College Republicans Sponsor December IOM

Each month the College Republicans at Roger Williams University sponsor an Issue of the Month(IOM). These IOM's differ month to month and usually cover controversial political topics. This moth the issue is the controversial topic regarding the legalization of marijuana. If you are a student here you are invited to attend.

If you are attending, bring your thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and any questions you have on the topic. We will discuss why or why not this substance should be legal. Should it be completely banned with severe punishments, banned with minor punishments. Should it be conditionally legal where you can;t operate a motor vehicle or be publicly high similar to alcohol? Should marijuana be completely legal where you can smoke it anywhere?

Is marijuana a right the government can take away? Is this really an important right? Is it protected by the Constitution? What effects does this drug have on the human body and second-hand persons? Does this drug positively contribute to society or negatively destroy it and its youth?

There are very good points on both sides of the argument. Some may be more true than others or more or less applicable in certain situations. If the drug was legalized you would have to consider taxes, lawsuits, government regulation, and anything that comes with it. Would legalization change the production process of cannabis? Would this force companies to grow this drug in pure soil. A little known fact is that much of today's marijuana is grown in soil rich in dangerous chemicals and metals such as mercury and cadmium. Take everything into consideration and judge whether or not this is a good thing for the country as a whole rather than an excuse to reward a personal addiction.