Week 5 Course Project Milestone Annotated Bibliograph 418770

Week 5 Course Project Milestone Annotated Bibliographyrequired Resour

Develop an annotated bibliography comprising five scholarly sources related to the debate on marijuana legalization in the USA. The bibliography should include an introduction and thesis statement based on your current understanding, publication details of each source, and a detailed annotation. Each annotation must summarize key points and identify significant terms, discuss controversies or problems raised by the articles, state your agreement or disagreement with supporting reasons, and include one or two quotations for your final research project. Additionally, evaluate how each article has influenced and sharpened your understanding of the topic.

Paper For Above instruction

The ongoing debate over marijuana legalization in the United States has evolved significantly over recent decades, reflecting changing societal attitudes, legal frameworks, and scientific understanding. Initially viewed primarily as a dangerous, addictive substance, marijuana is now increasingly recognized for its medicinal benefits and the social and economic implications of legalizing its use. This annotated bibliography aims to critically examine five scholarly sources that explore various facets of this debate, including legal policies, health impacts, social perceptions, and economic considerations. The goal is to synthesize these perspectives to inform an evidence-based thesis advocating for a nuanced understanding of marijuana legalization’s implications.

The first source, Cohn et al. (2017), provides insights into public support for marijuana legalization and factors influencing increased usage intentions among young adults. This research highlights how shifting public opinions are pivotal in policy reforms and elucidates the social dynamics driving the movement towards legalization. The article emphasizes that increased support correlates with broader acceptance and perceived safety, although concerns about increased consumption remain. I agree that public perception significantly influences policy but contend that it should be balanced with scientific evidence about health risks and benefits.

Another critical source, Mezirow (2003), discusses transformations in learning behaviors and attitudes, which can be applied to societal shifts seen in marijuana attitudes. Mezirow's distinction between instrumental and communicative learning underscores that societal change often requires critical discourse, especially concerning controversial issues like drug policy. This perspective helps me appreciate the importance of education and dialogue in fostering informed opinions about marijuana use and legislation.

The controversies surrounding marijuana legalization hinge on public health, criminal justice, and economic impacts. Some opponents fear that legalization could lead to increased youth access, impaired driving, and long-term health problems. Conversely, proponents argue that regulation can reduce illegal trafficking, generate tax revenue, and respect individual rights. This dichotomy is well represented in the literature, including studies by Amy et al. (2017), who note that perceptions of harm have decreased, fostering greater acceptance of medical and recreational marijuana.

I largely agree with the proponents who see legalization as a means of harm reduction and social justice, but I acknowledge the necessity for strict regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks. The quotations I find most compelling are from Amy et al. (2017): "Support for Marijuana Legalization and Predictors of Intentions to Use Marijuana More Often in Response to Legalization" (p. 2), which underscores how legalization can alter usage patterns among youth and young adults, and from Mezirow (2003), emphasizing that "transformative learning" is essential for societal change regarding controversial topics like drug policy.

This body of research has helped me focus my understanding by revealing the complex interplay between societal attitudes, scientific research, and policy. It demonstrates that legalization is not merely a legal shift but a cultural transformation requiring comprehensive education and regulation to balance benefits and risks effectively.

References

  • Cohn, A. M., Johnson, A. L., Rose, S. W., Rath, J. M., & Villanti, A. C. (2017). Support for Marijuana Legalization and Predictors of Intentions to Use Marijuana More Often in Response to Legalization Among U.S. Young Adults. Substance Use & Misuse, 52(2), 136–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2016.1247015
  • Mezirow, J. (2003). Transformative learning as discourse. Journal of Transformative Education, 1(1), 58–63. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344603252172
  • Amy M. Cohn et al. (2017). Support for Marijuana Legalization and Predictors of Intentions to Use Marijuana More Often in Response to Legalization Among U.S. Young Adults. Substance Use & Misuse, 52(2), 136–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2016.1247015
  • Pacula, R. L., & Kilmer, B. (2015). Marijuana legalization: Lessons from Colorado and Washington. JAMA, 314(5), 465–466. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.8059
  • Hall, W., & Weier, M. (2015). Assessing the public health impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use in the USA. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 97(6), 607–615. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.103
  • MacCoun, R. J., & Reuter, P. (2014). What today’s marijuana laws can learn from alcohol prohibition. American Journal of Public Health, 104(5), 917–923. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301697
  • Pacula, R. L., & Smart, R. (2017). Medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. JAMA, 317(2), 146–147. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.17478
  • Caulkins, J. P., Hawken, A., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2012). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.
  • Berke, J. (2020). The impact of marijuana legalization on youth drug use: A review of research findings. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(20), 1950–1952. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsr1912216
  • Smart, R., & Pacula, R. L. (2019). Risks and opportunities of cannabis legalization. Science, 365(6454), 167–169. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw6998

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