"The War On Drugs" an Essay by me

[SmokeyPotter]

Ok, So I've been up all night(the the help of my friend Adderall) writing this paper, I hope it makes some sense. I was supposed to define a term and then give my thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy


Nicholas Edward Brady
Symposium - Luke Mancuso
Definition Essay
"The War on Drugs"

Drugs. Illegal Drugs to be more specific. The emotions that this simple word invokes in many people are so strong that it has become a centerpiece in our modern culture. It seems as if everyone has their own differing opinion of drugs; negative, positive or perhaps neutral. Who is to say which is correct? Most opinions towards drugs are not without bias, and most were formed from preexisting notions and beliefs. So, in the end, isn't it still just a personal opinion? I believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, whether those beliefs are base on fact or not. However, I do not believe that the government of the United States of America should create laws banning freedoms, based solely on personal beliefs, not facts. What happened when our government did this? Something called "The War on Drugs" was established.
Historically, the "War on Drugs" has it's first roots in the Food and Drug Act of 1906. This was actually the most effective federally mandated drug control. The act did not call for the prohibition of any substances, instead ensured that products met certain standards of purity and were properly labeled. People could use drugs responsibly by knowing that what they were using was indeed labeled as such and in a pure form. Federal drug control should have ended in 1906 with this act, obviously it did not. In the years following, the first drug regulations were put into place with the Harrison Narcotics Control Act. This act did not prohibit the use of, but rather regulated the sale of certain narcotics such as opium, heroin and cocaine. In 1917 congress approved the 18th amendment, which brought the prohibition of alcohol. However, with this prohibition, alcohol use did not diminish at all, but instead usage rose to higher levels than before prohibition was commissioned. Not only did the use of alcohol rise, but as did violence and crime. This was due to underground crime-rings involving gangs and the black market. The nation witnessed firsthand the disastrous consequences of prohibition and the 18th amendment was repealed with the ratification of the 21st amendment.
Around this time, an influx of Mexican immigrants began and with it brought the spread of marijuana. Up until this time marijuana was generally unknown by the general public and not considered dangerous. However as the number of Mexican immigrants grew, many white citizens began to look negatively upon these "different" people. Coincidentally, in 1937, marijuana was made illegal to possess, sell and grow. Why was it made illegal? History speaks for itself. By criminalizing marijuana, the government could, in theory, control the swell of Mexicans crossing our borders since it was widely known that marijuana was widely popular among them. So in actuality, the prohibition of marijuana is based largely on discrimination. I for one, refuse to accept any law based on that. Finally, in 1970, President Nixon officially began our modern "War on Drugs" with the "Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act".
Simply put, "The War on Drugs" has failed miserably. It has resulted in a massive black market, where money from the sale of illegal substances directly funds organized crime. The criminalization of drugs did not deter criminal activities in the slightest, but rather fuel these activities which have risen exponentially since drugs became illegal. You would think that our government would have learned it's lesson from the prohibition of alcohol, but apparently not.
It was true in 1920 and it is still true today, the criminalization of any drug will only give rise to the underground sale of that drug.
Moreover, how does the government have any say in what we, as citizens of this free nation, choose to do with our own bodies? The main argument people who believe in Pro-Choice make is that a woman has the right to her own body. Laws have been passed making abortion government-approved. Where is the logic behind allowing a woman to terminate her pregnancy and kill the fetus inside of her, and not allowing some friends to pass around a marijuana filled pipe. The first example ends with a dead human being. The second results end in, at worst, bloodshot eyes, nonsensical banter about why Jerry Garcia should be made a saint and two empty bags of Funyuns. Which is more detrimental to society? Opponents may argue that a drug user is dangerous to others around him or her. They may point out cases of drug users killing innocent people in auto accidents or even a person intoxicated with drugs committing violent crimes such as assault, rape or murder. However, situations such as these do not apply to all drugs, and the users of these drugs obviously did not use them in a responsible manner. Marijuana, for example, could lead to a fatal auto accident. However, it is not the drug to blame, but instead an irresponsible user of the drug that would drive while under the influence. In addition, the only users of marijuana that would become violent while under the influence are people that have normally violent personalities. The normal responsible marijuana smoker would not wish violence on anyone, let alone have the motivation to commit a violent crime.
On the topic of auto accidents, violent crimes and other undesirable outcomes caused by drug use, I might as well bring up the most socially acceptable, and dangerous drug in our society. That of course would be alcohol. Alcohol is indeed an enigma. The media advertises this drug constantly, it's use is glorified in television and movies, it is the most widely used drug today. And yet, alcohol is deadly in high doses, causes irreparable liver damage, is highly addictive and brings out aggression. And I almost forgot, alcohol is totally legal for adults over 21. Let us compare those facts with marijuana, a socially unacceptable and illegal drug. No one has ever died from marijuana poisoning, in fact one would have to smoke 80 pounds in one sitting to die. Marijuana does not destroy any cellular tissue, however habitual use causes a fatty layer to form around the brain, slowing activity. Although, by quitting, brain function returns to normal. The only real medical risk is smoke inhalation, however that's not enough of a reason to criminalize tobacco, the most harmful of all smoked drugs. Smoking is not the only method of use, marijuana can be ingested with no lung damage. Marijuana is not physically addicting, it can however become a hard habit to break if used irresponsibly. I find it shocking and disgusting how our society defends it's love affair with alcohol, statistically the deadliest drug in America, and preaches the harm of marijuana and other illegal substances. I hope I am not the only one who sees a dangerous double standard here. "The War on Drugs" is dangerous, based on misinformation(if any information at all), and obstructive to freedoms we should have a right to. First and foremost Marijuana should be legalized. There are no logical medical risks( besides smoke inhalation if smoked ), our government would actually benefit from regulating it, by imposing taxes, and a natural growing plant should not be made illegal. It has been on this earth longer than any humans. All other natural growing plants and fungi should not fall under restricted either. Age restrictions should be imposed, as with currently legal drugs.
Overall, it is extremely obvious to see the flaws in our "War on Drugs". Society as a whole needs to become better informed about drugs. Drug education should not be bias, it should be truthful and informational. It is then, when one is educated on the facts, should he or she be allowed to make an informed decision. Legalization of marijuana today, and other drugs later down the road, is the only logical step we can take as a "free" society. People, in general, need to take what they know about drugs and throw that out the window. As a free society we need far more education, not regulation. Education leads knowledge. And knowledge is a powerful ally.

