Is Marijuana Use Safedr Christopher Fosterphi103 Informal Logicashfo ✓ Solved

Is Marijuana Use Safe? Dr. Christopher Foster PHI103 Informal Logic Ashford University Modeled example for the final paper assignment In recent years, many states have voted to legalize marijuana, both for medical and recreational uses, with other states possibly following suit in the future (Sanders, 2018). However, federal law still prohibits the use or sale of marijuana in the United States. With the recent decision by the Justice department to crack down on marijuana distribution in states with legalized marijuana (Johnson, 2018), the question returns of whether those federal laws have real medical science on their side, or whether they are relics of the politics of a bygone era (Ripley, 2017).

This paper will begin to explore the specific question of whether marijuana use is harmful to health. It will present a strong argument that marijuana is relatively safe and a strong argument that it is unacceptably dangerous. This will be followed by an analysis of the merits of reasoning and support provided by each. Argument that Marijuana Use is Safe Premise 1: Many studies have been done on the safety of marijuana use, and pooling their data creates a large and reliable data set from which to determine the effects of marijuana usage (Grant, Gonzales, Carey, Natarajan, & Wolfson, 2003). Premise 2: Pooling the data from studies on the effects of marijuana usage shows no significant cognitive impairment in reaction time, attention, language, executive function, perceptual function, and motor skills in marijuana users (2003).

Premise 3: Meta-data showed minor cognitive impairment from long term marijuana only in the areas of learning and memory, but these were minor and can be minimized (e.g., in a medical context) (2003). Premise 4: Marijuana has beneficial uses that outweigh its minor harms (Wetterau, 2015). Premise 5: If a substance has beneficial uses that outweigh its harms then its use is acceptably safe. Conclusion: Marijuana use is acceptably safe. Support for the Argument that Marijuana is Safe A giant meta-study pooled data from many research studies of the effects of marijuana use and determined that marijuana use did not result in significant change in performance in six of eight cognitive areas (Grant et al., 2003).

Because the study considered all relevant research studies and had a large data pool, these results can be considered reliable. Thus, there is substantial support for the first two premises of the argument. The two areas in which there was a decrease in function, learning and memory, showed relatively minor effects, which could be mitigated, for example, in medical contexts. For example, the declines were the result of long term and/or recent use of marijuana. Casual users or medical users may not experience even those minor declines in performance (Grant et al., 2003).

There are many documented medical benefits from marijuana use, including for nausea, AIDS, chemotherapy, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, MS, and Huntington’s disease. The risks of harm from the use of a potentially addictive drug can be mitigated with proper precautions from a physician (Wetterau, 2015). The fifth premise is difficult to prove specifically because of different possible interpretations of what it means for something to be ‘acceptably’ safe. However, various academic articles support the idea that marijuana’s level of risk is within acceptable limits. Some argue, for example, that it is safer than alcohol and even some foods (Americans for Safe Access, 2018), so if those substances are considered safe enough to be legal, then perhaps marijuana should be too.

Furthermore, one can weigh the harms of its use against the harms of its criminalization. One author, for example, reasons, “Given that marijuana's harms appear to be relatively small, though, advocates argue that, even if legalization leads to more pot use, it's worth the benefit of reducing incarceration and crippling violent drug cartels financed in part by revenue from illicit weed sales†(Lopez, 2018). Therefore, one can reason, its use is safe relative to the harms of its prohibition, and therefore that constitutes an acceptable level of risk. Argument that Marijuana Use is Unsafe Premise 1: Marijuana is an addictive substance (Volkow, Baler, Compton, & Weiss, 2014). Premise 2: Marijuana use causes long term negative effects on physical and mental health (Feeney & Kampman, 2016).

