Health Benefits of decriminalizing Marijuana Essay Example

Health Benefits of decriminalizing Marijuana Essay The thought of legalizing marijuana has elicited a raging debate with supporters of the move pointing out the benefits whereas the opponents citing the disadvantages of taking such an initiative. In the United States, individuals are generally opposed to the legalization of marijuana save for its medicinal use. According to a poll conducted jointly by the Associated Press and CNBC, 55% of the population is opposed to decriminalization of marijuana whereas only 33% of the population is for the legalization of the drug (Risling, para 5). In the poll, it was found that majority of those in support of legalization of marijuana belonged to an age group of below 30 years. The poll also revealed that the states in the Western region were most likely to approve medicinal use of the drug whereas women, Republicans, and rural folks were likely to argue against legalization of marijuana (Risling, para 5). Health Benefits of decriminalizing Marijuana: Those in support of legalization of marijuana points out that alcohol and cigarettes are legal substances yet marijuana is criminalized. Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes from the historical past. Historians claim that cannabis has been used by mankind as an antiseptic and a drug in traditional societies. Other medical uses of marijuana emerged in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe (Solomon, p 12). During the 19th century, marijuana became accepted for medicinal purposes by the medical practitioners within the western societies especially after the Napoleon army returned from Egypt. Previously, cannabis was restricted to treating burns. We will write a custom essay sample on Health Benefits of decriminalizing Marijuana specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Health Benefits of decriminalizing Marijuana specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Health Benefits of decriminalizing Marijuana specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Napoleonic army was interested in the drug’s ability to relieve pain and its sedative effects. In the United States, medicinal interest of marijuana developed during the 1860s when the Panel on Cannabis indica of the Ohio State Medical Society revealed the healing capabilities of the drug (Roth, para 5). Marijuana has been confirmed to be having medicinal benefits as it is associated with treating glaucoma, offering relief to chemotherapy patients, and treating psychological problems like the social and anxiety disorders. Marijuana is also known to relieve stress that comes from physical and emotional distress. Proponents of legalization of marijuana have also argued that though marijuana is associated with some harmful effects, other legalized drugs including tobacco and alcohol are even more harmful as research indicates that nicotine is highly addictive compared to marijuana. Also, there are more deaths associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol than from use of marijuana (Martine, para 1). Health Risks of Decriminalizing Marijuana: Opponents of legalization of marijuana argue that the drug has been associated with many health risks both mental and physical. It is said that marijuana smoke contains carcinogenic hydrocarbons which could lead to the development of cancer. Marijuana is said to cause ‘dysregulated growth’ of the epithelial cellular lining of the lungs which may be the starting point for the development of cancer. Since marijuana is a mind-altering drug, it leads to hallucinations and an impaired cognition. The long term use of the drug may lead to irreversible impacts on the brain and its functioning. There have been revelations that intensive use of the drug may lead to mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and suicidal tendencies (Martine, para 6). Decriminalization of marijuana for whatever reason whether it is medical or any other may lead to ease in accessing the drug for the wrong reasons. Legalizing the use of marijuana will amount to abandoning the already positive steps that have been achieved in the fight against drugs. The fight against drug use is facilitated through a well balanced model of deterrence, enforcement, and management of the drugs. Illegal drugs are so due to their harmful nature thus there is no need to decriminalize such substances as an afterthought. Marijuana smoking has not been scientifically approved as medicinal. The version of marijuana that has some scientific approval for its medicinal value is the ‘marinol’ (Boire, p 12). This therefore holds no ground for the legalization of marijuana in its whole meaning. In any case that the use of marijuana will be legalized; there is a high chance that high levels of use and addiction will be recorded (Solomon, p 25). Conclusion: There is no doubt that legalization of marijuana is a contestable issue with each side championing for its course. However, a keen look at the scenario indicates that the benefits of decriminalizing marijuana are of little significance when compared to the associated risks. The fact that tobacco and alcohol are legal despite their health risks should not be advanced in looking for the legalization of marijuana. Tobacco and other legal drugs are harmful to human health but that should not mean that we should introduce other harmful drugs in the market. Already we are feeling the toll of drinking and tobacco smoking in our society and adding marijuana to the equation would not help. Though the medicinal implications of marijuana can not be wished away, research should concentrate on other alternatives other than focusing on marijuana. Legalizing marijuana would bring a situation where it will be difficult to control its use as the drug will be readily available to abusers. Work Cited: Boire, R. Glen. Marijuana law. 1996. Oakland, CA: Ronin Pub. Martine, Michael. â€Å"Devil Weed† – To Legalize or Not. Retrieved on 12th May 2010 from; http://sirmons. wordpress. com/2010/04/20/devil-weed-to-legalize-or-not/. Risling, Greg. Most in U. S. against legalizing pot, poll shows: But more are accepting of medical marijuana, AP-CNBC survey says. 2010. Retrieved on 12th May 2010 from; http://www. msnbc. msn. com/id/36650347/ns/health-more_health_news/. Roth, Rebecca. Medical Marijuana. Retrieved on 12th May 2010 from; http://serendip. brynmawr. edu/exchange/node/1901 Solomon, Snyder. Legalization: A Debate. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs. 1988. Series 2. Chelsea House Publishers. New York.

