1. Tandy argued that marijuana use should be kept illegal; Armentano insisted that marijuana use should be legally regulated; while Hall argued that marijuana use needs both epidemiological proofs and cost-benefits analysis of various social policies. Tandy’s mostly used generalizations, Armentano employed analogies, and Hall used causal claims. For Tandy, when cannabis is not for medical use, most often than not, it might only lead to higher incidence of abuse and health risks to both users and nonusers. For Armamento, marijuana should be regulated under special circumstances. Just like some drugs that have “legitimate and substantial health risk,” marijuana use should not also be prohibited among a minority of the population (e.g., with illnesses requiring the need for cannabis use) (Armentano, 2001, p. 232). Prohibition in the use of marijuana would only “forever undermined the federal government’s ability to educate its citizens” (Armentano, 2011, p. 232) Although the first two arguments by Tandy and Armentano seems unbiased, Hall has the most convincing arguments because he equates both sides of the issue in profound ways. He offered objective evidences regarding the prevalence of cannabis use, pros and cons in its use, debate on cannabis policy, evaluations of social policy, and non-partisan views on this controversial issue.
2. Marijuana use, just like any other drugs, has a negative/side effect under atypical circumstances. Federally funded, scientific, and medical studies should inform social policies. It is important to see all sides of the issue concerning cannabis use so that legal prohibition to particular groups of the population and legalization for medical use will be unimpeded by partisan groups. For my part, I really do not agree with the liberal use of cannabis because it will only cause more harm than good, especially among the pre-teenage up to the adolescent groups. If for medical use, that is, with doctor’s prescriptions, why not, especially if it will help the ailing minority (i.e., those with Parkinson’s, cancers, epilepsy, etc.)?
3. Depending on the legal status of marijuana use in our state, I will either report or not a student or professor who use marijuana. If it is illegal in our country, I have to report the case. If it is legal, then why should I report the case to authorities? If a student or professor has a medical prescription in using cannabis, then, I should be more concern about the good effects the marijuana has for him/her. It is best to see the situation in light of the context and not to make uninformed decision. Reporting or accusing someone of using marijuana may only aggravate the predicament of the person concerned.
4. I prefer the claim that marijuana has the potential as a medicine. Considering that “three-fourths of Americans over the age 45 support legalizing marijuana for medical use,” then there must be medical and scientific evidences to support it (Tandy, 2011, p. 228). Before legalizing the use of marijuana, there must be ample agreements among professionals (e.g., researchers, doctors, etc.). Just like previous research results show, cannabis use offers many health benefits (Cohen, 2012; International Business Times, 2012; Sarah & Sally, 1997; The America's Intelligence Wire, 2008). We should continue along this line. Marijuana for medical use should be legal whereas its recreational use should be illegal, prohibited, and penalized. I know that there are dangerous drugs and I do not want to take the risk of legalizing anything that will only cause more harm than good, especially, among the pre-legal age groups or those with history of psychoses, schizophrenias, and related ones.
5. I am often reminded that a knife can have good and bad use. The same holds true in the case of cannabis use. If for medical use, cannabis should be legalized; otherwise, it should not be used simply for recreational purposes. Individuals who have illnesses (e.g., AIDS) would definitely choose to use cannabis if it will help alleviate their pain. However, other people (esp. teens) will only misuse and abuse it. There is really no problem with the prohibition or making marijuana use illegal for the public. What I strongly believe and support is it is wrong to legalize marijuana use simply for the government to increase its budget through taxes. If cannabis really has to be regulated, so be it. However, make sure it will not be detrimental to minors and other people with history of schizophrenia, psychosis, etc. Regulatory measures are not bad if they target the intended groups or population only. In addition, there must be lenient rules and regulations that will punish lawbreakers (i.e., due to cannabis misuse and abuse).
6. Our College does not have any programs about drug use. If ever it has one, I would suggest that health and related subjects should discuss the benefits and harms caused by drugs. We all know that some drugs are dangerous. Depending on the dosage, a drug can cause ill health and even death. Whatever is taken in excess can cause more harm than good. I believe that proper education is the key for teens to be well informed about the effectiveness of their programs on drug use. I agree if there are school (and even community involvement) programs about improving individuals/students’ critical-thinking and higher-emotive abilities. Teachers should properly guide students about reasoning correctly, thinking-through a problem, and coming up with resolutions to dilemmatic situations (that is, concerning drug use).
References
Armentano, P. (2011). Legalize and Regulate Marijuana Use. In J. Boss, THiNK: Critical thinking and logical skills for everyday life (Second ed., pp. 231-232). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Boss, J. (2011). THiNK: Critical thinking and logical skills for everyday life (Second ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Cohen, H. (2012, January 21). Marijuana Doesn’t Harm Lungs. Retrieved from Baseline of Health Foundation: http://www.jonbarron.org/article/marijuana-doesn%E2%80%99t-harm-lungs
Hall, W. (2011). Finding a Way Forward. In J. Boss, THiNK: Critical thinking and logical skills for everyday life (Second ed., pp. 233-235). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
International Business Times. (2012, August 8). 'Medical' Marijuana: 10 Health Benefits That Legitimize Legalization. International Business Times - US Edition.
Sarah, H., & Sally, L. (1997). Medical marijuana gets the high sign. Time Inc. Health, 11(7), 23.
Tandy, K. (2011). Keep Marijuana Illegal. In J. Boss, THiNK: Critical thinking and logical skills for everyday life (Second ed., pp. 229-231). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
The America's Intelligence Wire. (2008, November 20). U. Virginia: Column: Health benefits of marijuana outweigh concerns over misuse. Financial Times Ltd.
