Good morning honourable chairperson, judges, audience members, and of course, our most worthy opponents. I am side proposition’s second speaker, here to enforce our belief in the legalization of marijuana in Canada. Again, we whole heartedly support this resolution. In my speech today, I will elaborate upon side proposition’s contentions, which prove why this resolution must stand. I will also discuss the affirmative plan. However, before I do this, it is necessary that I point out and clash with the blatant flaws in the negative case.
Now that I have brought to light the many holes in the opposition’s case, I would like to move on to our case. My partner presented to you our first two contentions: a, that the legalization of marijuana would shift control of the drug trade into the governments hands, providing a far safer environment, and b, that far worse drugs are currently legal in Canada. I will provide our third and fourth contentions. But first, I would like to review side proposition’s plan. Our plan consists of three specific actions that must be taken for the legalization of marijuana.
Firstly, we wish to put the trade of the drug in the government’s hands, rather than the hands of dangerous criminals and gangs. We suggest that the drug be marketed as a product, similar to cigarettes and alcohol, sold to those over 18. Next, with the legalization of the drug, we plan on developing further medical research, to fully understand the beneficial uses. In the status quo, it is difficult to experiment with the drug, as it is illegal. With our plan, medical research will be smooth and unhindered by laws.
The final component of our plan is to have the public made aware of the effects of cannabis. Before marketing the drug, it will be tested and its effects and limitations made 100% clear. Citizens will be warned of these effects and limitations. We believe our plan will provide safe access to the drug, along with awareness of its many uses. I will now move on to our final contentions. Ladies and gentlemen, citizens are currently paying heavy taxes to assist the government in regulating and prosecuting in the drug trade.
These tax dollars are being WASTED. Drug related problems continue to rise. CBC News wrote an article on July 6, 2007 declaring Canada the leading industrialized nation in cannabis use. This is clear proof that our current drug prevention programs are flawed. The large number of cannabis users brings with it a dangerous drug trade, as my partner explained. Side proposition is suggesting a better, consistent and less wasteful plan. Yes, citizens will pay tax dollars. We don’t deny this.
However, we believe these tax dollars will actually be useful in developing a safer drug environment, rather than being wasted. Our next and final contention is about the positive effects of marijuana which are currently unknown to many people. The drug has many medicinal and therapeutic uses. This has already been proven by scientists, even with the illegality of the drug. The US Institute of Medicine released a study on March 17, 2009. It showed that cannabis can be useful in treating pain, nausea and appetite loss caused by advanced cancer and AIDS.
THC, a component of the drug also acts as a sedative and reduces anxiety. Medical uses of cannabis are also inexpensive. The IOM study states that “in emaciated AIDS patients, treatment with GH supplements cost an average of $36 000 per year. A one year treatment with medicinal marijuana would cost the AIDS patient no more than $500 a year. ” Ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that the positive effects of using marijuana medicinally far outweigh its negative effects. With further research, who knows what extraordinary discoveries will be made.
I would now like to bring my speech to a conclusion. We have presented to you our four contentions and our plan. Our plan would provide a far safer drug environment, along with fewer wasted tax dollars. It would also greatly improve medical programs. Finally, it would provide a consistent market, with alcohol and cigarettes, both far more harmful drugs, already legal. Ladies and gentlemen, considering these statements, the truth should be crystal clear. This resolution must, MOST DEFINITELY stand. Thank you and I now stand open for cross examination.
