Should the U.S. Legalize Marijuana?

Should the U.S. Legalize Marijuana?

The recreational use of marijuana has been glamorized over the years by such on-screen duos as Cheech & Chong and Harold & Kumar, but is the drug everything that Hollywood makes it out to be? Then again, are we being hypocritical by allowing alcohol consumption but not cannabis usage? With passionate believers on both sides of the argument, it will be interesting to see what happens when the smoke clears.

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  • “No”
  • “Objection”
David Evans

Use of Marijuana Leads to Other Drugs

David Evans

Drug Free Schools Coalition

Marijuana is far more powerful today than it was years ago and it serves as a an entry point for the use of other illegal drugs. This is known as the “gateway effect.” The use of marijuana in early adolescence is particularly dangerous. Adults who used marijuana early were five times more likely to become dependent on any drug and eight times more likely to use cocaine and fifteen times more likely to use heroin later in life.

Evidence

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Addiction, 2006; 101:556-569
"Regular or Heavy Use of Cannabis Was Associated with Increased Risk of Using Other Illicit Drugs"
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Congress of the United States,14 March 2006
"Twenty-Five Year Longitudinal Study Affirms Link Between Marijuana Use and Other Illicit Drug Use"
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What Americans Need to Know About Marijuana
Office of National Drug Control Policy. October 2003. Page 9.; The DEA Position On Marijuana, DEA.gov
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