Hello everyone,
I have not searched much for related information so I apologize in advance if I am starting a similar thread, however I wanted to see if anyone can help me in a more direct way.
I just got home from class and I have a research essay to start (not due til end of semester) with the general focus on medical topics. One of the many proposed research questions is should the U.S drug policy be reconsidered. As everyone else reading this, I feel the answer is YES!
I have not totally decided on how I am going to set up my arguement, however when writting on such a contriversial issue such as decriminalization of any illegal drug, you must make sure your information is reputable. Problem is most resources provided to a community college funded by the state and federal government are tainted by governmental biases and misconceptions. Honestly, reading some of those articles I realize from first-hand knowledge that they could almost be considered blatent lies.
What I'm looking for is any sources that are trustworthy...meaning truthfully analyzing how ajusting the U.S drug policy would be a wise decision medically as well as any other reasons that could be used in a college paper. There is a wealth of information on this site that could be used, sadly using information off of 420magazine will be seen as unreputable in the eyes of professors.
My goal is to write a paper that is eye-opening to those who have not taken the time to consider the harm done by the U.S drug policies currently in place. I do not just want to write a "stoner-paper" that is only condoning drug/marijuana use because of the joy involved. My paper is an attempt to highlight the hypocricy of how "legal" drugs/substances are just as "harmful" and in many ways could be worse for the human body as well as society as a whole. This paper will not be completely about marijuana, however since MJ has such an amazing potential medically and the fact that it is the most commonly used illegal "drug", marijuana is a solid basis for an argument that goes way beyond my personal beliefs and recreational weed use.
I have not thought of concrete argument points yet, however I was thinking about several ideas:
-highlight the danger/addictive nature of "legal" perscriptions and alcohol.
-the harmful facts about nicotine compaired to similar, yet less addicting and harmful facts about Marijuana.
-the elimination of dangerous black markets created as a result of prohibition along with the money invested in caring for those harmed by violence created by the illegality of certain drugs.
-the numerous safe uses of medicinal marijuana
-the economic benefits of legalization. The money saved when the government stops investing in prosecuting "drug offenders" and incarcerating decent members of society when the money could be used to for medical research and potential cures to big issues.
Obviously there are many other points that can be made. I was just given the prompt today so I am in the very early stages of this paper. I have pleanty of time so I just thought I'd get some feedback, suggestions, and maybe even some good solid resources from people who are not under the bullshit impression that "drugs are bad"...
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Peace!
I have not searched much for related information so I apologize in advance if I am starting a similar thread, however I wanted to see if anyone can help me in a more direct way.
I just got home from class and I have a research essay to start (not due til end of semester) with the general focus on medical topics. One of the many proposed research questions is should the U.S drug policy be reconsidered. As everyone else reading this, I feel the answer is YES!
I have not totally decided on how I am going to set up my arguement, however when writting on such a contriversial issue such as decriminalization of any illegal drug, you must make sure your information is reputable. Problem is most resources provided to a community college funded by the state and federal government are tainted by governmental biases and misconceptions. Honestly, reading some of those articles I realize from first-hand knowledge that they could almost be considered blatent lies.
What I'm looking for is any sources that are trustworthy...meaning truthfully analyzing how ajusting the U.S drug policy would be a wise decision medically as well as any other reasons that could be used in a college paper. There is a wealth of information on this site that could be used, sadly using information off of 420magazine will be seen as unreputable in the eyes of professors.
My goal is to write a paper that is eye-opening to those who have not taken the time to consider the harm done by the U.S drug policies currently in place. I do not just want to write a "stoner-paper" that is only condoning drug/marijuana use because of the joy involved. My paper is an attempt to highlight the hypocricy of how "legal" drugs/substances are just as "harmful" and in many ways could be worse for the human body as well as society as a whole. This paper will not be completely about marijuana, however since MJ has such an amazing potential medically and the fact that it is the most commonly used illegal "drug", marijuana is a solid basis for an argument that goes way beyond my personal beliefs and recreational weed use.
I have not thought of concrete argument points yet, however I was thinking about several ideas:
-highlight the danger/addictive nature of "legal" perscriptions and alcohol.
-the harmful facts about nicotine compaired to similar, yet less addicting and harmful facts about Marijuana.
-the elimination of dangerous black markets created as a result of prohibition along with the money invested in caring for those harmed by violence created by the illegality of certain drugs.
-the numerous safe uses of medicinal marijuana
-the economic benefits of legalization. The money saved when the government stops investing in prosecuting "drug offenders" and incarcerating decent members of society when the money could be used to for medical research and potential cures to big issues.
Obviously there are many other points that can be made. I was just given the prompt today so I am in the very early stages of this paper. I have pleanty of time so I just thought I'd get some feedback, suggestions, and maybe even some good solid resources from people who are not under the bullshit impression that "drugs are bad"...
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Peace!