Legalizing Marijuana: 3 Approaches for Today by Danielle Thorne

Legalizing Marijuana 3 Approaches for Today

Authors: Alli Freeman, Falon Herrera Research: All Freeman, Dennis Gaunt, Danielle Thorne, Falon Herrera Copy Editor: Danielle Thorne Cover Design: Danielle Thorne Cover Image: Provided by Wikimedia Commons

All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any form or in any way including any and all electronic means, and also photocopying or recording, without the exclusive permission of the above authors and BYU -Idaho.

Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, may be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and can be punished by up to five years in a federal prison with a fine up to $250,000. 2

Table of Contents Letter from the Editor……………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………5 Background………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Scope.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7 Ramifications……………………………………………………………………………………………………...8 Solutions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………10 Approach 1:………………………………………………………………………………………………………11 Approach 2:………………………………………………………………………………………………………13 Approach 3:………………………………………………………………………………………………………15 Additional Resources…………………………………………………………………………………………...16 Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………………………..17 Organizations and Websites……………………………………………………………………………………..18 Appendixes……………………………………………………………………………………………………...19 Writers’ Biographies……………………….…………………………………………………………………….20 Issue Selection……………………………………………………………………………………………………22 Work Log………………………………………………………………………………………………………...23 Strategic Research………………………………………………………………………………………………..24 Personal Reflections……………………………………………………………………………………………...25

Letter from the Editor: Dear Reader, Americans want to make pot legal. This special issue regarding marijuana and the approaches to legalizing it is an informative look at the possibilities that exist for making it available for medicinal and other purposes. Controversial and illegal today, research has shown there are solutions that may be viable answers to this social issue. Find out more about marijuana use in the background section to understand where it comes from and what its uses provide. Study the in-depth research by this edition's writers and examine their solutions. Other information includes interviews and resources you can study to make your own educated decision about legalizing one of today's most common illegal substances Warmly,

Danielle Thorne

Image of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for marijuana's psychological effects.

Introduction

effects: “THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) [found in marijuana] binds to cannabinoid receptors, which are concentrated in areas of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination and time perception. The effects of marijuana can interfere with attention, judgment and balance.”

Background Information by Alli Freeman

Over the years the world has been warned of the danger of drug use. There have been some who have tried to prove the use of them as beneficial though. One of those drugs is cannabis, also known as marijuana. Records dated as far back as 1500 BC show that marijuana was used in popular medicine.

There are several negative uses to the drug that can affect anyone who uses it for either purpose. Two include addiction and undesired sides effects. Addictions form when a person’s body becomes dependent on a substance, in this case the drug. Side effects can be closely related to the addiction. When sharing his personal struggle with the effects and addiction of marijuana, a user named Paul shared this: “I was tired, I was nervous, I was anxious…I started having negative feelings about myself and my own abilities. I hated the paranoia. I hated looking over my shoulder all the time. I... hated not trusting my friends. I became so paranoid that I successfully drove everyone away and found myself in the terrible place no one wants to be in.”

“The emperor Shen Nung (circa 2700 BC; also known as Chen Nung) [considered the Father of Chinese medicine] discovered marijuana's healing properties as well as those of two other Even with those two negative points of the mainstays of Chinese herbal medicine, ginseng drug, there is the positive idea of treating medical isand ephedra. sues. At some point in our lives, we all will need medi“Since that time there have been many cultures cine for different reasons. What is medicine, and does to use the drug for varies treatments. Some of cannabis fall into that category? “Medicine(s) are the medical uses include glaucoma, anesthetics, drugs that are intended to speed up or slow down or inflammation, depression, change something about the way your leprosy, and many From hundreds of studies the body is working,—to try and make it others. It wasn’t until cir answer is yes, marijuana can work better. Sometimes they are necca 800-900 AD that an essary. But they are still drugs: they fit into the category of medi- act as stimulants or sedatives, and too “Arab physician Ibn Wahshiyah, warned of much can kill you…if you do not use cine. the potential effects of medicines as they are supposed to be hashish which he wrote was a lethal poi used, they can be as dangerous as illegal drugs.” son.” From hundreds of studies the answer is yes, In the late 1960s, marijuana use in the United marijuana can fit into the category of medicine. Based States increased. Not for medical reasons but purely on this many people have a desire to see marijuana recreational. Based from the increase and stereotypes legalized, meaning, the use would be permitted by law. of those who took the drug, marijuana began to be Should cannabis be legalized, and if so, in which conseen in a negative light. With the new view of the sub- text, recreational, medicinal, or both? There are severstance, many have sought and researched answers to al options and solution to look into. the benefits of marijuana as medicinal, recreational or just with a desire to legalize the drug. In an article written by Kim Ann Zimmermann entitled “Medical Marijuana: Benefits, Risks, & State Laws” she explains why marijuana has many side 6

