... Sterling 2). The result is the arrest of a lot of small time dealers and not enough big ones. In 1995 only 11% of federal drug trafficking defenders were considered major-traffickers. More than half were low-level offenders (Sterling 2). The federal government recognized this and, in an effort to get the small time dealers to give up their big time connections, a "loophole" was created ... . A more lenient sentence could be granted if the offender has given "substantial assistance" to the government for the prosecution of another drug offender, preferably a major trafficker ( ... 000 peop...

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... resulted in the loss of more civil liberties protection than has any other phenomenon in our history" (1Gray 2). He also explained that the "government attempts to stop drug use by massive prisons, demonization of drug use, and prohibition of debate about our opinions" (1Gray 6). Nixon's programs and ... on Drugs" has made the criminal justice system one of the top growth industries. In two years in the Bush administration, the number of federal prosecutors doubled (Baum 306). The "war on drugs" has progressed since first being established in 1971 as according to Judge Gray & ... there is...

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... -term future for them. He believes that because of this and the well known fact that the drug provides relief for these patients, the government is wrong in preventing the treatment from being available; as he puts it "a federal policy that prohibits physicians from alleviating suffering by prescribing marijuana for seriously ill patients is misguided, heavy handed and inhumane" (670). In the ... a common belief that legalization would result in a tremendous increase in recreational use of marijuana, yet then goes on to provide his own solution. The solution he proposes is for the govern...

• Word Count: 694
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , the plants long standing history as a cash crop gave way to its new image as the "Devil's Weed." In 1930, the government founded the Federal Bureau of Narcotics who started a misinformation campaign against marijuana citing reports of insanity and violence known as "reefer madness." Because of this propaganda ... nation took a strong shift to the right and responded with harsher penalties for drug offenses. This continued through the Clinton administration with massive federal funding for the war on drugs. There are arguments for and against legalization. I believe the legalization of ...

• Word Count: 1147
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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... intention for the war on drugs was to show individuals taking part in this illegal activity that their participation would cause serious consequences. The government has taken drastic measures to keep drugs out of our nations streets, from attacking the frontline in The Columbian drug fields, to making numerous ... and waged war against Columbian drug lords. Marijuana became the most popular drugs, due to the rise in usage, the federal government attempted to cut off the supply at the Mexican border. They have seized and destroyed billions of dollars worth of drugs ... cons, and that is ...

• Word Count: 1121
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• Grade Level: High School

... no impact on the drugs issue itself. The war on drugs is a great miss-conception and a failure. The only successful thing the government has accomplished over the last decade was wasting tax money, and filling up the already crowded prison system. Information from the Office of National ... ; DARE does not prevent drug use at the stage in adolescent." The "DARE to resist" is nothing more than a catchy phrase. In 2001 the federal government spent $929 million on anti drug ads and what are the results? A quarter of high school seniors continue to use illegal drugs, and after watching ......

• Word Count: 1057
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• Grade Level: High School

... because they are being discriminated against and are being labeled as drug users, and that it would be too costly for the states and the government to drug test each recipient of welfare. The other side maintains that drug testing for welfare would be a positive change because some people believe ... benefits. The Federal Judge, Mary Scriven, dismissed the case and the law saying that it was unconstitutional (Sutton). The opposing party also believes that the people who are receiving the welfare benefits are being discriminated against because since they are too poor and have to get on w...

• Word Count: 936
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... felony indictments in the New York City courts in 1989. This figure is quadruple what it was in 1985. . Forty percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators" (Long 114). One can only imagine what this figure would be like today. Too much money is wasted on ... on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase, because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the ci...

• Word Count: 801
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... felony indictments in the New York City courts in 1989. This figure is quadruple what it was in 1985. . Forty percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators" (Long 114). One can only imagine what this figure would be like today. Too much money is wasted on ... on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase, because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the ci...

• Word Count: 871
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... felony indictments in the New York City courts in 1989. This figure is quadruple what it was in 1985. . Forty percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators? (Long 114). One can only imagine what this figure would be like today. Too much money is wasted on ... on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase, because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the ci...

• Word Count: 873
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... multiple studies be done in order to determine if marijuana had any medical value. The decision of the Clinton Administration came two months after a government-sponsored study concluded that "the active ingredients in marijuana, called cannabinoids, appeared useful for treating pain, nausea, and severe weight loss in ... it. Have designated smoking areas or something. It is sad that so many politicians say that marijuana is bad when so many government studies say it has so many benefits. Where other medicines have failed, marijuana has succeeded and has brought new hope to the terminal...

• Word Count: 1007
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... to control it or even solve it. But what is the real problem? Ending the drug war seems to be a bit impossible. The government's war on drugs seems to be accomplishing a lot those in Washington say. The drug war has cost our country billions of dollars, imprisoned ... own booze cheaply and had dire health consequences were a result. People would sell aftershave or rubbing alcohol passing it off as liquor. Our government realized that there laws were doing more harm than good. The 21st amendment repealed prohibition and alcohol taxes were increased. The same thing should ... the amoun...

• Word Count: 1149
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• Grade Level: High School

... welfare" of their recipients. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, was originally created in 1939 to help families in need. SNAP is a federal program, but is managed individually by each state. It is a form of monetary assistance that provides recipients with a debit-type card that is ... establishes protection of citizens from "unreasonable searches and seizures". Conversely, other claims state that since welfare is "earned" government aid for which people apply and are approved, that drug testing does not violate constitutional rights, especially if individuals at the time of ... are ov...

