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Samantha Sanders

Professor Massey

ENC1101 M,W,F / PM

13 Apr 2018

Outline for Final Paper

Introduction: The topic of legalizing medical marijuana nationwide has been a long

battle. With just 30 out of the 50 states approving, Medical Marijuana (MMJ) there are still

millions of people without access to the miracle herb. Everyday Americans in legalized states

make the switch to MMJ. There’s a reason why 92% of those who do switch say they benefit.

Americans are starting to wake up and see the powerful herb for what it is. This essay will

advocate for the legalization nationwide by showing the relevance and just how you may be

affected. The relationship between several chronic illnesses and MMJ will be touched upon as

well. How the substance became illegal in the first place and actions being made to make MMJ

legal will be touched on. In addition, a possible solution will be discussed and at the end of this

essay you will be able to see that MMJ should be legalized nationally.

I. Topic Sentence: The Controlled Substances Act in 1970 is where we marijuana

first met its battle to exist.

A. “He also saw marijuana as part of the culture war that was destroying

the United States and claimed that Communists were using it as a

weapon. "Homosexuality, dope, immorality in general," Nixon fumed.

"These are the enemies of strong societies. That's why the Communists

and the left-wingers are pushing the stuff, they're trying to destroy us."
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His approach drug education was just as simplistic: "Enforce the law.

You've got to scare them." (Kevin Zesse Pg.1)

B. “Despite medical cannabis laws in 46 states, cannabis is still illegal

under federal law. The federal government regulates drugs through the

Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. § 811)…” (ASA, Pg. 1)

C. “…attorneys representing five plaintiffs maintain that the CSA, in

classifying Cannabis as a “Schedule I drug,” is so irrational that it

violates the U.S. Constitution.” (Cannabis Cultural Association Pg.1)

II. Currently MMJ is still federally illegal, but 30 states have decided to legalize.

A. “Marijuana is now legal in California for adults 21 and older, and

individuals can grow up to six plants and possess as much as an ounce

of the drug.” (Brian Melley, Pg.1)

B. “Amendment 2, and the expanded qualifying medical conditions,

became effective on January 3, 2017. The Florida Department of

Health, physicians, dispensing organizations, and patients are bound

by Article X Section 29 of the Florida Constitution and 381.986

Florida Statutes. The department is committed to moving as quickly as

possible to ensure the health of Floridians and implement the new

legislation.” (FloridaHealth, Office Of MMJ)

C. “Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, gamma

hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD),

marijuana, and methaqualone.” (DEA, Drugs of Abuse)

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III. There are organizations such as the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) that dedicate

their time to getting MMJ legalized.

A. “According to national polls — including Pew, Gallup, and CNN — a

majority of Americans support making marijuana legal for adults’

use.” (MMP, Legalization)

B. “Twenty-two states and Washington, D.C. have enacted laws to stop

jailing their residents for possession of modest amounts of marijuana.”

(MMP, Decriminalization)

C. “MPP and MPP Foundation envision a nation where marijuana is

legally regulated similarly to alcohol, marijuana education is honest

and realistic, and treatment for problem marijuana users is non-

coercive and geared toward reducing harm.” (MPP, Vision Statement)

IV. A day may come where you will need MMJ and you should have the basic human

right to get it.

A. “I tried smoking pot again. It seemed that, almost instantaneously, the

anxiety subsided, and I relaxed.” (Damian Abraham, Pg.1)

B. “Ben takes Adderall to help with concentration difficulties caused by

PTSD but turns to cannabis to treat the anxiety.” (Bailey Rahn, Pg.1)

C. “Turley says he finally kicked his painkiller habit in February 2015,

when he began using only marijuana. He surfed more and lost 10

pounds. He says marijuana saved his life, his marriage and his

relationship with his two children.” (Greg Bishop, Pg. 1)

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V. We need to continue to push for legalization at the state level to encourage it at

the federal.

A. “On the ballot initiatives front, MPP has teamed up with advocates in

Michigan for a November 2018 marijuana legalization and regulation

initiative….” (MPP, Our work)

B. “On October 11, Atlanta City Mayor Kasim Reed signed a measure —

unanimously supported by the city council — ending the possibility of

jail time and lowering fines for those caught with an ounce or less of

marijuana to just $75.” (MPP, Sate Legalization)

C. “According to a statement released Friday by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-

CO), President Trump said in a phone call that he would not allow the

Department of Justice to target businesses and individuals who are in

compliance with state laws regulating marijuana for adults.” (MPP,

Press release)

Conclusion: We have explored the many faces and history of MMJ. It was shown how MMJ

became illegal, the current status, and what is being done. The relevance that you may need it

one day was pointed out. The encouragement of pushing MMJ legalization state wide to

influence federal legalization has been presented. Regardless of facts provided, testimonies of

how MMJ saves lives where shared, and data filled testimony is hard to dismiss. In conclusion,

MMJ should be legalized nationwide, the american people deserve access to natural medicine.