Scope by Falon Herrera

During the research and many conversations with other people, I learned so much about the legalization of marijuana, I have changed my mind about it. This is exciting, because it showed me about the importance of researching and being informed. I contacted the Marijuana Policy Project and interviewed Bobby Lewis for this issue. He acts as Membership Assistant. I found that he is very passionate about this subject, and it is kind of contagious. I asked him 3 big questions in regards to the project. His responses follow.

branded criminals for marijuana use it means that their potential to better society will not be stunted by a long jail term or an unrelentingly painful illness. That means more people free to write books, teach, cook, start businesses, volunteer for charity work, and con tribute to the greater good in the countless ways people do every day. (One of the solutions I’ve looked into is the boost that legalization will bring to the community, and he brought up how much it will impact the economy. I really liked that I was able to think and research on it, before he even mentioned it.)

3. What are the possible stumbling blocks you see with this issue?

1. Why is this project so important? Perhaps the biggest stumbling block on the path to legalization is misinformation. Prohibition authorities have spent many decades spreading incorrect MPP believes marijuana legalization is so im- information about marijuana in an attempt to steer portant because of the disastrous effects marijuana people away from cannabis. These days most people prohibition has had. Contrary to Drug War propagan- do not believe in some of the more ridiculous propada like “this is your brain on drugs,” marijuana poses ganda—think 1936’s “Reefer Madness,” now a camp no severe health risks. The greatest risk one is exposed classic but originally propaganda whose message of to by using marijuana is being imprisoned for using it! danger was meant earnestly. Though people do not It is deeply unjust to jail marijuana users for behavior tend to think anymore that marijuana that typically does not harm them or anyone else. Un- leads to murder, they do still have fortunately, entire generations have already been lost other questions. Is marijuana really to the criminal justice system over marijuana, and it is harmless? How can an illegal drug be a terrible shame that this continues to be the case na- medicine? Isn’t marijuana as addictionwide. tive as heroin? How does smoking marijuana affect your odds of getting cancer or developing a mental illness? What about stoned driving? After decades of 2. What are the benefits of legalizing marijuana? public misinformation campaigns these are all legitiAs a community and as a state? mate questions. We have found that when presented with the verifiable facts, the majority of Americans favor legalization, but introducing people to the truth can still be difficult. Ending unjust, life-wrecking marijuana arrests and ensuring that patients have safe access to this important medicine are the primary benefits of legalization. The dual benefits of keeping millions of people I loved working on this project. It really brings up out of prison, and keeping the seriously ill alive, hap- good ideas, and it really makes you think about it pier, and healthier for longer will present many diffi- twice, before making a judgement. —F.H. cult to quantify societal benefits. When people are not 7

Ramifications

looking for more money. In Yuba County, California residents are divided over this issue. Their story is a microcosm of the larger picture. Voters initially deby Danielle Thorne with Dennis Gaunt feated a bill that would legalize marijuana farming in Yuba County, but it didn’t stop the illegal farms. The illegal marijuana farms caused property prices in the Most of the research into medical marijuana was done in the 20th century. It was stigmatized in the area to plummet. Legalization and regulation could legitimatize the industry, and remove the socioeco1960s by its association with the hippie culture, but today research shows that marijuana is offering relief nomic stigma. Would legalizing marijuana farms harm real estate? In Colorado today, signs say no. Time from a variety of conditions, including chronic pain magazine reports real estate and even agriculture are management, as a sleep aid, and even for depression in danger. According to "The Unexpected Side Effects and PTSD. Legalization has brought in millions of dollars in revenue, yet it has influenced certain crimes of Legalizing Weed" (Haun), "Colorado’s CannabisIndustrial Complex cannot sustain a complex econoother economic areas no one expected. my traditionally built on natural resources, agriculture, innovation and family-friendly tourism. Increased Use Test Pilot: Colorado What are the ramifications for legalizing marijuana? One possible sign points to increased usage. According to "Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States," 4.1% of adults used marijuana regularly in 2001. By 2013, that percentage has risen to 9.5%. There was also an increase in marijuana use disorder--those people who habitually or recreationally use marijuana, rather than for medical conditions. However, according to this study, use among teens has not significantly increased during that same time. Are teens in or out? Teen users (between 19992013) reportedly dropped from 47% to 40.7%. While more research is needed, the study suggests the legalization of marijuana removes some of the mystery and “rebellion factor” for this demographic. In fact, an average of 75% of high school teens report that marijuana is easy to obtain. Despite the readiness of the drug, the lower number of users suggests they are abstaining by choice, rather than lack of access. Opponents claim that legalizing marijuana “sends the wrong message” to teens about the dangerous nature of drugs. However, this isn’t reflected in the data. One should note-this research did not include the recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado.

