The following are topics to be considered for your 5 page APA research term paper.
Choose a topic, research it and state your position but… support your position with research and data. You should have 5 pages in total. Do not include an abstract. Please make sure your citations are correct. Anything with more than a 20% similarity index is a failing paper. I will remove the reference page on my end if all of your similarity is in the reference page. The paper will be due in week 12.
Page 1- Cover page (Do not put any pictures follow APA format)
Page 2- Content
Page 3- Content
Page 4- Content
Page 5- Reference Page
There will be a draft drop box in week 12 that will allow you to check the similarity before a final submission. After checking the draft YOU must submit a final paper in the final submission drop box.
Topics:
Should marijuana be legal in every state?
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant that is used for recreational and medicinal purposes. The debate over the legal status of marijuana has been ongoing for decades, with proponents arguing that it has potential medical benefits and should be legalized, while opponents argue that it can be harmful and should remain illegal. In this essay, we will examine the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana in every state, as well as the current legal status of marijuana in the United States.
One of the main arguments in favor of marijuana legalization is the potential for medical benefits. Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and more recently, research has suggested that it may be effective in treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy (National Academy of Sciences, 2017). Some studies have even suggested that marijuana may be effective in reducing the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms and in reducing opioid overdose deaths (Bachhuber et al., 2014).
Another argument in favor of marijuana legalization is that it could generate significant tax revenue for states. Legalizing and regulating marijuana would allow states to control its production and sale, and states could impose taxes on these activities. For example, Colorado, which legalized marijuana in 2012, has generated millions of dollars in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana (Colorado Department of Revenue, 2020). This revenue could be used to fund various programs and services, such as education and healthcare.
However, there are also arguments against the legalization of marijuana. One concern is the potential for negative health effects. While some research has suggested that marijuana may have potential medical benefits, other studies have found that it can have negative effects on mental health, including an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Hall & Degenhardt, 2009). Additionally, marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of car accidents and other accidents (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2016).
Another argument against marijuana legalization is that it could increase its use, particularly among young people. Some studies have found that marijuana use is more common among individuals who live in states where it is legal (Hasin et al., 2017). This could lead to an increase in marijuana-related problems, such as addiction and impaired cognitive function.
Currently, marijuana is illegal under federal law, but some states have legalized it for medicinal or recreational purposes. As of January 2021, 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and 36 states have legalized it for medicinal use (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2021). However, it is important to note that the possession and sale of marijuana is still illegal under federal law, even in states where it is legal. This can create conflicts between state and federal law, as well as difficulties for businesses operating in the marijuana industry.
In conclusion, the debate over the legalization of marijuana is complex and ongoing. While there are arguments in favor of legalization, including the potential for medical benefits and tax revenue, there are also concerns about negative health effects and an increase in use, particularly among young people. The current legal status of marijuana in the United States is a patchwork, with some states legalizing it while it remains illegal under federal law. Ultimately, the decision whether to legalize marijuana should be based on a careful examination of the evidence and the potential consequences of legalization.
References:
Bachhuber, M. A., Saloner, B., Cunningham, C. O., & Barry, C. L. (2014). Medical cannabis laws and opioid analgesic overdose mortality in the United States, 1999-2010. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(10), 1668-1673.
Colorado Department of Revenue. (2020). Marijuana tax data. Retrieved fro
