Running head: LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA
Legalization of marijuana
Name
Institution
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LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA
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Legalisation of Marijuana
Marijuana as a drug is a representation of broadly used unlawful drug in different states.
It is believed that constant use of marijuana it can impair an individual’s mental health, memory
as well as intelligence. However, the prevailing political landscape coupled with public opinions
show that more permissive attitude with regards to the use of marijuana, most states are voting to
legalise the use of both medical and recreational marijuana. Accordingly, marijuana has indeed
been depicted as a lethal plant which can harm lives and is regarded to be nothing other than
extra setback set-back to be taken care of in today’s society. As a result, based on the economic
value of marijuana not to mention its medical benefits, marijuana has shown to weigh the
negatives assumptions with a lot of other positives.
In any case next to alcohol, cannabis is the widely used drug substance by many people.
Firstly, marijuana is in relation to other drugs of the same calibre legalised. Marijuana is among the
few too detrimental that is not legal. A lot of hard drugs which include but not limited to heroin,
painkiller, and cocaine are some of the drugs which are destructive to a person’s health and life in
general. Cannabis is not supposed to be placed on the same level with such drugs (Crockett,
2014). Nonetheless, it should be categorised in the same group with alcohol, sugar and tobacco
since these drugs are more or less related to it. Besides, it is evident that tobacco and alcohol tend
to be more harmful to an individual’s health than marijuana.
Despite the possible dangers the drug poses, it should be noted that the society does not
openly accept the effects of marijuana. This is even though it not only does it reducing productivity
but it also affects the ability to reason out and to be focused when pursuing studies or any serious
activity. Years of advocating for its use through pop music, films and television media have made
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the public more open to its use. Therefore, despite still being illegal in several states, its
consumption continues to rise. Younger populations become more likely to use it and, therefore,
susceptible to its negative effects since the society continues to dub the drug acceptable. Acute use
of the drug can result in mood disorders, neurocognitive impairments and withdrawal syndrome
among others (Karila et al., 2014). These effects are more pronounced for young users and may
affect their development.
It is notable that motions to counter the use of marijuana are not successful in modern
society. This is evident in the fact that it is one of the most used drugs not only in the U.S. but also
across the world, in addition to it being legalised in various states in the U.S. and other countries.
Notably, in the wake of continued advocacy for its legalisation, it is possible that this use will
increase thereby capitalising on the resulting economic benefits. However, it should be noted that
this comes with a heavy price as future generations will be more susceptible to its negative
impacts. It is also known that marijuana is an effective gateway drug to other hard drugs such as
heroin or cocaine. Therefore, unless care is taken when considering its legalisation, it is possible
that it may negatively impact the fight against drugs. Furthermore, making it accessible would
make younger populations more susceptible to its use and influence. Conclusively, despite it not
being as harmful as cocaine and heroin, among other hard drugs, marijuana can still have a
significant effect on the health of populations across the world. Regardless of its comparisons to
other drugs like tobacco or the economic benefits it promises, legalising marijuana is not a
preferable course of action as it exposes the public to the drug’s negative effects.
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Reference
Crockett, T. (2014). The legalisation of Marijuana.
Karila, L., Roux, P., Rolland, B., Beyamina, A., Reynaud, M., Aubin, H. J. & Lancon, C. (2014)
Acute long-term effects of cannabis use: A review. Current Pharmaceutical Designs,
20(25).
SUPPORTING OR BODY PARAGRAPHS
The supporting or body paragraphs of your essay should focus exclusively on the points raised
by your thesis. In the body of your essay you will present evidence to reinforce your thesis.
Types of evidence (sample topic-alternative families)
Reasons you believe alternative families are / are not a good idea
Examples and details of successful / unsuccessful alternative families
Facts or statistics to support your position on alternative families
A personal experience or anecdote concerning alternative families
Topic sentences
Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence that is written at the beginning or near
the beginning of the paragraph. Whereas the thesis sentence controls the essay, your topic
sentence will control the body paragraph.
Make body paragraphs specific
If your supporting paragraphs are vague, readers will lose interest, remain unconvinced of your
thesis, and have trouble grasping your meaning. On the other hand, paragraphs filled with
concrete, specific details engage readers, lend force to ideas, and clarify meaning. In short,
don’t just tell readers about your ideas, but show them what you are trying to convey.
Provide adequate support
Each supporting paragraph should also have adequate support so that your readers can see
clearly the validity of your topic sentence. An effective supporting paragraph will contain an
assortment of examples, facts, anecdotes, and personal observations.
Transitions
Words and phrases that ease readers from one idea to another are called transitions.
Below, is a list of some of the more common transitions.
TRANSITIONS
Time
first, next
before, earlier
then, now
immediately
at the same time
simultaneously
in the meantime
meanwhile
subsequently
afterward, after
finally, eventually
later
Addition
moreover
furthermore
in addition
one…another
and
also, too
next
finally
last
first…second…third
besides
Space
above, below
next to
behind
Examples
for instance
for example
specifically
namely
to illustrate
otherwise
conversely
despite, even though
on the one (other) hand
still
whereas
nevertheless
nonetheless
Comparison
similarly
in the same way
also
likewise
too
in comparison
Cause or Effect
because, since
as a result
so
consequently
therefore
then
in short
in conclusion
Contrast
but, however
yet
in contrast
on the contrary
although
Summary or Conclusion
therefore
thus
Assignment: Body / conclusion
Writing Assignment: Using the guidelines and samples, write a fully developed body
paragraph and concluding paragraph for the topic you selected for your thesis paragraph: The
Legalization of Marijuana in the US; Texting while Driving; or the Smoking Ban on Campus.
Assume that you are assigned a 5 page paper on this subject.
Do not write the complete 5 page draft – this exercise requires one body paragraph and one
concluding paragraph.
As these are fairly common topics, use your own ideas and avoid using and abundance of
statistics or outside research.
For this exercise, do not focus heavily on substance or ideas – I am primarily concerned with
organization. Two structurally sound, fully developed paragraphs modeled after one or more
of the samples are all that is required for this assignment.
Your body paragraph should contain what you think is the most important argument for or
against the subject—do not ramble.
Paragraphs should be on one document.
Do not write in first person
Use the guidelines and samples to help you draft your paragraphs.
Be sure to edit for conciseness and wordiness.
Follow MLA formatting guidelines.
Additional guidelines can be found in chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the textbook.
Submit your completed draft through blackboard.
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