Question

The debate regarding the legalization of drugs, particularly that of soft drugs like cannabis (or marijuana) is capable of being characterized as one which pits the concept of freedom of the individual against the concept of a paternalistic State. Advocates of legalization argue, amongst other things, that cannabis is not only less harmful than legal substances like alcohol and tobacco, but as a matter of fact has been proven to possess certain medicinal properties. In stark contrast, those opposed to legalization argue that the legalization of cannabis will act as a precursor to increased addiction to hard drugs, and will necessarily lead to an increase in the crime rate itself.

In 1937, the Marijuana (Marijuana) Tax Act was introduced by Henry Anslinger and passed, levying taxes on anyone who was associated with cannabis, hemp, or marijuana. These types of association include possession, use, sale, and many other acts which would be considered illegal today. In addition to the taxes provisioned by the bill, penal codes for the procedural use and possession of marijuana were also outlined - violators could face five years in prison in up to a $2,000 fine. In 1951, an act that superseded the Marijuana Tax Act was passed criminalizing the possession and use of cannabis, hemp, and/or marijuana. In 1969, in the case of Leary v. United States, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was overturned on the grounds of the 5th Amendment because those seeking a tax stamp would have to incriminate themselves. In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act listing cannabis as a Schedule I drug. Despite the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, many states and local cities began to decriminalize marijuana citing possession/use/sale/etc. as low priority offenses. Although many attempts have been made to reschedule cannabis off Schedule I, the Supreme Court ruled in a 2005 decision in the case of United States v. Raich, the federal government has jurisdiction over the legal status of marijuana.

Today, States are debating, and in some cases, bringing to their voters, the legalization of Marijuana.

What are the characteristics of absolute and relative moral theories? What is the relationship between the two?

Using the information above about marijuana legalization, what arguments can be made both "for" and "against" using these moral theories?

500 WORD MINIMUM

Answer 1

Use of marijuana is restricted in the US. Marijuana is listed under Scheduled I drug describing to be dangerous and abusive. According to DEA the scheduled I drug does not have any medicinal values? And have a high potential for abuse.

The experiment on Marijuana by experts revealed that Marijuana is having medicinal properties like it is helpful in reducing pain and in some cases of cancer too but if it is smoked it gives choking effect to the respiratory system, increases the heartbeat any pregnancy-related problems etc.

Although alcohol and tobacco are legalized they do possess more harmful effect. Tobacco is known to produce cancer and a person can become alcohol dependent.

Due to its listing as scheduled I drug that makes it hard to conduct good studies on the drug. Marijuana's medicinal benefits are supported by few reports.

Marijuana's overdose does not result in death like alcohol tobacco, cocaine, and heroin. But for the drug abuse, it produces respiratory disorder triggering a heart attack, depressive disorders mental issues and health-related disorders. It does give rise to psychosocial problems.

The makers make many rules and pass it with the previous government of the US it has the relaxed rule like letting states to do as they wish as long as it does not fall into the hands of children or should not cross the state line. The federal government is strict in this matter and has cracked down on marijuana in the states where it is legalized,

With the strictness of the government, their many voices raised for the legalization of the drug.

If certain drugs which produce the harmful effect on the human mind and make them dependent. although it has some medicinal properties, it has to restricted. These drugs have the tendency of making them drug abuse, like alcohol tobacco any drug that effects on the human mind lose their consciousness should be restricted.

The scientist should be given the privilege to use it for research purpose and not for use.