While it was never intended to become the test pilot for legalizing marijuana for all, Amendment 64 passed with 55% of Colorado in favor in 2012. The intention was to regulate it like alcohol, but some of the developing consequences are noteworthy. Whether it was the fast tracked six months allowed for developing regulations or true negative aspects to legalizing the drug, there have been concerns. Specific pesticides are required for cannabis. With agriculture being a major player in towns outside Colorado's sprawling cities, this has caused a problem. Already, some marijuana grown in the Denver area has been quarantined because of the wrong pesticides. With no commercial chemical mixes available, these pot pesticides are being home grown and improvised. Farmers are also concerned as there is the potential for the spread of cannabis molds and fungi to spread to orchards and farms. The most serious influence on agriculture and other industry, however, can be seen in places like De Beque, where growing marijuana is replacing coal and cattle.

Law enforcement is also feeling the effects. Teens in this state are bucking the statistics in some areas where they have shown decreased interest and Property Values addiction. Teen drug-related school expulsions in Colorado are also on the rise, as are arrests and imprisonment. There has been in increase in marijuanaThose who argue against the legalization of intoxication driving violations, not to mention moving marijuana, even for medical use, claim the entire medthe drug across state lines where it remains illegal. ical marijuana industry is really a front for traffickers 8

The new "pipeline" says "The Unexpected Side Effects of Legalizing Weed," has "prompted Nebraska and Oklahoma to file lawsuits against the state, citing the fact that marijuana commerce violates federal law and increases the burdens of law enforcement in other states." And last, the hope that prisons have less overcrowdingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an argument for legalizing marijuanaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;has been destroyed. The past 2 years have brought almost $6 million in needed revenue to Colorado, but the homeless population has increased, tourism has decreased, and the "drugged-driving incidents, fatal crashes, loss of productivity and a huge spike in gang-related crime bring into question the cost-benefit of those dollars." There are good reasons for legalizing marijuana, but as seen from Colorado's hurry to make it happen, there will be consequences that must be dealt with. Other states anxious to legalize this drug should do quantifiable research, listen to the people, and keep their eyes on the state of Colorado.

2013

Solutions

Approach 1:

should be made legal, compared with 44% who want it to be illegal.

