Medical Marijuana

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The Legalization of Medical Marijuana
I. Introduction - Who has control over your health?
A. Medical marijuana is used as a form of herbal therapy which is recommended for chronic pain and nausea. B. This causes controversy because some people have illnesses in which medical marijuana can help symptoms, but in most states the drug is illegal. C. Citizens who can benefit from the use of medical marijuana feel as if their medical rights are being infringed on and believe the government controls their health instead of doctors. II. Virginia Law

A. The law recognizes marijuana’s medical value, but these laws are ineffective because they rely on federal cooperation. I. With the powerful statistics of abuse of this drug being so high and the conservative view, Virginia is not likely to remove the ban on the drug. II. During the 2012 General Assembly Virginia lawmaker, David Englin, is proposing selling marijuana in liquor stores.

B. Possession charges carry serious consequences.
I. The delivery or sale of marijuana can be punishable by six months jail time and a $500 fine to as great as twenty years to life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. II. Any sale to a minor carries a penalty of 10-50 years in prison and up to $100,000 fine. III. California Laws

A. California is one of the sixteen states that has laws protecting patients who possess marijuana with their doctor’s approval and allows patients to cultivate or acquire marijuana.
B. The unlawful use of marijuana has punishments which can lead to jail time and fines. I. Any amount of marijuana less than 28.5 grams is not punishable by jail time but merely a $100 fine. However, depending on age or amount of marijuana being distributed can lead to seven years in prison. II. Even with fines and jail time, the punishment in California is minute compared to the charges one may see in other states such as Virginia. IV. What effects does marijuana have on an individual?

A. When used for...
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