Legalizing Marijuana - Annotated Bibliography Example

Legalizing Marijuana Critical Preface This annotated bibliography aims at evaluating the debate on the legalizationof marijuana. This would be important for the reader to understand the political and scientific balance sought in seeking to legalize marijuana in various states. As such, the research question entails whether marijuana should be legalized in all the states of America. This compilation was done on March 8 2014 encompassing 3 articles. The first article is drawn from the political column of an online newspaper; the second from Reuters, a renowned media house; and the last one is an article from the California State University Northridge students’ online newspaper.

Annotated BibliographyCaputo, M. and M. E. Klas. Medical Marijuana Headed for Florida Ballot After Supreme Court’s 4-3 Decision. Miamiherald.com. 27 Jan. 2014. Web. 8 Mar. 2014.This article reports on the impending vote in Florida to decide on the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use. The Democrats supporting this amendment to the law cite the benefit of marijuana in treating debilitating diseases. The Republicans opposed to this legalization read mischief in using the sick to misled voters into legalizing marijuana.

If it passes, it would open the way for legalization of marijuana in general. Furthermore, with the authority of deciding who has a disease worth of marijuana treatment in the hands of physicians, it is open to abuse. With 60% likelihood of the legalization vote sailing through, Florida will join other 20 states together with the District of Columbia in decriminalizing medicinal marijuana. This is a critical article in showing how healthcare and political conflicts shape the debate on legalization of marijuana.

Cotterell, B. Bills to Legalize Medical Marijuana Introduced in Florida. Reuters.com. Reuters. 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 8 Mar. 2014.This publication reports on a bill that was introduced in both houses by legislators from Florida State. The bill supported by Democrats but opposed by Republicans proposed the legalization of medicinal marijuana. With medicinal marijuana having the abilities to treat conditions such as HIV/AIDS, ALS, cancer and other severe afflictions, the debate was likely to draw 60% support.

However, the article appreciates that with the legalization of medicinal marijuana, there would be need for legislation to govern how it would be grown, accessed by those in need and consequences for abusers. At the same time, there was another bill that sought an amendment of the bill to allow Charlotte’s Web, a non-euphoric extract from marijuana, to treat seizures. The limitation of this article is that it does not give reasons for opposition by the Republicans.Wolf, M. Legalizing Marijuana Can Reduce Crime, Increase Revenue for State. Sundial.csun.edu. Daily Sundial. 9 Nov. 2009. Web. 8 Mar. 2014.Giving an account of the California State on the legalization of marijuana, Wolf gives an account of the renewed debate on legalization of marijuana following past undesirable consequences to those supporting such a move.

This comes in the wake of the general public in California widely adopting marijuana for medicinal purposes despite the federal still considering it illegal. The substance has been noted to renew appetite among cancer patients, cure insomnia, relieve chronic pain and reduce anxiety. It boosts California’s revenue by about $14 annually. The article however reports on marijuana ending up not being used for intended purpose as about 10% of the people in the state wrongfully have marijuana medical cards.

The reason for resistance to legalization of marijuana has been attributed to the social standard that has had marijuana as unacceptable for a long time.