Medical Legalization

Opinions have changed drastically since 1969, when…first asked the question and found that just By Alli Freeman 12% favored legalizing marijuana use.” Educating the As part of one solution, our government would public of the pros and the cons of medicinal use will legalize and decriminalize medicinal marijuana, but help voters when voting on future laws. Doing so can only as a controlled substance, while providing public increase the percentage gap between supports, and health education on the drug. Decriminalizing is when none supporters. One way to educate them is through the “government repealed or amended its laws to media campaigns. make certain, that those with prescriptions will no “A media campaign is a coordinated series of longer be subject to prosecution. However, the use of linked advertisements with a single idea or theme... marijuana for recreational use would still be illegal An advertising campaign is typically broadcast and criminalizing. through several media channels. It may focus on a Franjo Grotenhermen, a member of the group common theme and one or few brands or products, or Cannabis as Medicine, informed me in an interview be directed at a particular segment of the population. that there have been other countries to legalize medic- Successful advertising campaigns achieve far more inal marijuana. The first country to blaze the path and than the sporadic advertising, and may last from a do so was the Netherlands in 2003. He did mention few weeks and months to years.” that there are conflicts in data on the benefits of the As we look back on the last few years we all use, but reassured me that studies are still new comhave heard or seen an ad educating the public on the pared to studies of other medical treatments. Within our own country, the United States, there have been a horrible side effects off drugs and alcohol use. This handful of states that have looked into legalizing mari- particular media camping is known as the Above the Influence (ATI). The organization use television comjuana. mercials, visual ads such as billboards, radio commerAn example of a state passing a law legalizing cials, and YouTube videos to spread their message. If the use of cannabis is Colorado. The Colorado Mariju- someone wants to show that they are above the influana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment ence the group even has clothing, phone cases, stick64 was approved on the November 6, 2012 ballot. ers, bandanas and more. In Variation among State Medical Marijuana Laws (right), we can see that fourteen of the 50 states have some sort of law on the manner. Each state does differ in the limit of quantity allowed, if a patient must be on a registered list (so that law enforcement know it’s for medicinal use), and if there are dispensaries established because of the state law. Information such as this is important for patients using medical cannabis to know what their rights are within the law. Studies have shown that the public is split almost 50/50 for or against legalizing the drug. “Support for marijuana legalization is rapidly outpacing opposition. A slim majority (53%) of Americans say the drug 11

Legalizing the use of medicinal cannabis would allow thousands of patients to receive treatment that would actually help them. As mentioned earlier, this solution would legalize only medicinal use without decriminalization. Here are the general definitions to help understand what this solution would be allowing. These definitions come from the White House it’s self: “Marijuana Legalization– Laws or policies which make the possession and use of marijuana legal under state law. Marijuana Decriminalization– Laws or policies adopted in a number of state and local jurisdictions which reduce the penalties for possession and use of small amounts of marijuana from criminal sanctions to fines or civil penalties. Medical Marijuana– State laws which allow an individual to defend him or herself against criminal charges of marijuana possession if the defendant can prove a medical need for marijuana under state law.”

Approach 2: Regulating Consumption by Falon Herrera Much of the opposition to legalizing marijuana has to do with the perceived immorality of marijuana use. Communities need to know the importance and the benefits that will come with the legalization of marijuana. The solution is not to prohibit marijuana, but to regulate it. Regulation Legalizing marijuana will bring opportunities and ways to control such an important product. Using California as an example, 54 California cities and counties have accepted the change in society’s view of marijuana and have adopted ordinances allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in their jurisdictions. Legal medical marijuana sales in California totaled a little over a billion dollars in 2014. In 2007, the California Board of Equalization confirmed its policy of taxing medical marijuana transactions, as well as its requirement that businesses engaged in such transactions hold a seller’s permit. Sales are taxable even if the seller does not make a profit. A 2006 public policy report suggested that marijuana is the United States' largest cash crop by a significant margin. A similar study carried out by a prominent Canadian economist in 2004 estimated an average markup of $6.90 for each unit (0.5 grams) of marijuana sold on the street, resulting in $2 billion in revenue for the government (in the form of taxes on marijuana cigarettes) if the drug were legalized. Everyone who wants to use marijuana already is. Legalizing it with an age requirement of 21 could actually reduce usage. There would also be social costs and benefits to legalizing it. Demand is not going

away. Since people are already using marijuana like it's legal, we are already paying the costs. At this point, making marijuana legal will not increase the costs, but it will allow society to take advantage of the benefits. The National Commission on Marijuana recognized the renaissance that marijuana was enjoying in the United States and began calling for its legalization in the early 1970s. It was estimated that about 25 million Americans were using marijuana in 1972; a 1977 survey indicated that the number of young adults who had tried marijuana was only slightly lower than the number of young adults who had tried tobacco. The number of deaths caused by marijuana during the period from May 1976 and April 1977 was estimated at 10 (and those were caused by hashish oil, which is dangerous because of compounds used to derive it); in the same period, 2,530 deaths were attributed to alcohol, 880 to Valium, and 390 to aspirin. Legalization of the drug in Spain saw a sharp decrease in the number of frequent users, ostensibly because doing so ceased to be seen as a dangerous, rebellious activity. In Holland, where marijuana has been legal for decades, about 5 percent of the population smokes it regularly. Keeping control of marijuana will help protect the youth and children who are currently persuaded to do things that bring a rush and excitement to their lives, just because it’s prohibited, and illegal. Norm Stamper, a former Seattle police chief, used to kick in drug dealers' doors early in his 34-year career. His opinion: “It has cost the national treasury obscene amounts of money. And for what?” James Gray, an Orange County Superior Court Judge for 20 years, remembers sentencing one dealer after another to no perceptible end. “The closer you get to the issue,” he said, “the more you see we couldn't do worse Regulating the consumption of marijuana brings many benefits to society, Law enforcement resources allocated more wisely and a decline in the 13

industry, de-glamorization of marijuana for recreation, at the end of the date, the wisest thing to do is to legalize marijuana and made sure is regulated in order to make an improvement.

