INTRODUCTION Marijuana - often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, mary jane, or mj - is the Nation's most commonly used illicit drug. ... Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug of choice for Americans, exceeded only by alcohol and tobacco in popularity.3 Types of Drugs Used by Past Month Illicit Drug Users Aged 12 or Older: 2002 Marijuana penalties vary nation wide. ... Federal laws prohibiting marijuana are also severe. ... Under legislation signed into law in 1996 states may deny cash aid (e.g., welfare, etc) and food stamps to anyone convicted of f...

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It was a minor scandal involving a minor sport, but it spoke volumes about the world's shifting relationship with its favorite illicit drug. ... One of the more prominent groups that lobbies for the legalization of marijuana is NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). 1. ... Essentially, it is a non-profit interest lobby that represents the interests of millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens who smoke marijuana responsibly. ... The DEA is clearly opposed to the legalization of illicit drugs. ... Decriminalization is the best option for marijuana laws today...

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Former Hawaii Governor, Benjamin Cayetano signed a bill on Wednesday, June 15th 2000, legalizing the medical use of marijuana, making his state the first to pass such a law through the legislature. ... But of course, people in Hawaii are taking advantage of recent changes in Hawaii's laws and using marijuana for recreational purposes. ... Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and tends to be the first illegal drug teens use. ... Califano, Jr., (CASA's) president said, "This study reveals a consistent and powerful connection between the use of cigarett...

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When the law was passed there was virtually no opposition against it and there were no surveys or scientific studies that aided this decision made by congress. ... The vast majority of these people are regular, law-abiding citizens that otherwise would have no confrontations with the law. ... Long-term studies show that use of other illicit drugs among youth almost never occurs unless they have first used marijuana (Kane, Yacoubian). ... There are petitions in every state for laws that are somehow in favor of marijuana. ... My proposition would be to legislate a law permitting the restricted u...

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Finally they would find out how much it is costing government to enforce Canada's pot laws is estimated at 300 million dollars, with only 20,000 people arrested on marijuana possession charges each year. ... Taxes from the legalized selling of marijuana could be used to help those who have problems with more seriously harmful drugs also the money that the government spends on enforcing the marijuana laws could be used in the same way. ... This money could be used to help with more illicit drug trade with stuff like cocaine and heroin and funding overall drug use prevention and treatme...

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The statement has been made for several years, by groups ranging from law enforcement to political, that our local, state, and federal prisons are running out of room because of the number of people incarcerated for drug-related offenses. ... A number of advocates for legalization have suggested that the workload on local law enforcement would ease if marijuana were legal. They suggest that law enforcement resources that had been dedicated to catching marijuana related offenders could now dedicate their efforts to other less demanding areas within the local community. ... The advocates claim ...

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It has been found to be a myth that marijuana is a gateway drug, or a stepping-stone to harder more dangerous drugs. ... Marijuana laws are based on falsehoods, misinformation and just plain fear. ... The laws against marijuana are based on falsehoods, which continue today. ... It is clear that the marijuana laws need reform. ... A regulated, legal market would reduce pot sales and use among teenagers, as well as other illicit drugs. ...

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To stop the trafficking of illicit drugs is just one of many aspects to fighting a successful war on drugs. ... Tough laws and stiff penalties is just a fact of life in getting this point across to the citizens of America who might use and distribute illegal drugs such as marijuana. People seem to respect the law better when the consequence and repercussions are made known to them. ... Meyers, a drug addiction physician at Kaiser Permanente in Carson, California, stated in an argument that this medical agenda of the proponents of marijuana would result in public confusion and in poor...

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Since the 1930's the government has made this drug illegal for US> citizens despite many attempts to legalize the drug. Many claim the drug is less dangerous and addictive than other legal drugs such as nicotine and alcohol. ... Despite all of this, these drugs are legal. ... However, the definition of a gateway drug is not only pointed at marijuana, but other drugs as well. ... Considering any drug a gateway drug can also be coincidental. ...

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Others, make the claim that the legalization of marijuana would actually bring an increase in the use of other drugs, an increase in violent crime, and create a virtual nightmare for law enforcement. ... First, however, I feel it is important for us to take a quick glance at the origins of our current laws against marijuana and how they progressed to where we are today. ... This money could be used, to give an example, to fund drug prevention programs in our schools or community centers. ... Taxpayers are forced to fund the militarization of domestic law enforcement. ... Whether all drugs a...

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Groups have been formed to legalize the drug for medicinal purposes, and other groups have been formed to keep marijuana illegal. ... The Drug II. ... The hemp plant Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, is a very popular drug in the United States for its unique effects. ... The drug affects people differently by how strong the drug is, where it is used, what the user expects to happen, how it is taken, and if other drugs are used. ... It is the single most used illicit drug in the United States (Microsoft Encarta 2001, Marijuana). ...

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