Marijuana Legislation

Ok Con. Sorry for the confusion here. I am not American and am not familiar with Federal and State laws as much. However, to make this easier I will base this on the fact that my understanding that Federal covers all the states and State laws are independent for that state even if it's different to the federal ones, the FBI can still arrest someone for doing something that is illegal under federal law but legal under state law. Please correct me about this although I don't think it will be that relevant for the purpose of this debate. To clarify, I (Pro) am in favour for Industrial Hemp licences under federal and state law and a regulated marijuana legalisation system which would be controlled and depending on different state law. I hope this won't be any more confusing and it's easier if we dismiss the argument about federal and state as it's not really the main purpose of what I propose. Also I didn't state how i wanted the structure of the debate at the beginning and now as Con has accepted, it is too late to make changes as this would be unfair on him. So I apologise if it becomes a mess (i. e main arguments, rebuttals and conclusion all messed around a bit in different place) but we might have to improvise a bit on this. To begin, "Marijuana Legislation" I believe that the US should change it's legislation on Marijuana. It is important that I make it absolutely clear from the beginning that I do not propose recreational legalisation from smoking, growing and selling of the herb as the main part of the argument here as is not the case. I believe that there are many benefits in legalising 'Hemp' for industrial use. Definition of Hemp is as follows : 'The tough, coarse fiber of the cannabis plant, used to make cordage. ' [1] Industrial Uses: * Hemp Fiber One of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers Using hemp fibers instead of wood fibers to make paper would be less expensive and conserve trees * Hemp Paper Until the 1880's between 75% and 90% of paper was made with Hemp fiber * Hemp Fabric Lasts longer and withstands harsh conditions Provides all the warmth and softness of a natural textile but with a superior durability Can be used in cloth, rope, canvas, sailcloth, sacks, carpets, paint, and car upholstery * Hemp Fuel If developed it could be used as a biodiesel/bio fuel [2] So already there are huge advantages to the economy and also the enviroment: *Hemp can produce 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax using the same amount of land. *Most products made from hemp are biodegradable *Seeds can grow in dry climates *Grows without fertilizer or pesticides The earliest use of hemp dates back to China in 4000 BC where it was mainly used to cultivate land. The five common uses amongst all early societies for hemp were for hempen fibers, medicine, narcotics, food, and oil, the last two of which coming from the seeds. Many cultures regarded hemp as a sacred commodity and either burned it (for any of various purposes, such as smoking or meditation) or wore it during ceremonies. In Africa, hemp was used to treat fevers and illnesses such as malaria and dysentery. (globalhemp. com). Common misconception about hemp: "Hemp, like Marijuana, is a Source of THC" * Although hemp is derived from the same plant as marijuana, the Cannabis sativa L plant, it does differ greatly to marijuana (Kane). The THC level of marijuana is measured at anywhere from four to 20 percent. Hemp, on the other hand, has a THC level of less than one percent; not nearly enough to even obtain the slightest "high" effect. And my proposition of legalising this would require a licence to be obtained that would be strictly monitored to ensure mass production of 'weed' would not be the case. [1] . http://www.thefreedictionary.com... [2] . http://www.pages.drexel.edu... Secondly, a regulated system which I did not initially explain in detail at the start and before I go into further detail about what I propose, I would like you to please watch this short video clip from YouTube. com: . http://www.youtube.com... Ok so after listening to the argument on the video, you should have some if not most understanding as to what I propose to be the case. I am in favour of: 1. Decriminalising Marijuana 2. Regulated Government Distribution Of Marijuana Like Alcohol is. This would: a) Save money being wasted into petty offences of marijuana possession leading to arrest which is a waste of police time and money. b) Restrict access to it by having it sold the same way as Alcohol and cigarettes, this would: (1) Keep it away from the black market. Adults would no longer illegally grow it as it would be available to purchase legally. (2) Make it much harder for kids to have access to from a young age therefore shaping a better society in the eyes of the people who currently have a problem with it. "There granddad, you happy now? ". c) Boost the economy as the Cannabis is ranked #6 cash crop and it's all going to the illegal market. This would be no doubt taxed by the government. d) Introduce a more excepting idea about the herb to society when they see the benefits of this new plan. Why? because countless times people are admitting that we have lost the War On Drugs. And this new system would be a better way at handling the issue with Marijuana. (see 2nd youtube video) . http://www.youtube.com... To add to point 'd', this would be a better step in hopefully making the rest of society open minded to the idea of medical marijuana to be legalised across the country. This has shown to be so far successful ever since introduced. But I won't go into that just yet I'll give my opponent a chance to convince us the drug war is fine or if anything needs to be stricter. .. it will be interesting to read what he has to say. So we have it here is what I propose to start with. I shall go into more depth about them both next round. But for now, over to you Con.