Decriminalization of Marijuana

First, I apologize for my relatively inadequate argument in the last round. As I already explained, I had an extremely limited amount of time.Cancer ClaimI will address cervical cancer and prostate cancer separately. It has been proven in studies that medical marijuana (which is the quality that would be used if it were decriminalized) slows the number of malignant cells in the case of cervical cancer. [1] It is also efficient in relieving the pain caused by this cancer. [2] Although more research would be necessary as it is very difficult to conduct a study involving an illegal substance, it is believed that even very low doses of cannabinoids (which are found in marijuana) and THC can slow down the progression of cervical cancer and other types of cancer. [3]As for prostate cancer, the case is almost exactly the same as with its cervical counterpart. Research from the British Journal of Cancer have shown a correlation between cannabinoids and reduced prostate cancer growth. [4] Other chemicals in marijuana, particularly THC, have also been shown to reduce prostate cancer growth. [5]Mental Health IssuesAfter my opponent's jump on my statement about the exacerbation of schizophrenia, I would like to point out that my exact words were "overuse of marijuana can exacerbate schizophrenia in some people [emphasis added]." It is actually unknown whether marijuana simply enhances the problems or whether it causes them to surface. There is no more proof of either claim than the other. [6] Since neither side has more compelling evidence than the other (although they both have their own respective data), the issue is quite moot for this argument.My opponent's analogy between the reaction of NaCl and the chemical which is similar to cannabinoids is absurd. The chemical structures of Na, Cl, and NaCl are vastly different. This is mainly because the formula looks like this: 2Na + Cl2 à 2NaCl. The structures are completely different. I have found a site that explains the role that marijuana plays in treating stress-related mental disorders (which most of them are), including anxiety and stress. [7]Effects to the BrainThere have been multiple studies done which have shown that high doses of cannabinoids can stimulate brain cell growth in rats, which are often used as substitutes for humans in studies. [8] This would suggest that impairments would not be caused due to rapid regrowth.As for memory, the loss does exist but only for short-term. If you are high at the time of being told something, you will not remember it later. This is thought to be independent of neuron effects and researchers believe that it could be fixed if necessary. [9]The results on learning impairment is mixed. [10] While some people are unaffected by marijuana use, others do develop slight learning impairments. The results are thus inconclusive at best.ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has been proven in studies to be alleviated by the use of marijuana. [11] Patients with the disorder who are exposed to the chemicals in cannabis often show positive results in respect to the disorder and its effects.AddictionYour argument about the addictiveness of marijuana is reliant on the negative effects of the substance. Therefore, if my rebuttals for this round are to be considered adequate, then your argument is insignificant considering that marijuana would not cause any serious health effects anyway."Contention 2"My opponent never actually presented a reason that marijuana is detrimental to society. All he did was supply quotes which restated his beliefs. Your conclusion that it is negative to society is based completely on the assertion that marijuana use itself is bad. So basically the logic is, "Since marijuana use went up, its effects on society are negative." I see nothing to be addressed here since the conclusion does not follow from the premise.Rebuttal to my Usage ArgumentThis argument was made not as a primary part of my reasoning or evidence, but instead as simply a sidenote that the War on Marijuana is foundering.PrisonersMy opponent's opening line for his rebuttal is irrelevant to the point I made. The people who are in jail for simple marijuana possession have committed no violent crime. They have not physically hurt anyone else through their actions. They are pointlessly in jail for something that did not hurt anyone and their time in prison will stay with them for the rest of their lives in the form of a criminal record. This is completely ridiculous. Also, my opponent claims that he gave data about the cost to taxpayers but I could find no such data. All the data I found was the cost of keeping those people in jail. In 1999 alone, the cost was $1.2 billion for only 60,000 prisoners. [12]Considering that we have not tried a full-scale DECRIMINALIZATION (not legalization) of marijuana nationwide, the claim that decriminalization would not lead to a decrease in the use of marijuana is unfounded. In Portugal, the decriminalization of marijuana has lead to a decrease in marijuana use. [13] It is a good example to follow.Finally, I would like to thank my opponent for this enjoyable and stimulating debate, as well as the readers for having interest in the topic. Remember to vote PRO.1- http://www.medicalmarijuanacorner.com...2- http://www.medicalmarijuana-sandiego.com...3- http://joianne.wordpress.com...4- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com...5- http://medicalmarijuana.com...6- http://www.drugabuse.gov...7- http://www.tokeofthetown.com...8- http://www.independent.co.uk...9- http://blogs.laweekly.com...10- http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu...11- http://psychcentral.com...12- http://www.rawstory.com...13- http://www.huffingtonpost.com...