The Great Gatsby Past Grandeur of the American Dream Essays

The Great Gatsby Past Grandeur of the American Dream Essays The Great Gatsby Past Grandeur of the American Dream Essay The Great Gatsby Past Grandeur of the American Dream Essay Essay Topic: The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby Is a book staged during the Jazz Age period. It was a time which was also known also as the roaring twenties, after World War l. America was going through a massive change and social reform. The poor and middle class had a chance to rise to be with the much higher class of the social system. It was known as the American Dream. In which where anyone could rise up to wealth. It was also romantic and innocent dream of living the morally perfect life. Unfortunately enough, although it seemingly was a wondrous thing it didnt always end positively. The rise of the middle to the upper class resulted in clashing of values, whether it was moral, ethical, social or economic. The American Dream was quickly lost and twisted under these changed corrupt values. What was known as a pure wish of happiness cascaded down into a twisted struggle of materialistic pride. However, the book, even when pointing out all of Its faults, manages to continually show the past grandeur and brilliance of the showing off nature of the American Dream. It Is evident throughout the book that the American Dream has corrupted. With Gatsby rather Illegal Job and the nature In which romance was more about the money Instead of spiritual fulfillment. However, although not as obvious, hints of the old American Dream was still in there. Especially in weekly parties held at Gatsby estate. The American Dream, with the rise of the middle classes economic status, meant the introduction of parties which were different to usual ones. Parties held between the West and East Egg were evidently very deferent, or more specifically between Gatsby and the East Egg. Gatsby parties were by far much more exaggerated and chaotic. People could Just turn up, many of them without invitation. The only time in which we hear of an invitation existing was when Nick was invited. l believe that on the first night I went to Gatsby house I was one of the few guests who had actually been Invited. People were not Invited they went there He turned up, by himself, chauffeured. This was, to put It bluntly, excessive. Nick lived Just next door, the time spent getting on and off the carriage would have been enough to walk to his neighbors, Gatsby, mansion. Even before entering the gates Nick could see he bustling from within the estate, people chattering and the band playing. The noise and chaos only became the more evident as he actually entered the crowd of people dancing and chatting away. The unruly behavior is further emphasized by the following passage: They conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park. Sometimes they came and went without having met Gatsby at all, came for the party with a simplicity of heart that was its own ticket of admission. On top of many of the guests being uninvited, they acted without care as If they were at an open festival Instead of someones privately owned place. To even go as far to not meet, the person who Is holding the party or owns the land, Gatsby. There were even inure orchestras that performed at these parties. Everything was excessively over the top, extravagant, and bustling with noise. To put it simply, it was grand. Gatsby and Daisy. Jay Gats by pursued Daisy with no end. Daisy was actually a major encouragement to Gatsby wish of wealth and social status. Gatsby wasnt all the secretive about his pursuit for Daisy. He hardly knew Nick and asked for his co- operation of inviting Daisy over to help them meet. Even at the dinner with other people they display their affection by openly kissing each other, right in front of them. Its more of a display of bragging that they are so in love than anything. Gatsby goes through much to attract Daisy. He shows off his shirts by throwing them all over the room, impressing Daisy by his immense wealth. Gatsby has a very sort of large sense of care for Daisy. He will basically take care of every one of Daisys needs. He even allows the wish in which Daisy wants to have an affair. He does this in such a manner where it appears as if he is merely showing off his wealth and how he can please a woman, but really he Just cares for Daisy. Its Just that Gatsby is very open about this fact. The American Dream, as corrupt as it was, did contain remnants of its previous grandiose nature. With the extravagant parties and showing off things that others may lack. Keeping these aspects from the old American Dream new qualities have been added, rather negative qualities like the corruption of moral and ethical values and values in general.

Individual Employment Law under Family And Friendly Right Coursework

Individual Employment Law under Family And Friendly Right - Coursework Example The same law applies to the case of Bruce who believes he has all the rights to take an emergency leave and still not face a disciplinary action. Bruce has the right to take care of his family. Being an employee of the Royal Mail for over fifteen years, his potential is worth being realized by the employer. The respective committee should not take his misfortunes, which rendered him to take an emergency leave as the root to any disciplinary actions against him. First, it should be understood that uncertainties can happen at any given point in life, which would certainly interfere with any person’s schedule of activities and their job as well. In this case, having to take his wife, Mary, to the hospital or even offer care to her, due to her serious illness, should not be mistaken for any other cause of the absence. Further, before leaving, he went ahead to leave a short notice about his intention to take the leave (Farnham 2000). The law provides for any employee, the right to get some time off or a leave, in the case of illnesses or the need to carry out other responsibilities, which may be proven crucial on the basis of such provisions. However, despite the given notice to his organization regarding his short leave, the best he could do was to consider the greater priority between the job, and taking care of the family emergency (Dale 2000). He could possibly have adjusted to the situation, since her mother, who would have accompanied his wife to the hospital, got ill. Since this happened, there was no option left for him but to take on the situation forgoing the time and the responsibilities he would have spent at work. However, the best thing for Bruce to do was to make adjustments regarding the laid down plans known to the employers. This he did by calling the line manager the soonest possible. However, the act on medical leave, gives an allowance for all eligible workers, to take a leave of up to twelve weeks every year, without any fears of discipl inary actions such as losing their jobs. This leave provision applies to those organizations with fifty employees or more, working within the same location of the employee seeking the leave. This may have been ignored, when the decision to punish Bruce for his change of plans by extending his leave, was taken. The leave also applies to those workers, who have spend more than twelve months with an employee, or at least twelve months; registered working hours of at least 1,250 hours a year, before the time of taking the leave according to Lewis (2008). Based on the Act provisions discussed through this source, Bruce is qualified for this leave, since he had been working with Royal Mail for over 15 years. The same act has its scope with which to protect. There are certain circumstances that are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act. Beyond such circumstances, his employee could impose a penalty on the person taking his time off from work accordingly. Such circumstances include th e birth of a child or its adoption, the care of a child belonging to the employee, care for his or her spouse or parent. These have to be in a serious medical condition for the employee to deserve the leave. It could also be done if the employee has some serious medical c