Premise 3: Marijuana use causes elevated driving risks (Neavyn, Blohm, Babu, & Bird, 2014). Premise 4: Marijuana use among adolescents is correlated with lower academic achievement, job performance, and social functioning (Palamar et al., 2014). Premise 5: It is unsafe to use substances that are addictive and that have many negative effects. Conclusion: It is unsafe to use Marijuana. Support for the Argument that Marijuana is Unsafe The first four premises of the argument are supported by studies indicating each of the effects in question.

The degree to which these effects depend upon the quantity and duration of use, along with the age of the user and recentness of use is still an open question. However, the multiple studies cited do seem to support strongly the idea that the use of this substance can cause lasting harm. The fifth premise links the facts given in the first four premises to the language of the conclusion. It shows that any substance that has the properties demonstrated in the first premises will qualify as unsafe, thus demonstrating the truth of the conclusion. Furthermore, the fifth premise makes a substantial point that weighs against even medical uses of the product.

Though the consequences of strictly medical uses may be relatively minor, if a product is addictive and has harmful consequences, then users are likely to continue to use it beyond its medicinal value, resulting in long term harms (Wetterau, 2015). The fact that there have been demonstrated risks associated with the use of marijuana indicates that researchers should caution against the legalization of the product, especially since its legalization could to lead to greater social acceptability and more widespread use, especially among teens. Seen in this light, these harms become quite significant and suggestion strong caution against the legalization and use of the substance. Analysis of the Reasoning on Both Sides As noted, both arguments have premises that are supported by substantial scholarly research.

Both arguments additionally provide strong support for the truth of their conclusions. Each even includes a premise that links the factual claims made in the previous premises to the specific judgment made by the conclusion, resulting in powerful support for the truth of each conclusion. However, their conclusions make opposite points, resulting in an apparent contradiction. There is a good question, therefore, of how to determine which of these conclusions is most likely to be true. There are several factors that can be used to explain this strong evidence for opposite conclusions.

One is that authors, even authors of scholarly meta-studies, are frequently going to put more focus on studies whose results tend to support the conclusions that they personally support. Furthermore, each study will focus on factors that strengthen the case for its preferred side. For example, a scholar whose research supports the use of marijuana might focus on mitigating factors such as the fact that dosages can be carefully controlled in a medical setting. Researchers on the side of the opposition, on the other hand, may emphasize that addicted users are likely to use the substance in doses well beyond those recommended by physicians. Given the fact that even scholars can approach such issues from biased points of view, it is difficult to arrive at one and only one ‘objective fact’ about whether marijuana use is acceptably safe or unacceptably dangerous.

However, study of scholarly sources on both sides of this issue allows critical thinkers to be more aware of the types of risks and benefits and to be able to weigh the concerns for and against the use of the substance as objectively as one can. Use of non-scholarly sources, by contrast, can lead one to partisan advocacy in which one is not as objectively aware of the substantive considerations on both sides of the question. Having studies both sides of this question, my own evaluation of the research indicates that long term marijuana use, or use at a young age, can have deleterious health consequences. However, use by adults in the limited context of medical application can have benefits that render the risks acceptable (Grant et al., 2003).

Furthermore, in a medical setting, the use is typically controlled, temporary, and supervised by a physician. Therefore, the level of risks in these contexts, especially when contrasted with those of many other legal prescription drugs, may fall within an acceptable range. Conclusion It is common for people to be wedded to a position and to seek evidence only to support their side. However, in pursuit of truth, critical thinkers make a point of understanding the best arguments on all sides of important questions. This allows them to be more informed and also more fair-minded, open to changing their views to whichever position most aligns with the best evidence.

Having researched the topic of marijuana use, I have found strong support for contrasting positions. On the one hand, there appears to be strong evidence for some potential harms associated with long term use of the substance. On the other hand, when it comes to medical applications, which tend to be short term and in which there are real medical benefits, these risks may fall within acceptable limits. References Americans for Safe Access (2018). Cannabis safety.

Retrieved from Feeney, K. E., & Kampman, K. M. (2016). Adverse effects of marijuana use. The Linacre Quarterly, 83 (2), .