Approach 3: Allowances for Chronic Pain by Dennis Gaunt and Danielle Thorne

Chronic pain refers to pain which cannot be relieved adequately by existing treatments.



Cannabinoids are receptors within the body that are shown to manage pain.



Some cannabinoids are produced naturally by the body, and similar cannabinoids appear in the cannabis plant (marijuana).

Contrary to the fears expressed by opponents of medical marijuana laws, there is no evidence that the enactment of 10 state medical marijuana laws has produced an increase in adolescent marijuana use in those states or nationwide. In fact—



In 1999, 47% of teens reported that they had smoked marijuana.



In 2013, that number has dropped to 40.7%.



An average of 75% of high school teens report that marijuana is easy to obtain.



The lower number of users suggest they are abstaining by choice, rather than lack of access.



Studies suggest the legalization of marijuana removes some of the mystery and “rebellion factor” for teens.

It should be noted that medical marijuana may actually prolong chronic pain, rather than relieve it.



It is difficult to separate the intoxicating effects of marijuana from the pain relieving benefits.



While more clinical studies are needed, the use of  The “phytocannabinoids” found in marijuana, may cannabinoids as found in marijuana are promising. actually interfere with the endocannabinoids produced by the body and prolong pain.

The current (2015) status of legalized medical marijuana in the USA, as well as public opinion polls show trends are moving toward legalization.



23 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana.



17 states have laws providing limited access to marijuana products.



10 states make marijuana illegal.



As of 2010, 73% of people favor legalizing medical marijuana



23% oppose it; 4% don’t have an opinion.



The body produces “endocannabinoids,” which help manage pain.



Research has imitated the effect of medical marijuana and found that in many cases, the compounds interfered with pain relief.



Human tests show that acute pain can be transformed into chronic pain because of the cannabinoids in marijuana.

Despite the above suggestions of drawbacks, chronic pain sufferers want better and easier access to medical marijuana, and they deserve a choice. Medical marijuana is a hot button issue, and various entities are still battling over what it has to offer.

Additional Resources

Bibliography

"Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana." Whitehouse.gov. Web. November 2105. "Bearman, David. "Marijuana Has Been Proven to Effectively Treat Many Medical Conditions." Medical Marijuana. Ed. NoĂŤl Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benefits outweigh costs in legalizing marijuana." Telegraph, The (Nashua, NH) 16 Aug. 2010: NewsBank. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. "Chemical Structure of THC." Marijuana. Illustrations. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 30 November 2015. "Colorado Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 64 (2012)." Ballotpedia.org. Web. November 2015. Current Controversies. Rpt. from "Medical Marijuana: Scientific Mechanisms and Clinical Indications." www.davidbearmanmd.com. 1-18. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. Diane E. Hoffmann, J.D., and Ellen Weber, J.D. "Medical Marijuana and the Law." N Engl J Med 2010; 362:1453-145. April 22, 2010DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1000695. Harper, Kevin. "Medical Marijuana Emerges From The Shadows." Public Management (00333611) 97.6 (2015): 20-23. MAS Ultra--Public Library Edition. Web. 17 Nov. 2015. "History of Marijuana as Medicine - 2900 BC to Present." Procon.org. Web. November 2015. "Leaf." Marijuana. Illustrations. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 30 November 2015 Lewis, Bobby. Personal Interview. November 23, 2015. "Marijuana Use Can Increase Pain." Marijuana. Ed. Noah Berlatsky. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. "Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization Overview." Criminal.FindLaw.com. Web. November 2015. McCarberg, Bill. "Marijuana Can Help in the Treatment of Pain." Marijuana. Ed. Noah Berlatsky. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Marijuana and Pain Management." Nation l Pain Foundation, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. Motel, Seth. "6 facts about marijuana." 14 April 2014. PewResearch.org. Web. November 2015. O'Keefe, Karen, and Mitch Earleywine. "Medical Marijuana Laws Do Not Encourage Teens to Use Cannibis." Teen Drug Abuse. Ed. Pamela Willwerth Aue. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Marijuana Use by Young People: The Impact of State Medical Marijuana Laws." www.mpp.org. 2005. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. "Real Life Stories: About Drug Abuse." DrugFreeWorld.org. Web. 2015. Rich Stingl, Alex K. Alexander. "Legalization Of Marijuana Overview." Salem Press Encyclopedia (2013): Research Starters. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. Rourke, Brad. "Life and Death Decisions." National Issues Forums. Kettering Foundation. 2005. "Status of Legalized Medical Marijuana in the US, 2015." Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Detroit: Gale, 2015. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. "The Truth About Marijuana." Drugfree World. DrugFreeWorld.org. Web. November 2015. Zimmerman, Kim Ann. "Medical Marijuana: Benefits, Risks & State Laws." 14 January 2015. Web. November 2015. 17

