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Ethical dimensions of marijuana legalization
Discuss the ethical dimensions of marijuana legalization; looking at the subject in terms of both consequence and principles based ethical systems. Consider the many viewpoints surrounding the conversation and be mindful of the complexity of the issue.
Two questions being asked: Is it morally permissible to use marijuana? (Why or why not?)
How should law regulate it? Should it be fully legalized and sold openly without regulation? Should it be legalized and regulated? Should it be decriminalized? Or what? (Why or why not?)
Apply Ethical theories to the questions: Utilitarianism: An act is morally right if and only if it brings about the best balance of utility (i.e., the best balance of benefits and harms).
Categorical Imperative (Formula of Respect): Do an act (an act is morally right) if and only if it does not treat any person merely as a means but always also as an end in itself!
Use at least five (5) sources; here are some to start you off:
http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/making-economic-case-legalizing-drugs
http://www.release.org.uk/publications/quiet-revolution-drug-decriminalisation-policies-practice-across-globe
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2014/03/07/as-criticism-of-the-war-on-drugs-mounts-a-u-n-agency-rails-against-reforms-it-is-powerless-to-stop/
http://www.alternet.org/4-fascinating-things-marijuana-legalization-has-already-taught-us
Here is one possible outline to this paper. Feel free to come up with something better. BUT it MUST follow the ethical issue and use ethical principles to work through whatever questions the paper should impose.
SUMMARY, OPENING STATEMENT, THESIS STATEMENT
IS IT MORALLY PERMISSIBLE TO USE MARIJUANA?
Use marijuana (including various sub-options, such as smoking or adding it to food or drinks)
Do not use it, period.
CONSEQUENTIALIST REASONS FOR AND AGAINST USING MARIJUANA:
Benefits:
Medicinal value for some people, especially for glaucoma and AIDS patients
Can lead to artistic and scientific insights and discoveries
Relaxes people
Contributes to better love making
Alleged (putative) harms:
Does it cause violence?
Is it a gateway drug?
Is it addictive?
Does it make people mildly paranoid?
Real or more serious harms: (does abuse rather than use cause this)
addiction
unproductivity
legal problems (where it is illegal)
SHOULD IT BE LEGAL?
Alternatives concerning legalization:
Some benefits of legalization:
Putative (alleged) harms:
ETHICAL ASSESSMENT OF LEGALIZATION:
Utilitarian theory:
Kantian theory:
Paternalism
Harms to others
The protection of autonomy of others.