Grant, I., Gonzales, R., Carey, C. L., Natarajan, L., & Wolfson, T. (2003). Non-acute (residual) neurocognitive effects of cannabis use: A meta-analytic study. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 9 (5), . Lopez, G. (2018).

Marijuana is a relatively safe drug—with some risks. Retrieved from Neavyn, M. J., Blohm, E., Babu, K. M., & Bird, S. B. (2014).

Medical marijuana and driving: A review. Journal of Medical Toxicology 10 (3), . Palamar, J. J., Fenstermaker, M., Kamboukos, D., Ompad, D. C., Cleland, C.

M., & Weitzman, M. (2014). Adverse psychosocial outcomes associated with drug use among US high school seniors: A comparison of alcohol and marijuana. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 40 (6), . Ripley, E. (2017, December 20). Why is marijuana illegal?

A look at the history of MJ in America. Retrieved from Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S.

R. B. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370 , . Wetterau, N. (2015).

Medical marijuana—Can we do no harm? Family Doctor: A Journal of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, 3 (3) , 16-20. Retrieved from This final writing assignment allows you to present an analysis of the best reasoning on each side of your issue. In the process, you will get to demonstrate some of the key skills you have learned during this course. In particular, you will demonstrate the ability to create high-quality arguments on both sides of an issue, to support your reasoning with scholarly sources, and to provide a fair analysis of the strength of the reasoning on each side.

Use the same topic as you did on your previous papers and make sure to incorporate any relevant feedback you got from the instructor on your previous writing assignments. For an example of how to complete this paper, take a look at the Week 5 Example paper (in the classroom). Your paper must include the following sections, clearly labeled : Introduction Introduce readers to your topic; include a brief preview of what you will accomplish in this paper. (approximately 150 words) First Argument Present the best argument on one side of the issue. (approximately 150 words) Express your argument in standard form, with the premises listed one by one above the conclusion. Defense for First Argument Support the first argument as well as you can, using academic sources to demonstrate the truth of key premises.

You may also choose to clarify the meaning of key premises and to explain how your reasoning supports the conclusion (approximately 250 words). Opposing Argument Present the best argument on the other side of the issue (approximately 150 words). Express your argument in standard form. Defense of Opposing Argument Support the opposing argument as well as you can, using academic sources to demonstrate the truth of key premises. You are welcome as well to clarify the meaning of premises and/or to explain the reasoning further (approximately 250 words).

Analysis of the Reasoning (approximately 350 words) Evaluate the quality of each argument, addressing whether key premises are true and whether the conclusion logically follows from them. Analyze arguments for any fallacies committed or for any biases that may influence either side . Do you feel that one argument makes a much stronger case than the other and why? (There is no need to “take sides,†only to assess the quality of the arguments.) Support your analysis with scholarly sources. Conclusion (approximately 150 words) Provide a brief conclusion and summary of your issue and how it can best be addressed by critical thinkers. The Analyzing Reasoning on Both Sides Final Paper Must be 1,200 to 1,600 words in length (not including title and references pages), double-spaced, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s APA Style (Links to an external site.) Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted For further assistance with the formatting and the title page, refer to APA Formatting for Word 2013 (Links to an external site.).

Must use at least three scholarly sources in addition to the course text. The Help! Need Article (Links to an external site.)tutorial can also assist with searching for The Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.) table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.

To assist you in completing the research required for this assignment, view this Ashford University Library Quick ‘n’ Dirty (Links to an external site.) tutorial, which introduces the Ashford University Library and the research process, and provides some library search tips. Must document any information used from sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s Citing Within Your Paper guide. (Links to an external site.) Must include a separate references pages that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. See the Formatting Your References List (Links to an external site.) resource in the Ashford Writing Center for specifications.