Websites and Organizations DrugFreeWorld.org http://drugfreeworld.org DrugPolicy.org http://drugpolicy.org Legalization of Marijuana, Legalize Weed & Cannabis http://legalizationofmarijuana.com/ MedicalCannabis.com http://www.medicalcannabis.com/about/health-care-professionals/supporting-organizations/ Norml-Working to Reform Marijuana Laws http://norml.org/ Procon.org http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026 The National Conference of State Legislatures http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx TIME http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1931247,00.html

Appendix

Appendix A Biographies*

Alli Freeman The history and nature of medicinal marijuana was researched and written by myself, Alli Freeman, a student at Brigham Young UniversityIdaho. I have training in law enforcement along with basic medical treatments. I am the mother of four boys and have a wonderful husband. Given my background and medical situations my family is facing, the use of medical marijuana grasped my interest. Currently my husband is being treated for a brain tumor. This is the fourth round of cancer, and the fourth type he has had in the past six years. He has undergone multiple treatments that his body is starting to be unresponsive to them. He spends most of his days and nights in pain, so when our group mentioned the topic of medicinal use of the drug I wondered if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually beneficial. Research was gathered through published scientific journals, interviews with professionals, organizations who focus on the issue, and from those who have used the drug.

Danielle Thorne Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. Besides freelance writing and editing, she is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and contemporary. Danielle has published poetry and short fiction as well as novels. She has a new series of Young Adult paranormal books. Other work has appeared with Espresso Fiction, Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, Bookideas, The Mid-West Review and more. She was the 2009-2010 co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers and is active with several author groups. Her popular blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on life and the pursuit of peace and happiness.

Falon Hererra Falon Guillen was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1986. Daughter of goodly parents and the youngest of 5 children, loved by her family for her optimism and her ability to enjoy the simple things in life, as a child she would enjoy taking road trips with her family, just to see nature and enjoy the aroma of flowers. Her favorite thing to do was guessing figures formed in the clouds. With 5 children in the home, she would always try to be the peace-maker, with her easy going attitude and her love for her family, she did not like conflict. Even to this day, she likes listening and trying to understand other opinions and sides. Her charisma and sensitivity to the need of others highlights her work. She has worked in the medical field for most of her life, advocating for the needs and rights of patients and family members. Her latest project consisted in teaching a workshop at the Ronald McDonald house of charities in Miami to families who were dealing with stress that resulted from medical conditions such as cancer, tumors, blindness, heart conditions, and more. Her happiness comes from serving others and helping relief the problems by listening and showing kindness.

*This issue also includes research and citations by Mr. Dennis Gaunt.

Appendix B Issue Selection Our team was interested in choosing a topic that was not extremely dark, such as abortion or human trafficking. We felt that legalizing marijuana, while serious, focuses more on medical and social issues that can in many instances have a positive impact in the world. We moved away from arguing for or against legalization, but narrowed our topic to the possibilities that exist in legalizing it for personal use. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Danielle Thorne Our team decided to speak about a controversial subject, marijuana. We decided that it would be best to look at the benefits that come from legalizing marijuana and not in debating whether it was right or wrong. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Falon Herrera

Appendix C Tasks (Work Log)

Lesson 9 Group Selection: All participated Group Roles: All participated and chose their own roles Complete Strategic Research: All writers submitted outlines for their solutions. Editor sent out a reminder for the Tuesday deadline; Thursday and Friday.

