Legalisation Debate - 1280 Words

Should cannabis be legalised in Australia? Your response should provide a considered discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of both legalisation and criminalisation, which shows evidence of wide and varied reading. Cannabis, through the decades has changed dramatically from being an ancient herbal medicine to an illicit drug. Cannabis originated from Central Asia and was used as a healing agent, during rituals and as a spiritual euphoria. However, in most western countries this drug has been criminalized and made illegal by the Geneva Convention Dangerous Drugs Act (1925). Australia has decriminalized cannabis in all states since 1987. There has been a heated debate surrounding the legalization of cannabis. In order to further†¦show more content†¦Cannabis has also been stated to be a â€Å"gateway drug† (Fergusson amp; Horwood, 2000) thus, by legalising cannabis there is more of a chance for user to become addicted to ‘harder’ drugs such as cocaine and heroin. This is generally because addicts become accustomed to the high they get from marijuana therefore need a stronger drug to get a similar ‘hit’. Another disadvantage of legalising cannabis would be that it might fall into the hands of minors, which can severely impact developing brains. By allowing marijuana to be legal, it increases accessibility to children. Causing children from a young age to become associated with drugs and alcohol, which can lead to criminal activity. (Himmelstein, 1983) Australia currently has criminalized the use, possession and cultivation of cannabis in most states except Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and South Australia, which have a less harsh conviction, a fine rather than imprisonment. Theses strict enforcements deter individuals from ever trying cannabis for the first time. Another advantage of criminalization would be that most drugs related arrests are those who have committed or are likely to commit more serious crimes can be taken off the streets. Most drug users are usually associated with criminal activity. Individuals who either sell, produce, use or traffic drugs aren’t likely to be constrained inShow MoreRelatedA Modern Controversy: the Case of George Tiller Essay8892 Words   |  36 Pagesusually depressed. This cannot be a conclusive factor, although if somebody does want to go on living this should still be an important consideration. Self-awareness and the desire to live are factors, even if they do no t by themselves resolve the whole debate. A longer worth-while life is more valuable than a shorter one: you can undertake many plans, and it is always better to have more of a good thing. So, while life is worth-while, it seems advisable to preserve that life wherever possible. 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