This discussion topic was created based on student ideas
generated from the first week discussion.
Legalization of marijuana is a controversial topic. Although
16 states have legislation allowing for the use of the drug for
medical purposes, the federal government still classifies
marijuana as a Schedule I substance. According to the Drug
Enforcement Administration, a Schedule I substance has no
medical value.
For this week's discussion, students will read the below
articles regarding support for and against the legalization of
marijuana. They will also perform a basic search to look for
information on their own, and comment on the benefits or
frustrations of finding credible online resources.
The Patriot's Guide to Legalization (opinion article written
by Kevin Drum, Mother Jones, July/August 2009)
Why
We Should Not Legalize Marijuana (Commentary & Analysis,
Dr. Robert L. DuPont, CNBC.com, 4/20/2010)
DISCUSSION
After reading the articles, post answers
to the following discussion questions using the
Canvas
courseware system (after logging in, select HEA150 from "Courses," then
find "Week 8 Discussion" in the "Assignments" tab on the left
side of the screen) by the end
of Friday, May 24:
After reading the articles, answer the following discussion
questions in a written summary:
-
Explain one or more aspects or points in Kevin
Drum's article you agree or disagree with, being sure to
describe why you agree or disagree.
- Explain one or more aspects or points in Robert L.
DuPont's article you agree or disagree with, being sure to
describe why you agree or disagree.
-
Spend
10-15 minutes searching the internet for "pro" and "con"
articles regarding marijuana legalization (medical or
recreational). After doing so, report on the types of
sources you found. Did you find any of them credible? If so,
what made the sources credible? Did you find sources that
lacked credibility? If so, what about them triggered doubt?
After posting your answers, post
at least four (4) responses or questions to other students
concerning their answers. These responses and/or questions
must be posted by Tuesday, May 28
(an extra day due to the holiday). Responses and
questions should, of course, be posed with a respectable tone.
Students are expected to answer all questions posed to them.
Responses posed to other students are worth four points total,
provided they are posted by the due date.
Educational Enrichment
Marijuna and Medical Marijuana (New York Times, 1/26/2012)
What is Mother Jones?
(Mother Jones)
Legal Recreational Marijuana: Not So Far Out (Adam Cohen,
TIME Magazine, 2/6/12)
American Society of Addiction Medicine Reiterates ASAM Marijuana
Policy Positions (Press release, 10/27/11)
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