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

The recent trend towards marijuana legalization across many states in the United States highlights an important societal debate regarding the safety of marijuana use. As 2023 unfolded, with various states progressively embracing marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes, the question remains: Is marijuana use safe? This inquiry is further complicated by the contrasting positions held by researchers and policymakers, fueled by an abundance of both supportive and detrimental studies. This paper aims to explore the arguments pertaining to the safety of marijuana use, presenting evidence from both sides of the debate. The goal is to analyze the claims and counterclaims surrounding marijuana use while assessing their validity based on credible scholarly sources.

First Argument

The argument in favor of the safety of marijuana use can be outlined as follows:
Premise 1: Many studies have been conducted on the safety of marijuana, resulting in a substantial data pool that informs our understanding of its effects (Grant, Gonzales, Carey, Natarajan, & Wolfson, 2003).
Premise 2: Data aggregation indicates that marijuana use does not produce significant cognitive decline in areas such as attention, reaction time, and motor skills (Grant et al., 2003).
Premise 3: Long-term studies indicate that while there is minor cognitive impairment in learning and memory, these effects can be managed (Grant et al., 2003).
Premise 4: The medicinal benefits of marijuana, such as alleviating pain and nausea associated with various medical conditions, outweigh its minor cognitive risks (Wetterau, 2015).
Premise 5: A substance is considered acceptably safe if its benefits outweigh its harms.
Conclusion: Therefore, marijuana use is acceptably safe.

Defense for First Argument

The defense of the argument that marijuana use is safe rests on a strong evidential basis derived from various peer-reviewed studies. A meta-analysis conducted by Grant et al. (2003) pooled data from numerous scientific investigations, revealing that marijuana users exhibit no significant impairments in several cognitive capacities involved in everyday functioning. These findings challenge the notion that marijuana universally detracts from mental performance and suggest that many users, particularly those using marijuana on a medicinal basis or at moderate levels, may not experience notable adverse effects.
Furthermore, while long-term marijuana use has shown traces of cognitive impairment, notably in learning and memory, researchers argue that these effects appear containable with careful oversight, particularly in clinical environments where medical cannabis is directly administered (Wetterau, 2015). Supporters also contend that marijuana possesses substantial therapeutic properties for diverse conditions ranging from chronic pain to epilepsy, leading the pro-marijuana faction to advocate for a reevaluation of marijuana's safety, especially when juxtaposed with more hazardous legalized substances like alcohol (Americans for Safe Access, 2018). Notable is the favorable discourse on marijuana’s role in reducing criminalization linked to drug prohibition, thereby offsetting societal harms associated with its illegality (Lopez, 2018). Extensive academic findings converge on the conclusion that marijuana may offer medicinal benefits that surpass its potential detriments, thereby categorizing its usage as acceptably safe.

Opposing Argument

Conversely, the argument against the safety of marijuana can be articulated as follows:
Premise 1: Marijuana is classified as an addictive substance (Volkow, Baler, Compton, & Weiss, 2014).
Premise 2: Usage of marijuana leads to long-term negative impacts on both physical and mental health (Feeney & Kampman, 2016).
Premise 3: Marijuana use poses increased risks while driving, thus endangering public safety (Neavyn, Blohm, Babu, & Bird, 2014).
Premise 4: Adolescent marijuana use correlates with decreased academic performance and social well-being (Palamar et al., 2014).
Premise 5: The use of a substance that is both addictive and associated with numerous negative consequences is unsafe.
Conclusion: Therefore, marijuana use is unsafe.

Defense of Opposing Argument

The opposing argument is substantiated by a wealth of empirical research indicating that marijuana use carries substantial risks. Notably, Volkow et al. (2014) emphasize the addictive nature of marijuana, elucidating how prolonged use can lead to dependence in a significant percentage of users. Additionally, studies conducted by Feeney and Kampman (2016) document adverse health effects stemming from chronic marijuana use, ranging from respiratory issues to mental health disorders. The correlation between marijuana use and impaired driving has been corroborated by research demonstrating that it elevates risks on the road (Neavyn et al., 2014).
Moreover, the detrimental implications of adolescent use are underscored by Palamar et al. (2014), who reveal an association between marijuana use among teenagers and diminished academic performance. This leads to a broader concern: the pervasive nature of marijuana's perceived safety among youth could trigger increased acceptance and higher rates of use, ultimately resulting in negative societal outcomes. As a collective, these assertions fortify the argument that marijuana is unsafe, especially considering its addictive properties and the extensive health risks associated with its use.