• Word Count: 1035
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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... misfits, school dropouts, anti-social, and stupid (to name a few). The American public has also distorted the facts on marijuana. The American government has hidden the reality about marijuana and it is time for this to stop. It's time for the American public to hear the other side ... to many doctors and scientists who have proof that marijuana is much safer than reported in the past. It's time for the American government to realize that there are millions and millions of marijuana growers and consumers nationwide. There are so many reasons for legalization other than just ... strict reg...

• Word Count: 954
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... Cancer is grim, man, get weed."" After being in remission for nine years, Shapiro said "the marijuana helped him stay functional despite the notoriously-debilitating chemotherapy" (Sealy, "Thanks Mom"). Government experts have indicated that marijuana does relieve pain, and other disorders, but it does not cure them, therefore can not be legalized as a prescription drug. In such cases as Shapiro ... Despite its medical benefits, marijuana is only legal in one state for medical purposes. In 1996, voters in California approved a law that relaxes regulation on medical marijuana. The federal...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... In my opinion, I think it is ridiculous that the only deaths that have been caused by marijuana were through acts of violence. The government tries to protect us from the so-called dangers of marijuana, a natural herb that has never caused a single death. There are so ... . These states include: California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, and Colorado. However, "the Supreme Court rules there is no exception in Federal law for people to us it." (McKenzie). Marijuana has a wide variety of therapeutic uses, and is helpful in treating these following conditions: Aids: red...

• Word Count: 1223
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... falling apart schools and crumbling housing.The spread of crack brought intensified conflicts between street organizations and the desperation of people addicted to the pipe. The government launched brutal new invasions by the police a so called "war on drugs" using the epidemic of crack as an excuse. This war on the ... Contras. Gary Webb of the San Jose Mercury News is the expose' of this information. In result of his work based upon recently declassified reports, federal court testimonies, undercover tapes, court records and hundreds of hours of interviews over a 12 month period. Thi...

• Word Count: 612
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• Grade Level: High School

In the United States, it is against federal law to possess, sell, or grow marijuana for any purpose if not prescribed. Alaska, California, DC, is the few states to have recognized the better use and the value of ... marijuana is often used to get high; this is why most people want to call it a recreational drug? Recreational drug use continues to be a topic of debate with healthcare professionals, government, and policymakers. I think drug use should be treated as a crime or, and a health issue. The most addictive drug, even above heroin, is nicotine Unlike Marijuana which is used to treat ....

• Word Count: 623
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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... and possession. Since this Act, even higher punishment has been implemented. The government has demonstrated incredible hypocrisy on the issue; federally overruling State laws that allow medical use of marijuana. Today, sixty percent of federal prisoners are being held for drug offenses, and half of these are first ... inhibits accurate education about the relative risks of different drugs including the risks of cannabis itself." (Drug War Facts). Why does our government persist when the War on Drugs is clearly fruitless? One answer is the pressure from interest groups. Cotton farmers do...

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... marijuana in 1937 was very reminiscent of the prohibition of alcohol, which led to increase in crime, distrust, and felonies. If the goal of the government is to stop Americans from smoking by banning marijuana, it will turn out just as pointless as keeping America "dry." It took thirteen years, ... to short-term memory, severe anxiety and more. Alcohol and tobacco may cause death. According to the information above, the two drugs that the government lets its people use are more damaging to the human body and society itself. Comparing the three, marijuana is the least addictive of them ...

• Word Count: 589
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... seems like a reasonable request. Moreover, if legalized, ill people who have never tried marijuana, may now be asked by a physician to use marijuana, and may discover it helpful. The Canadian government spends billions of dollars on police efforts against marijuana users, the court systems, jails, halfway houses, and probation officers. According to Reefer Madness: The Sequel, 31,503 Canadians in 1999 ... 1996-97, the alcohol industry enjoyed sales of more than 11.38 billion, employed 14,000 people and generated 3.34 billion in revenue for provincial governments as well as considerable ...

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... beneficiaries would not be utilized for the procurement of illicit drugs. State assistance should be used for temporary relief, not for an unlimited support of drug use. People who use government assistance to support a drug habit are abusing the welfare system. With this program being put into operation this would disallow abuse and allow the state to distribute these funds to ... stop with the persons who receive benefits it also includes misuse of tax payers dollars. Every legitimate working American pays taxes to the State and Federal government, that money must then distributed for...

• Word Count: 829
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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... age limit to 21. Resistance from other states, and concern that minors would travel across state lines to purchase and consume alcohol, prompted the federal government in 1984 to enact the Uniform Drinking Age Act, which reduced federal transportation funding to those states that did not raise the minimum legal drinking age to 21. The legislation was quite effective by 1988, every state ... ...

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... are not very many legitimate reasons that marijuana should be illegal. Individuals who use marijuana, do it of their own free will. The government should only be able to limit individuals of the drug if their (the individuals) actions pose a significant threat to that individual. Several ... are legal, such as alcohol and tobacco. Another important reason that marijuana should be legal is that it would save the government billions of dollars every year. All levels of government (federal and local authorities) in the United States, participate in the "War on Drugs." We (the U.S.) current...

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... of marijuana for medical purposes is only legal in California. In 1996, voters in California approved a law that eases regulations on medical marijuana. The federal government cannot take action against California doctors who recommend marijuana to their patients. Supposedly, many people have benefited greatly from this bend in the rules. Legalizing ... the use of marijuana could also have many economical benefits. The government seems to be always looking for new ways to tax people. Instead of spending all the money they spend on arresting people in possession of ... marijuana, the Go...

• Word Count: 1070
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• Grade Level: High School