填空题
Marijuana
Marijuana that comes from the hemp plant "cannabis sativa" has been used for a variety of purposes since ancient times. Actually, hemp is one of the world"s most important resources, and has many industrial applications, including as a textile, fuel, or construction product, as well as an ingredient in the furniture, cosmetics, energy and food industry.
1 [■] Most well-known are its uses to cure cancer patients and to provide relief for those who suffer from asthma. 2 [■] In the 19th Century, scientists began to investigate its properties, and in 1839 its use as an analgesic and anticonvulsing agent was recorded in medical journals. 3 [■] Marijuana was thought effective in treating a wide range of physical and mental ailments, but interest in its use as medicine waned in the 20th Century with the advent of more modern medicines. 4 [■]
The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 rendered marijuana illegal, and in 1941 it was deleted from the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, the official compendium of drugs. 1 [■] In addition the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 classified marijuana as one of the most dangerous drugs and banned it from being legally cultivated in the United States. 2 [■] Drugs which have a high potential for abuse are classified as Schedule-1 drugs and cannot be used for medical purposes. 3 [■] Marijuana, heroin, opiates and hallucinogenics belong to this drug group. 4 [■]
There is widespread debate in the United States today as to whether marijuana should be legalized or not. 1 [■] Supporters of legalization maintain that marijuana is effective as a pain reliever for certain conditions and is particularly helpful for those who suffer from glaucoma. 2 [■] Those in favor of legalization suggest that .just as we would not deny a sick person aspirin, we should not deny marijuana to those who need it. 3 [■] Marijuana supporters point to the association of alcohol with drunk driving, domestic abuse, and addiction. 4[■] They note that marijuana use does not produce any of these behaviors and for this reason it is hypocritical to outlaw marijuana, but not alcohol.
While there is considerable support for legalization, the majority of the American public is opposed to the legalization of marijuana. 1 [■] One such effect would be loss of memory and motivation, as well as loss of motor control while driving under the influence of marijuana or performing other activities requiring concentration and coordination. 2 [■] Opponents of legalization also suggest that marijuana is a gateway drug. 3 [■] This is because marijuana users who look for a more intense high may move on to harder drugs such as cocaine and heroine. 4 [■]
For now, marijuana is not legal in most parts of the globe. Yet a prolific underground marijuana culture is flourishing. In many ports and big cities, marijuana dealers openly sell their wares at street corners, and police forces have trouble reigning them in. Numerous marijuana growers have been busted in what seemed quiet neighborhoods. But the illicit profits from the production and selling of the grass outweigh the risks, and many criminals still traffic with marijuana.
1 [■] It is unlikely in the foreseeable future that marijuana will be fully legalized in the U.S. 2 [■] In 1996, voters in both California and Arizona agreed to a bill for marijuana to be legalized for such medical purposes. It means that doctors and patients will be protected from criminal prosecution when marijuana is prescribed for serious conditions. 3 [■] Other states, such as Alaska, have not legalized the drug, but have decriminalized it such that possession of small amounts is only a minor offense that does not carry a police record. 4[■]
1 [■] Thus, many foreign groups support its legalization both in the States and other areas of the world. 2 [■] Despite its usefulness for medical treatment and supports from many groups, however, the political and legal controversies surrounding its status as an illegal substance, as well as concerns about the drug"s potential harmful side effects have become obstacles to its legalization. 3 [■] Everyone has his own opinion on marijuana and its legalization, so it will continue to be discussed until an answer is given. 4 [■]
Glossary
cannabis sativa:
a strong-smelling plant from whose dried leaves a number of euphoriant and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared
anticonvulsant:
drug that prevents or relieves convulsions
hallucinogenics:
a substance that induces hallucination
glaucoma:
a disease of the eye marked by increased pressure within the eyeball that can result in damage to the optic disk and gradual loss of vision
decriminalize:
to reduce or abolish criminal penalties