SmokeyPotter Reviewed by SmokeyPotter on 11-22-2004. "The War On Drugs" an Essay by me Ok, So I've been up all night(the the help of my friend Adderall) writing this paper, I hope it makes some sense. I was supposed to define a term and then give my thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy :D Nicholas Edward Brady Symposium - Luke Mancuso Definition Essay "The War on Drugs" Drugs. Illegal Drugs to be more specific. The emotions that this simple word invokes in many people are so strong that it has become a centerpiece in our modern culture. It seems as if everyone has their Rating: 5

[SmokeyPotter]

Ok, so I read through it again, and I realize that there a couple of mistakes and confusing parts. Damn, I wish I woulda proofread this better before Emailing it to my prof...

heh

[Reefer Rogue]

dude that was an awesome paper if that doesnt get an "A" its because ur teacher doesnt want to hear the truth!

[SmokeyPotter]

Thanks dude, yeah hopefully I get a decent grade, I don't like not sleeping for nothing. heh

[JonnyEagle]

That is a damn good essay my man. Can i have permission to use that to educate some of my anti-weed friends?

[GooseBear]

MMmmm? I am stoned while reading this but it seems that your paragraphs seem very long. My proffesor always has us keep to one subject per paragraph. Makes it less confusing.
I can't think any more my cat on my lap is lovingly digging his claws intomy thigh>!
Recomoedns more proof about MJ>>ect...
peace

[Day Dreamin Faze]

FUCK THE WAR ON DRUGS,WE HAVE A PLANT,YOU HAVE A GUN!!

[SmokeyPotter]

Yeah, feel free to use this however you want. Knowledge is power. Spread the truth!

Goose: yeah, my prof doesn't give a shit about proper format or anything like that. So I kinda have a little freestyle paragraph thing going on.

[geoffrowley19]

dude, that was damn good...its like.. ive been trying to say all that to people but just didnt know how to say it...good job dude

[GooseBear]

oh okay Peace and good paper!