Lesson 10 Template: Danielle Thorne Template Feedback: Alli Freeman; Falon Herrera Preparing Background/Solutions: Alli Freeman (outline); Falon Herrera (paper); Dennis Gaunt communicated by email. Preparing Background/Solutions/Feedback: Alli Freeman; Falon Herrera; Danielle Thorne; Dennis Gaunt communicated by email Interview: Falon submitted her interview for the Scope section of the paper. Alliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interview questions were posted and replies will be integrated into her Solutions. Interview Feedback: Danielle

Lesson 11 Preparing the Appendix: Alli Freeman submitted her appendix. Falon Herrera submitted her appendix. Issue Book Review: Danielle Thorne submitted rough draft and requested missing sections. Issue Book Review Feedback: Alli Freeman and Falon Herrera left feedback.

Lesson 12 Formatting and editing: Danielle Thorne Missing sections: Danielle Thorne Submission: Danielle Thorne

Strategic Research As a team, our plan was to research individual solutions to legalizing marijuana use through social media, journals, studies, images, articles, and books. Ideas were outlined then researched for sources. Afterward, rough drafts were collected for each section of the paper. After receiving feedback, articles of this issue were rewritten and submitted to the editor. All sources were saved and submitted to be properly cited. As editor, I did not research a great deal; as least not as much as the issue writers. However, I did collect images for the copy, as well as study example issues provided with the project. My sections, including Ramifications and Solution 3, were based on the research and outlines of writer, Dennis Gaunt, who did not stay on board for this issue. Together, we hope all of our evidence and interpretations inform the reader and encourage educated discussion and debate about the possibilities that are available for legalizing marijuana in the 21st century.

Reflections Alli Freeman I have known my entire life that dugs and alcohol are addicting and nasty substances, however as I gathered information on the use of marijuana for treatment of health issues I started to question if the drug was truly bad if used properly in a controlled manner. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I have strong believes in taking care of our bodies and health which include not partaking in things that we know to be harmful. From what I have learned on the benefits for treatments, I can’t help but wonder what stance the Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] has to say on the matter. Danielle Thorne My view of marijuana has always been that it is a cross-over drug from cigarettes into harder drugs like crack or heroin. I have seen the damage it can do to health, relationships, education, and prosperity when it is used illegally and is an addition. While I have felt most marijuana users were relatively harmless to society--no worse than alcohol--this study opened my eyes to the possibilities marijuana offers to those suffering chronic pain and other conditions. I now believe it can be a powerful drug for good when administered by physicians in proper doses. As our research supports, decriminalizing marijuana would lower demand as it would no longer be a rebellion drug. It may eventually lower police involvement and legal proceedings over possession arrests— although new studies contradict that. Making marijuana legal would also provide economic growth for some industries, besides being an available remedy for those with suitable health needs. I do feel that there should be an age limit, like driving, cigarettes, and alcohol, as well as continued education to inform people against the consequences of misusing it for recreational purposes.

Falon Herrera My personal opinion on marijuana had always been against it, but with this project I have learned so much, most importantly, that we must always research in order to make wise decisions. I was so surprised at the data found, especially the number of deaths from narcotics, other drugs, and alcohol compared to marijuana. I had never spoken to my parents about this subject. Growing up, all I knew was that this was not good for your health, and even to this day I considered marijuana for leisure to be wrong. It’s amazing what the human race can do when they are restricted. Marijuana has become a forbidden but thrilling product to use, just because we can’t used it. I really enjoyed speaking to my family about this subject, because I had assumed that they were against it, but I was pleasantly surprised to know that they were not. I have learned of the multiple benefits found by legalizing marijuana. By this I mean by controlling the legalization, just like they do with medicine, alcohol, and cigarettes. For my interview, I found a project here in Miami, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. The first thing he said was , “MPP believes marijuana legalization is so important because of the disastrous effects marijuana prohibition has had. Contrary to drug war propaganda about “this is your brain on drugs,” marijuana poses no severe health risks.” I got to say that I agree with this. There has been a disastrous effects for marijuana prohibition, especially with youth. From all of this, I have learned the need to research and look at both sides of the coin, before making any judgements or decisions on a subject.

End