Legalization

Persuasive Speech

Today in the news we see many stories about marijuana and hear many heated debates concerning its impending legalization. Conservatives argue that the “war on drugs” remains at its zenith, however, more and more people are coming out of their stupor, and recognizing the fact that legalization of marijuana would be an overall benefit to American society.

Today, many Americans find it hard to acquire medical marijuana to treat their diagnosed diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Anorexia, AIDS, Arthritis, Cachexia, Cancer, Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Nausea, Pain, Spasticity, or Wasting Syndrome. To deprive these people of their relief from these conditions is a crime against humanity, and is as punishable as torture. There is even evidence that cannabis was prescribed as early as 2700 B.C. to treat beri-beri, constipation, female weakness, gout, malaria, rheumatism and absentmindedness. If Emperor Shen-Nung of China used marijuana medicinally, why shouldn’t we, some 4000 years later with evidence to prove that it helps to relieve stress among many other symptoms? Is it illegal because of the potential reckless usage or substance abuse? No overdose on THC (the main active substance in cannabis) has ever lead to death, or has ever been recorded. Being a substrate, THC binds to receptor molecules on cells, potentially altering their interpretation of stimuli. However, the legal substance of much abuse, alcohol, is a poison. It kills cells. It is very possible, and incredibly easy to overdose on alcohol, and sometimes, it results in death. Marijuana’s influence is also much less behavior altering, and response delays pale in comparison to those of alcohol’s. Yet, deciding that this plant is the devil’s creation, the American government banned the possession and consumption of cannabis in our nation. The breach of these codes may result in a hefty fine, or several years in jail. Our government thinks that this ridiculous prohibition of the substance will suffice to impede the usage of marijuana, however, they don’t consider how many children of America look at the drug as a symbol of rebellion, and anarchy. It is their way of “stickin’ it to the man”. With the bar on this substance, more and more people crowd up the jailhouses because they were encouraged to be disobedient, and dance with the devil’s substance. If it was legalized, not only would there be more room in the jails for the real criminals out there, and more time devoted by judges or any of the judicial officials to try the real criminals, but there would also be less people taking marijuana because it would no longer be viewed as naughty. With the legalization, any crimes associated with marijuana would cease. Not only would