A War on Personal Freedom

Marijuana is a street drug that is a dry, green mix of stems, seeds, and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It is generally smoked as cigarettes or in a pipe. The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. Smoking marijuana creates a euphoric feeling that is known as a high. After it is absorbed into the user’s bloodstream through the lungs, certain protein receptors in the brain attach to THC to create this feeling. There are many beneficial aspects of marijuana such as pain reliever or a neutralizer. Marijuana is a natural substance that should be decriminalized by the government.

Many terminally ill patients rely on marijuana to function every day. Human biologist Michelle Keller reports, “In some cases, marijuana can help people conquer a day full of pain, nausea, or extreme fatigue” (12). A Harvard study reported that forty percent of oncologist found that the use of marijuana was beneficial following chemotherapy treatments and they recommended its use (Rosenthal 243). It is more logical to be able to function, if needed, in everyday life with the use of marijuana, which is more effective than over-the-counter drugs.

For centuries people have been debating whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Responsible individuals should be allowed the right to choose whether or not they use marijuana. America was founded on the principles of individuality, liberty, and freedom. The government has the power to limit citizen’s actions if they endanger someone else. Medical research has proven that cannabis is a beneficial alternative to many prescription pain medications.

Many people argue that marijuana should not be used for medical purposes because there are plenty of synthetic drugs available that produce similar therapeutic effects. On the other hand, many prescription drugs cause unwanted side effects that can sometimes be worse than the initial problem. Eric Schlosser, the author of Reefer Madness, reports, “Although the misuse of over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and antihistamines kills thousands of people every year, not a single death has been credibly attributed directly to smoking or consuming marijuana in the five thousand years of the plants recorded use” (18).

Pharmaceutical companies often fund anti-drug campaigns to prevent the medical use of marijuana. If cannabis were made available, patients with painful illnesses would have a cheaper alternative to expensive prescription medications. Many pain medications today, such as morphine and hydrocodone, can be addictive and can cause serious side effects. Marijuana, being a natural substance, is not addictive and has never directly caused any deaths. There is less information on the usage and medical benefits of marijuana than any other drug (Geis 34). Marijuana has been used as a drug to relieve everyday illnesses since it was discovered. Today, it is only made available to a handful of patients suffering from glaucoma, AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses. Marijuana has proven to decrease pain and suffering with little to no side effects. Ed Rosenthal, the author of Hemp Today, states, “Given the choice, many people would choose this simple herbal remedy rather than high priced, less effective and more contra-indicative patented pharmaceuticals” (300).

There are many different opinions and views on the legalization of marijuana. Many believe that legalizing cannabis will corrupt society, while others believe that it will benefit the economy and give Americans back their personal freedom. The government has been waging a war on drugs for years with little success. The legalization of softer drugs, like marijuana, should be considered as one option. There are many different aspects to understanding the different sides of legalizing marijuana such as: religion, the law, and rationale.

In 1937 the Marijuana Tax Act was passed making the sale and consumption of marijuana illegal. Today, the twin forces of prohibition and anti drug campaigns are still attempting to convince Americans that marijuana will cause its users to become irresponsible and unmotivated. Cannabis is federally illegal to grow, sell, buy or possess. On the other hand, if cannabis were legalized, it would allow for taxation and legal distribution of marijuana. Dale Gieringer, the author of Economics of Cannabis Legalization, states, “Altogether, legalization would save the taxpayers around $8 - $16 billion dollars by decreasing arrest and having more jail room, not counting the economic benefits of hemp agriculture and other spin-off industries” (311).

Religion plays a large part in the decisions and actions of many people. Many Christians oppose the legalization of marijuana because it is an unknown substance that abuses the body. The Bible states “[…] our body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you […]” (1 Cor. 6.19). However, many Christians who feel this way smoke cigarettes, consume caffeine, and drink wine on a regular basis. It has become general knowledge that these substances prove to be more harmful to the body than marijuana. Cigarettes, which are smoked by millions every day, contain many more chemicals. Alcohol is legal but does considerably more damage to the human body than marijuana. Many who support the legalization of marijuana believe that cannabis is a sensible alternative to alcohol and cigarettes.

According to studies done by the University of California and the National Institute of Drug Abuse, marijuana has shown to be among the least serious drugs available. Caffeine has proven to be more addictive (Clarke and Pate 308). Marijuana has been depicted as a drug that is harmful and addictive, although it has been proven to have little negative effects on the body. Ed Rosenthal of The International Cannabinoid Research Society reports, “Most marijuana aficionados consider the law to be the most dangerous part of marijuana use” (301). America’s war on drugs is becoming a war on personal