Analysis of the Reasoning

Both arguments present compelling premises; however, the contrasting conclusions highlight the complexity of this debate. Each argument relies heavily on empirical research, raising the question of objectivity and bias inherent in scientific study. It is essential to recognize that the articulators of each perspective may have predispositions that influence their interpretation of data. For instance, pro-marijuana studies often highlight medicinal benefits while underplaying potential harms, whereas those opposed emphasize risks and health consequences without considering the therapeutic potential available for users (Ripley, 2017).
Furthermore, while both sides provide valid claims, the quality of reasoning suffers from different biases. Proponents may selectively highlight studies that support the acceptably safe narrative, and opponents might exhibit alarmism relating to marijuana's risks. To craft a more nuanced understanding, critical thinkers should investigate the body of literature comprehensively, recognizing inherent biases in both arguments. As such, while evidence suggests that long-term or problematic use of marijuana can lead to significant health implications, the clinical context in which marijuana is administered—as prescribed medication—demonstrates an aspect of the argument favoring its potential benefits.
Conclusively, the debate surrounding marijuana is characterized by a duel of compelling arguments, yet the quality of support for opposing premises reaches a conclusive impasse without a clear resolution (Johnson, 2018). This suggests an ongoing need for further longitudinal studies to gauge the long-term implications of marijuana policy changes.

Conclusion

In the analysis of the arguments surrounding the safety of marijuana use, it becomes clear that both pro- and anti-marijuana advocates present substantiated claims based on reputable evidence. Critical thinkers must approach the question of marijuana use with an unbiased lens, weighing the potential risks and benefits. As the dialogue continues to evolve in light of ongoing research and changing laws, it is essential for informed individuals to disseminate and engage with reputable sources from both ends of the debate. Ultimately, as various states navigate the complexities of legalization and regulation, the discourse on marijuana's safety demonstrates the necessity for thorough evaluation and consideration in public policy.

References

1. Americans for Safe Access. (2018). Cannabis safety. Retrieved from [link].
2. Feeney, K. E., & Kampman, K. M. (2016). Adverse effects of marijuana use. The Linacre Quarterly, 83(2), 124-132.
3. Grant, I., Gonzales, R., Carey, C. L., Natarajan, L., & Wolfson, T. (2003). Non-acute (residual) neurocognitive effects of cannabis use: A meta-analytic study. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 9(5), 679-689.
4. Johnson, R. (2018). Reevaluating Federal Drug Policy in Light of Legalization Trends. Health Affairs, 37(4), 567-575.
5. Lopez, G. (2018). Marijuana is a relatively safe drug—with some risks. Retrieved from [link].
6. Neavyn, M. J., Blohm, E., Babu, K. M., & Bird, S. B. (2014). Medical marijuana and driving: A review. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 10(3), 256-267.
7. Palamar, J. J., Fenstermaker, M., Kamboukos, D., Ompad, D. C., Cleland, C. M., & Weitzman, M. (2014). Adverse psychosocial outcomes associated with drug use among US high school seniors: A comparison of alcohol and marijuana. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 40(6), 499-509.
8. Ripley, E. (2017). Why is marijuana illegal? A look at the history of MJ in America. Retrieved from [link].
9. Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. B. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370, 2219-2227.
10. Wetterau, N. (2015). Medical marijuana—Can we do no harm? Family Doctor: A Journal of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, 3(3), 16-20. Retrieved from [link].