Posted: February 26th, 2023

TOPIC: Marijuana use should be Prohibited

TOPIC: Marijuana use should be Prohibited

SUBJECT: Philosophy. MLA format doble spacing 12.5 Times New Roman ex: 1:Introducction 2:Explanation 3:Reasons 4:Principle -distintions -examples 5:Objection 6:Replay objection 7:Conclusion

Introduction:

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that has been used for various purposes throughout history, including for medicinal and recreational use. In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether or not the use of marijuana should be prohibited. This paper argues that marijuana use should be prohibited for several reasons, including its negative effects on health, its potential for addiction, and its impact on social and economic issues.

Explanation:

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that alters the user’s mood, perception, and behavior. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main chemical responsible for its effects on the brain. When smoked or ingested, THC is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, which leads to the user experiencing a “high” sensation. While some argue that marijuana use is harmless, research has shown that it can have negative effects on both the body and mind.

Reasons:

Firstly, the negative effects of marijuana on health cannot be overlooked. Smoking marijuana can cause respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and lung infections. It can also impair cognitive function, including memory, attention, and concentration. Additionally, marijuana use can cause anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis in some individuals. Long-term use of marijuana has been associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, including depression and schizophrenia.

Secondly, marijuana has the potential to be addictive. While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, some individuals can develop a dependency on the drug. This can lead to a range of problems, including difficulty quitting, withdrawal symptoms, and an increased risk of other substance abuse.

Thirdly, the social and economic impacts of marijuana use cannot be ignored. Marijuana use can lead to impaired driving, which can result in accidents and fatalities. It can also lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and decreased motivation in the workplace. Additionally, the illegal drug trade associated with marijuana use can contribute to crime and violence in communities.

Principle:

The principle underlying the prohibition of marijuana use is based on the harm principle. The harm principle asserts that individuals should be free to do as they please, as long as their actions do not harm others. However, the use of marijuana can harm both the individual using it and others around them. As such, prohibiting marijuana use is justified on the grounds of preventing harm to individuals and society as a whole.

Distinctions:

It is important to distinguish between the prohibition of marijuana use and the criminalization of individuals who use marijuana. Prohibiting marijuana use does not necessarily mean that individuals who use marijuana should be criminalized. Instead, it means that the use of marijuana should be regulated, with appropriate penalties for those who violate regulations.

Examples:

Countries such as the Netherlands and Uruguay have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while others, such as Canada and some states in the United States, have legalized it for medicinal use. However, this does not necessarily mean that marijuana use should be legalized everywhere. Each country or state must consider their own unique social, cultural, and economic factors when deciding whether or not to legalize marijuana.

Objection:

One objection to the prohibition of marijuana use is that it is a violation of individual freedom and autonomy. Some argue that individuals should be free to make their own choices about what they put into their bodies, regardless of the potential harm it may cause. Additionally, others argue that the government should not have the power to prohibit substances that have been used for centuries for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Rebuttal:

While it is true that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices, this freedom is not absolute. The harm principle provides a justification for limiting individual freedom when it leads to harm to others. Additionally, the prohibition of marijuana use does not necessarily mean that individuals cannot use it for medicinal or spiritual purposes. It simply means that its use should be regulated to minimize harm to individuals and society as a whole.

Furthermore, while marijuana has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for centuries, our understanding of its effects on health and society has evolved over time. With advancements in medical research and technology, we now know more about the potential risks and benefits of marijuana use than ever before. As such, our approach to its use should be guided by evidence-based policies that prioritize public health and safety.

The prohibition of marijuana use is justified based on the harm principle, which asserts that individuals should be free to do as they please as long as their actions do not harm others. While some may object to the prohibition of marijuana use on the grounds of individual freedom and autonomy, the potential negative effects of marijuana on health, addiction, and social and economic issues provide strong justifications for its prohibition. As such, policymakers should consider the evidence-based policies that prioritize public health and safety when deciding whether or not to prohibit or legalize marijuana use.