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Introduction
Marijuana has been known for centuries and has played a noteworthy role in human history, being used for religious ceremonies, rope, medicine and recreation, among other registered uses. A vast amount of suggestions have been developed concerning other uses, or consequences of using marijuana. Nowadays, there is an on-going battle of legalizing drugs, particularly marijuana. Since this particular drug is considered both a religious and medicinal commodity, there are countless reasons for its legalization; however, what is being overlooked is the fact that once marijuana were to become a legalized drug, it would open the doors to allow for the legalization of other, more dangerous drugs and practices. As well, it is important to realize the lessons such legalization would say to vulnerable children who then think it was acceptable to participate in using it as a recreational drug. As for religious use of marijuana, tolerance and exemption for those who practice this ritual will create entrances as well to other groups wanting to legalize their illegal practice. Furthermore, policies and guidelines would have to be implemented to ensure that the marijuana obtained by these followers is safe and done in a legal manner. Indeed, there are many reasons why marijuana should remain an illegal substance, not the least of which has to do with the moral and ethical impact.
Effects of Marijuana
With the much talked about effects of marijuana verses say tobacco and alcohol, society is generally split between which they think is more harmful. Given all the hype around marijuana and the medical benefits of it, society and governments as well are starting to conclude that it is a mild drug. ... To get the straight and reliable facts of marijuana and its effects, Health Canada thoroughly explains marijuana in its entirety; the physical description, the origin and medicinal uses, the short term and the long term effects, the tolerance and dependence and its legal status. ...
The long term effects are:
ć Difficulties with memory and concentration however these tend to go away when the short-term user ceases smoking marijuana.
ć A single joint of marijuana yields much more tar than a strong cigarette. ...
ć Studies suggest that developmental delays may occur in children whose mother used marijuana heavily in the past.
ć Recent research findings indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse. ...
Although aggressive behaviour is not associated with marijuana, users will pose a threat to the public. ... Marijuana does not seem as serious as other well known drugs, however, if legalized for religious ceremonies, we will have to determine under what conditions it will be allowed. ... Will marijuana be
restricted to certain members of the religion or to all members (i. ... Also, what will need to be determined is how users will obtain the marijuana without it being from an illegal source. ...
Religion
The main religion that encourages the use of marijuana is Rastafarianism. ... Also included in their doctrine is the emphasis of smoking marijuana. ... The conclusion trying to be made here is that this doctrine on marijuana use is based on conditionally preferring those passages that can be forced to harmonize with it. ... In our research, we have found no sound evidence that Rastafarianism has any form of strict rules on how and when marijuana is taken in. ... However, marijuana instantly enslaves the mind. ... There is no such thing as responsible marijuana smoking. ... Often, the principles of ethics and law conflict with each other given the complexity of the situation, which is certainly the issue with the case of religious use of marijuana. ... It has been viewed as immoral since the Opium and Narcotic Act came into effect in 1908 and when marijuana was made illegal in 1923 , and will continue to be, given the various consequences that are believed to be associated with drug use.
Although lobbyers of decriminalization of marijuana use will argue that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol , society will continue to regard marijuana use as immoral regardless of whether or not it is decriminalized or eventually legal. ... The case for decriminalizing drugs by Douglas Husak, President of the United States George Bush states that: ¡§legalizing drugs would completely undermine the message that drug use is wrong.
Approximate Word count = 3557
Approximate Pages = 14.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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