toulmin analysis

Delphine Webster
Mr. Jackson
Marijuana vs Alcohol
Marijuana is the most used illicit drug in the United States. You have been encouraged to believe that marijuana causes lung cancer and is a “gateway” to harder drugs. The truth is that marijuana is widely used in a manner quite similar to alcohol. Adults might consume it before enjoying a dinner party with friends. Friends might have a little before engaging in a spirited game of ultimate Frisbee. And spouses – yes, even some couples you know might imbibe a bit while enjoying a romantic evening together. Concert-goers have even been known to have a puff or two before or during a show – which more likely than not results in them dancing or otherwise enjoying the music, not lying on the ground like lumps.
None of this is “bad” or “wrong” or “immoral.” It is simply something that these responsible adults choose to do. And frequently it is something they choose to do specifically instead of alcohol. And for good reason! Alcohol is more toxic, more addictive, more harmful to the body, more likely to result in injuries, and more likely to lead to interpersonal violence than marijuana. Many people die from alcohol use. Nobody dies from marijuana use. People die from alcohol overdoses. There has never been a fatal marijuana overdose. The health-related costs associated with alcohol use far exceed those for marijuana use. Alcohol use damages the brain. Marijuana use does not. Alcohol use is linked to cancer. Marijuana use is not. Alcohol use is associated with a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver and prostate. Marijuana use has not been conclusively associated with any form of cancer. In fact, one study recently contradicted the long-time government claim that marijuana use is associated with head and neck cancers. It found that marijuana use actually reduce the chances of head and neck cancers. Alcohol is more addictive than marijuana. Alcohol use increases the risk of injury to the consumer. Marijuana use does not. Alcohol use contributes to aggressive and violent behavior. Marijuana use does not. Alcohol use is a major factor in violent crimes. Marijuana use is not. Alcohol use contributes to the likelihood of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Marijuana use does not. Alcohol is a major contributing factor in the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault. This is not to say that alcohol causes these problems; rather, its use makes it more likely that an individual prone to such behavior will act on it. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) website highlights alcohol as the "most commonly used chemical in crimes of sexual assault" and provides information on an array of other drugs that have been linked to sexual violence. Given the fact that marijuana is so accessible and widely used, it is quite telling that the word "marijuana" does not appear anywhere on the page.
Cited page: SAFEchoice.org.

P.O. Box 40332 – Denver, CO 80204 – Phone: 303-861-0915 –

Cited: page: SAFEchoice.org.   P.O. Box 40332 – Denver, CO 80204 – Phone: 303-861-0915 –