially, there will be an increase in the amount of people who drive stoned and end up in critical accidents. Many make the claim that pot's effects are similar to those of alcohol so it isn't much different. However, why would we further escalate the problem of impaired driving? Even Mr.Gehm said today in class that Colorado has seen an increase of about 55% in DUIs.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, many people who want to legalize marijuana are passionate about their perception of the alleged failures of policies aimed at reducing marijuana use but those legalization advocates cannot describe their own plan for taxing and regulating marijuana for legal drug use. There is a reason for this imbalance; they are unable to come up with a credible plan for legalization that could deliver on their claims for this new policy. Ultimately, I see no need for legalization or attention regarding this debate.
This is Jen obviously, my brother's account was logged in and I am too lazy to sign out!
DeleteAlthough I don't agree with it being used recreationally, I do see some of the benefits that legalizing marijuana could bring about. For one, it would generate tons of money. The government could place sky high taxes on it, and both addicts and curious newbies would be forced to pay, much like how chain smokers are forced to pay in taxes for their bad habits. Sure, there could be many more potential DUIs, but that would also generate money with tickets, fines, and bail. Legalizing pot could be a major step in trying to pay off out national debt
ReplyDelete