Legalizing Marijuana Research Paper

Cody Denhalter
Califano

10 November 2015
HSE3: Period 6

Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a prepared version of the hemp plant, typically used as a psychotic, or in many cases for medicinal use. Its desired effects include increased hunger, relaxation, and an overall happier attitude. Others, such as dry mouth, impaired motor skills, and possibly a temporary loss of short-term memory. Some states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, and have many reported benefits. In the article, “Pioneer Pot States” by Matt Ferner, Matt states, “The first two states to legalize recreational marijuana have collectively raked in at least $200 million in marijuana tax revenue” (Ferner). This is just …show more content…
In the book series, “The Benefits of Marijuana” by Joan Bello, the author states, “Since marijuana (smoking, as well as ingestion by other methods) dilates the alveoli, toxins are more easily eliminated with cannabis use regardless of its method of application. Nicotine, on the other hand, constricts the alveoli.” (Bello, 61). This proves that marijuana is beneficial to health, rather than harmful. Cigarettes on the other hand are bad for your health, and have near opposite effects on the body from marijuana. Another excerpt from Bello’s book, “In a Costa Rican study, it was found that chronic marijuana smokers who also smoked cigarettes were less likely to develop cancer than cigarette smokers who didn’t use marijuana” (Bello, 61). While cigarettes are known to cause cancer, its was proven in a Costa Rican study that cannabis helps fight cancer. Many other studies such as this one have been conducted too, and nearly all of them with the same results. The individual would greatly benefit from using cannabis, if they chose to use it, if it were …show more content…
In the article, “Law Enforcement and Decriminalized Marijuana” by James Austin states “There is a direct relationship between the proportion of arrests or cases processed for marijuana crimes by the criminal justice system and the amount of money expended by these same agencies.” (Austin). If cannabis was legalized, less money would be put into catching and/or arresting people possessing it, therefore less money would be spent, or it could be better spent elsewhere. Also, fewer people on the force would be in the field being put into dangerous

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