Global-High-zation

College of Western Idaho

Marijuana Laws and Limits

Brandonhope@mycwi.cc

ENG 102-035W

Local Argumentative Essay

October 17, 2012

Abstract: The constant public upheaval of federal government laws over medical marijuana continue to grow and as it has put more stress on the states, medical dispensaries and patients involved. The federal government is slowly loosening its grip on a state level with the fading ideology of past policies and rise of future pro-pot policy.

Every day we see local issues arise that were never issues before. Change occurs in small increments. One of these changes that are knocking on Idaho's door is the argument over illicit marijuana use in the treasure valley, and why instead of regulating it we continue to choose to enflame the black market with unregulated product. Regulation is the only route we have to curbing the rising costs of illegal marijuana. The general consensus of the population is in favor of medical marijuana use, more than 50 percent by low estimates, and although twenty six states and the District of Columbia had laws for medicinal marijuana, the federal government still formally opposes it. The stark differences from states’ legalities have led to much confusion and a new approach is needed to help medical marijuana users in Idaho. A better plan is needed, one with a clearer and more comprehensive approach for marijuana users in Idaho.

More people today have taken to a liberal use of marijuana in today's society. The consequences of the war on drugs has seen controversial moments, such as the very first marijuana tax introduced in 1937, requiring sellers to obtain licenses that were never licensed by the United States federal government. The effect has been countless dollars spent on a money pit, fueling the black trade and cartels strength. We as humans are flawed, and enjoy mind-altering substances. This dates back centuries and is intertwined even in religion. For example the marijuana use was banned by Napoleon after he realized how much pot was actually smoked by the Egyptians, thus tightening his control over their society even more. Many of these drugs can be harmful for you and can be addicting, but marijuana has been unfairly cropped as one of the enemies on the war on drugs. The public's perception of marijuana has radically changed over the past century. Susan Okie wrote an article that showcases the federal regulations and how the states are not really upholding the federal stance on marijuana, “Nevertheless, marijuana advocates insist that the long-running battle between federal and state governments over the medicinal use of marijuana is far from over. Activists next plan to focus on getting more states to pass laws legalizing medical marijuana” (The New England Journal of Medicine Issue 353). Laws that were set with a totally different mindset and bias are still in effect, and the people seem to be speaking up for their rights.

As said by Chiriquí Pacula in an article she wrote “There is so much confusion regarding the prevalence of medical marijuana laws, their history, and what the laws actually allow" (JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY V.23 Issue 4). From state to state confusion reigns and a new assessment of the scenario is required. New legislation has been trying to succeed and has failed for the past two years. The Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, or HB 370, was brought up and related to protecting Idahoans with serious and debilitating medical-conditions from prosecution for having or using medical marijuana prescribed by their physicians. This would help tremendously, and put some ease into the people who really need the medical prescription of marijuana to stay healthy. According to Rep. Tom Trail (R – Moscow) via telephone interview, "there is no current legislation in the agenda" this is given credit though to the two previous failed attempts at introducing this to legislation for debate. Clear evidence from the community continues to show support for future pushes of medical marijuana in Idaho's future sessions. As stated in a report to congress from Mark Eddy,

Fourteen states, covering about 27% of the U.S. population, have enacted laws to allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.71 These states have removed state-level criminal penalties for the cultivation, possession, and use of medical marijuana, if such use has been recommended by a medical doctor. All of these states have in place, or are developing, programs to regulate the use of medical marijuana by approved patients" (Congressional Research Service).

Congressman Representative Tom Trail of Moscow, continues to make headway for patients' rights in the state of Idaho, he said “Moscow Republican Representative Tom Trail wants to change that. Idahoans will soon be hearing about his new bill: the Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. This would protect Idahoans with serious and debilitating medical conditions from arrest and prosecution for using medical marijuana under their physician's recommendation” (Idahostatesman). Within the next half dozen years the progress made in the pro-pot movement will be significant, especially being pushed by our local representatives.

So as the government figures out what to do with the industry that is seemingly growing in their own backyard, the black market continues to thrive from the exchange of illegal marijuana sales across state lines. Making its street value much more than what it actually is. The contributions of cash flow of marijuana could be tremendous, but if anything has happened, it has steered money away from the state. "We know of at least 500 Idaho clients that have bought property in Oregon just in the last 60 days... They don't want to break the law, so this is going to be their new home. Idaho is losing residents, there's no doubt about it" (Boise Weekly). The prosecution of marijuana has turned into a money pit for states still deciding when to de-regulate marijuana. As an expense, and criminal offense, the percussions from someone smoking pot can be great and unforeseen. Overstated and over exaggerated are the penalized consequences for the crimes of marijuana. Imagine instead of being a negative factor to the budget, we could be taking on the role of regulator could seeing profits from a whole new revenue that the government never thought possible or has not had the chance to do.

