Rogerian Legaliztion

Rogerian Argument

For Legalization

The cannabis plant has been the topic of much debate throughout the history of this country. Many people don't know that it was not the effect of cannabis that originally spurred its banning. It was actually originally the work of the cotton industry who put big money behind illegalization for the plant's mind altering effects. The cotton industry was afraid that hemp, a product of the cannabis plant, would soon overpower the strong hold of cotton since it was a more durable textile that required less work, less ground depletion, and could be grown almost anywhere. Since the time when cannabis first became illegal it has been grouped with other narcotics as a counterpart. The truth is cannabis has many benefits to society and other than the effects of smoke inhalation has very few negatives. Those against legalization try to put cannabis in the same light as other more potent drugs like cocaine and heroin. There are many misconceptions about the substance and it is clear it should be looked at separately.

Those opposed to the legalization of the cannabis plant in a September 11th 2003 article claim that with legalization of cannabis will come further problems. They say that legalization would lead to greater drug use especially with children as well as drug trafficking from legalized areas. They claim the tobacco and alcohol cause enough problems and there is no reason to add a new product into the mix. The claim is also made that drugs such as cannabis lead to poverty, crime, and violence. They argue that although the drug war can't be completely successful it is worth it to slow down drug trade and that truly very few people are brought up on a simple possession charge of cannabis. Finally they make the claim that if cannabis and other drugs were legalized it would prevent court ordered addiction treatment. I understand the basis of all these claims and understand where they come from. Many arguments are made generally about the legalization of all illegal drugs including cannabis and I do agree that drugs other than cannabis should be kept illegal for all the reasons listed above. Where I find fault with the expose is the unfair grouping of cannabis into the article.

First off it is important to understand the effects of cannabis use and its history. When smoking cannabis THC is the leading stimulant released. Cannabinoid neural receptors receive the stimulant, in result creates a temporary fogginess that affects motor coordination and shot-term memory. The effect lasts for around 1-3 hours and then a hang over from those feelings can sometimes last through the following day. The human mind has specific receptors for the THC chemical which can only naturally be derived from the cannabis plant, so the cannabis plant actually has a place in our genetic make up (Bouril). The plant has been used as far back as ancient Egypt and "United States Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp, used products made from hemp, and praised the hemp plant in some of their writings" (Bouril). So why would a product with such a lengthy history come under such scrutiny?

There are many good reasons why cannabis should be legalized, but that's not to say it should be taken lightly, here are a few insights into the drug as well as history on how these arguments have been over looked. The feeling of being "high" just like the feeling of being drunk for the first time can be scary. Just like with alcohol, you can build a tolerance to the effect of cannabis and even further gain greater control of a high. Just as alcohol is, cannabis should be treated with great caution; any mind altering substance can have its down falls if used inappropriately or too often. Our perception of the drug although has been skewed by scare tactics through industry investment and government lobby funding. Cotton has been distinguished as one of America's economical building blocks due to that it is very tough on soil it is perfect for growing in the south, unlike cannabis which can be grown relatively any where, is soil enriching, and its product hemp can be used to