The Effects of Legalizing Marjuana

The Effects of Legalizing Marijuana

Rhonda Poindexter

Eastern Gateway Community College

Author Note

This paper was prepared for English Composition 102-05 by Professor Liana

Abstract

Full legalization of marijuana would replace black market production and distribution with a legitimate industry. Marijuana legalization would still have rules and regulations similar to the rules and regulations that govern tobacco and alcohol, the only difference is that the majority of the trade would be populated by farmers, merchants and retail clerks. (Caulkins , p. 544) Why would Americans not capitalize on this opportunity to increase income, downsize crime and improve the quality of life for medical users?

The Effects of Legalizing Marijuana

        Full legalization of marijuana would replace black market production and distribution with a legitimate industry. Marijuana legalization would still have rules and regulations similar to the rules and regulations that govern tobacco and alcohol, the only difference is that the majority of the trade would be populated by farmers, merchants and retail clerks. (Caulkins, p544). Why wouldn’t Americans capitalize on this opportunity to increase income, downsize crime and improve the quality of life for medical users?

        Cannabis, better known as marijuana, is a preparation of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine. The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); it is one of the four- hundred and eighty –three known compounds in the plant, including at least eighty –four other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).Cannabis is often consumed for mental and physical effects , such as heightened mood , relaxation, and an increase in appetite . Possible side –effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety.

 There are three categories of marijuana plants. The first and shortest is the indicia plant. Indicia normally grows less than six feet in height due to their fat, deep leaves. Indicias originate in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and surrounding countries. This strain of good quality marijuana encourages one to become more outgoing and relaxed. The more potent varieties will numb your body and may even put you to sleep. It also works as a great stress reliever.  Sativa, the second and tallest plant, grows up to twenty five feet, although most are less than twelve feet. The long, light green, thin leaves are the stereotypical marijuana icon. The feeling is often described as energetic and motivated. Most patients like this strain for its pain relief properties. The hybrid provides the best of both plants. Expert breeders select the top strains from each and combine them to make super strains that can maintain the best aspects from both plants. Hybrids can be indicia or sativa dominant and would share the effects to match.