(Boise Weekly)

This change in policy would also shed new light on the role of marijuana in people's lives. The public wants marijuana within legal parameters so they can smoke marijuana in peace. The shadows of fear and guilt are apparent even through local articles covering the sale of medical marijuana to Idaho patients. In an article from Boise Weekly it said "Since 45th Parallel opened its doors two months ago, perhaps hundreds of Idahoans have traveled to the marijuana dispensary, the only one of its kind within seven hours of the Idaho/Oregon border. We say "perhaps" because none of the current and soon-to-be customers BW spoke with wanted their names printed. There's a good reason: while each has been referred for medical marijuana by a physician, clients know they can't legally bring it back to Idaho" (Boise Weekly). As well as the ability to obtain their medicines without fear and paying high street prices would hugely benefit the patient. The owner of the marijuana dispensary 45th Parallel said,”No. 1, we'll only sell at low prices. Marijuana is

anywhere from $300 to $600 an ounce on the street. We'll sell it for $150 to $250 an ounce. We're not here to make a profit. No. 2, we will not buy directly from a grower. They must be state-approved, and we will only sell their marijuana on consignment" (Boise Weekly). This is coincides with the rigorous goals of the regulations set forth by the State of Oregon, and shows that the goal here is not profit, but really helping the patient get a better product and feel more comfortable in their own life.

The future of medical marijuana will only get brighter and stronger, as the old ideology will pass on. As the political ideology cycle continues, the once so called radical ideology of the past is now the popular consensus of the future. All great ideas go through this complicated phase of societal acceptance. The debate of marijuana is constantly changing. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine in an article by Diane E. Hoffmann and Ellen Weber it stated "Medical experts have also taken a fresh look at the evidence regarding the therapeutic use of marijuana, and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently adopted a resolution urging review of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, noting it would support rescheduling if doing so would facilitate research and development of cannabis-based medicine" (The New England Journal of Medicine Issue 362). This is an obvious self check that I think our government will go through as soon as possible. The laws in effect are ineffective to Americans current views and paths. Even newcomer politician Paul Ryan said “It is up to Coloradans to decide” (Idahostatesman). This is the new response toward the pro-pot movement than most traditional politicians. The future is bright, as there is no stopping time. The need for a government supported plan on medical marijuana is needed, or, marijuana continues to be used for whatever purposed the public see fit, with or without the government, legal or illegal.

Works Cited

Eddy, Mark. "Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies." Congressional Research Service (2010): 1. Print.

Hoffman, Diane E., J.D., and Ellen Weber, J.D. "Medical Marijuana and the Law." The New England Journal of Medicine 362 (2010): 1453+. Print

Okie, Susan, M.D. "Medical Marijuana and the Supreme Court." The New England Journal of Medicine 353 (2005): 648+. Print.

Pacula, R. L. Chriqui. "State Medical Marijuana Laws: Understanding the Laws and Their Limitations." JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY 23.4 (2002): 413-39. Google Scholar. Web. 23 Sept. 2012.

Prentice, George. "Medical Marijuana Right Across the Border | A tour of 45th Parallel, a new medical marijuana dispensary | News | Boise Weekly." Boise Weekly. N.p., 11 May 2011. Web. 16 Sept. 2012.

Riccardi, Nicholas, and Kristen Wyatt. "Denver:Ryan: Dont interfere with legalized medical pot | National Politics | Idahostatesman.com "Idahostatesman.com. N.P.,n.d.Web.16 Sept. 2012.

Trail,Tom. Idaho Rep-Moscow. Telephone Interview. 9 Sept. 2012

Journal Entry #6

When people ask me what religion I am, or if I believe in the lord Jesus Christ, I reply that my personal view of religion has broadened and widened over the past couple of years. This may be to the self realization I am having with my own path in life and how I want to find out for myself. I usually reply that I am monotheistic ( I use to consider my agnostic until I read the actual definition in the text) and that I do believe in the fundamentals of monotheism, I just don't know who god is and what his plan really is. I think I have been humbled enough to the point to be able to understand most perspectives, but still being able to be objective at the same time. What really matters to me in life is people, that's what I end up saying. That we are all here for each other and self progression, this much we do know, so why not push it to the best of my abilities? I feel sometimes religion is a means to put justification for things in life. Justification of good and what's evil. Most religions today seem to cater to the people instead of the people catering to the holiness, or even mutual respect of nature has been lost. I enjoy reading about the indigenous cultures because I see common ground with them in the respect of nature and how everything is connected.

Concert on a Sunday Afternoon-

As the concert proceeded, I realized that the true idea of the cathedral and how it adds a much more impressive dynamic to the performance. The stained glass windows, was very easy on the eyes while the noon Sunday sunshine came through. I think I was the youngest person here. It made me think about how this looks almost like a dying art. I doubt that would ever happen due to the pure genius involved in the performances. I also observed that the mood set by a live performance is along the lines of being meditative. Fortunately, the rhythm, and easy melodies of the Baroque period allowed me to really get in tune with the music. The live presentation of music, allowed the experiencing of real time melody. The conductor engaged with the pieces and showed modest emotion while conducting the pieces. Most orchestra members seemed to take on a very low key humble role. Matthew Tusky seemed embarrassed to stand up for a second round of applause for example. It was pointed out that the Boise Baroque Orchestra was started in 2003 by volunteers in the community. Today it is still widely ran by public donations and sponsors and widely appreciated by the community of Boise.

Global-High-zation

Monday, December 3, 2012

Title Page

Preface/Introduction

Local Argumentative Essay

Two Personal Writings

Brochure

Visual Elements

Two Interviews