Response Paper #3

Annotated Bibliography

Caulkins, Jonathan, et al. "Design Considerations for Legalizing Marijuana." Addiction 107.5 (2012): 865-871.

The authors of this article have graduates in public policy, law and criminology. They aim to enlighten readers of the potential effects of legalizing marijuana and discuss possibilities for how such a law would be implemented. This article does not declare a bias, but the authors argue that legalizing marijuana would raise tax revenues, eliminate arrests and save costs to law enforcement, stop illegal trade of drugs, ensure the safeness of cannabis products, and prevent underage youth from obtaining marijuana. The intended audience is for voters considering advocating for the legalization of marijuana or voting in favor of it. The research methods used was an analysis of recent ballots proposed to legalize marijuana. The article concludes that the sale price of marijuana would go down if legalized and consumption would rise. Whether or not the tax revenues will be sizable depends on numerous variables. The article has an extensive works cited and reference page. It was very organized and easy to look for specific information. This paper is limited because it is based off of speculated effects of legalization. There is no case study or analysis of other states that have legalized marijuana.

This text was very relevant to the research needed for my paper. One of our group's goals is to demonstrate how legalization will reduce crime rates and save money for tax payers. This article is a great reference for this point. It talks about how the justice system can refocus its efforts to other more serious crimes. My reaction to this article was very positive. It does a great job of pointing out the benefits to legalization and the flaws the law can have.

Bloomquist, Edward R. "Marijuana: social benefit or social detriment?." California medicine 106.5 (1967): 346.

The author has his credentials as a Medical Doctor. The article analyzes the typological features of marijuana, the effects it has on the body, clinical and social uses of the drug and the attitudes and arguments people have for marijuana today. The author's main argument is that the attitudes about legalizing and using marijuana are flawed. The intended audience is for those who are in favor of legalizing and using marijuana; specifically people who have these attitudes but are uneducated on the facts of the matter. The author concludes that marijuana can be and is damaging to the individual and society. Issues with legalizing alcohol are still unsolved, so he asks why we should take on another unsolvable legal issue. The text has multiple reliable sources lending it credibility. 

This text is perfect for our group research project. It presents an opposing view on the matter of legalization and he gives arguments that are sometimes difficult to refute. I was able to agree with the author on many of his points, but his bias and use of charged language makes the benefits to legalizing marijuana seem insignificant. His points will help motivate our group's arguments.