Legalization Of Marijuana
Kathy
Period
12/18/12
Legalization of Marijuana: Argumentative Essay
Cannabis Sativa, or otherwise known as Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug consisting of dried leaves of the hemp plant and is smoked or chewed for euphoric affects. Currently in the U.S., approximately 5 million Americans use marijuana daily. 18 states now allow marijuana to be used medicinally and as of November 2012 both Colorado and Washington permit marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. With the number of people growing rapidly each day it is important that potential benefits to humans are not overlooked. With the legalization of Cannabis in all 50 states, the hemp plant can be used to its full potential, economically we can save millions of dollars, and those suffering from illness can benefit from the plant medicinally.
Still belonging to the Cannabis Sativa family, hemp is a close relative of the Marijuana plant, its only difference being Hemp has less than 1% THC content while Marijuana ranges from 3-25% THC content. The hemp plant provides extreme usefulness and versatility many people are unaware of. With the legalization of Marijuana, controversy over the plant will fade and hemp can be freely used to benefit us, and the planet we thrive upon. According to Sheryl Walters’ article “The Many Environmental and Health Benefits of Hemp,” there are over 25,000 known uses for hemp including rope, plastic, biofuel, clothing and can even be eaten as a super food resulting in more energy and better digestion. Industrial interests, such as the oil industry, and their fear that hemp would undercut their business, caused the prohibition of marijuana in the first place (policymic.com). These companies saw hemp as a threat because it has the potential to replace all major non-renewable raw materials. In fact, hemp grows to maturity in 100 days without pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and, its fiber is stronger than any other plant derived fiber (Naturalnews.com).
Period
12/18/12
Legalization of Marijuana: Argumentative Essay
Cannabis Sativa, or otherwise known as Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug consisting of dried leaves of the hemp plant and is smoked or chewed for euphoric affects. Currently in the U.S., approximately 5 million Americans use marijuana daily. 18 states now allow marijuana to be used medicinally and as of November 2012 both Colorado and Washington permit marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. With the number of people growing rapidly each day it is important that potential benefits to humans are not overlooked. With the legalization of Cannabis in all 50 states, the hemp plant can be used to its full potential, economically we can save millions of dollars, and those suffering from illness can benefit from the plant medicinally.
Still belonging to the Cannabis Sativa family, hemp is a close relative of the Marijuana plant, its only difference being Hemp has less than 1% THC content while Marijuana ranges from 3-25% THC content. The hemp plant provides extreme usefulness and versatility many people are unaware of. With the legalization of Marijuana, controversy over the plant will fade and hemp can be freely used to benefit us, and the planet we thrive upon. According to Sheryl Walters’ article “The Many Environmental and Health Benefits of Hemp,” there are over 25,000 known uses for hemp including rope, plastic, biofuel, clothing and can even be eaten as a super food resulting in more energy and better digestion. Industrial interests, such as the oil industry, and their fear that hemp would undercut their business, caused the prohibition of marijuana in the first place (policymic.com). These companies saw hemp as a threat because it has the potential to replace all major non-renewable raw materials. In fact, hemp grows to maturity in 100 days without pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and, its fiber is stronger than any other plant derived fiber (Naturalnews.com).