The Benefits Outweigh the Risks: A Case for Legalising Medical Cannabis

The assignment content discusses the pros and cons of decriminalizing drugs, highlighting the benefits of legalizing medical cannabis and reducing addiction, as well as the challenges and potential consequences of drug legalization. The content also touches on the importance of regulating drug production and quality, addressing concerns about addiction and public health.

NAME: ________
STUDENT ID: ______________
PWRP0001: Assessment 2 RUBRIC
CRITERIA MARK
1. 6effective keywords/phrases appropriate to the chosen topic... (Up to 6 marks)
Effective use of:
 Keyword variety plus a combination of Boolean operators& truncation symbols(5-6 HD)
 Keyword variety, plus Boolean operators ORtruncation symbols(4.5Dist)
 Keyword variety only/ truncation symbols only/ Boolean operators only (4 Credit)
 Some keyword variety only/ truncation symbols only/ Boolean operators only (3-3.5 Pass)
 Little/no use of keyword variety, truncation symbols, Boolean operators/ineffective search (0-2.5 Not yet)
2. Reflection on research (6 marks)
Exemplary/Above average reflective writing, all/almost all elements addressed to a high standard (4.5-6 HD/Dist)
Competent reflective writing/ many elements addressed competently (4 Cred)
Developing reflective writing skills – demonstrates developing skills (3-3.5 Pass)
Off topic/ has not addressed criteria/ reflective writing skills not yet demonstrated (0 –2.5)
3. Reference from student’s own research: 1st reference (3 marks)
Reference list entries are complete and accurate (2.5 – 3)
Minor errors are evident (1.5 – 2)
Significant errors are evident (.5 – 1)
Little/no evidence of APA style (0); Student has used Assessment 1 article (0)
Reference from student’s own research: 2nd reference (3 marks)
Reference list entries are complete and accurate (2.5 – 3)
Minor errors are evident (1.5 – 2)
Significant errors are evident (.5 – 1)
Little/no evidence of APA style (0);Student has used article already provided (0)
4. Evaluation (1st) (6 marks) (no marks for using Assess1 article)
Exemplary evaluation, all/almost all elements addressed in a highly detailed & accuratemanner. (5-6 HD)
Above average evaluation, all 5 criteria included, and correctly addressed in detail. (4.5 Dist)
Competent evaluation, most/all criteria included and addressed. (4 Cred)
May have gaps in evaluation, but developing skills demonstrated (3-3.5 Pass)
Skills not demonstrated. Too many elements missing/ explanations too basic/ off-topic writing (0 – 2.5)
Evaluation (2nd) (6marks) (no marks for using Assess1 article)
Exemplary evaluation, all/almost all elements addressed in a highly detailed & accurate manner. (5-6 HD)
Above average evaluation, all 5 criteria included, and correctly addressed in detail. (4.5 Dist)
Competent evaluation, most/all criteria includedand addressed. (4 Cred)
May have gaps in evaluation, but developing skills demonstrated (3-3.5 Pass)
Skills not demonstrated. Too many elements missing/ explanations too basic/ off-topic writing (0 – 2.5)
5. Synthesis (10 marks)
Common ideas identified and effectively discussed (up to 5 marks)
Contrasting idea/s effectively discussed (up to 2 marks)
Appropriate, full, & correct in-text referencing (2.5-3), / good attempt (1.5-2), / basic attempt (.5 - 1),/skills not yet
demonstrated (0)
6. Thesis statement (6 marks)
Single sentence; clear, concise, excellent grammar; on topic statement; states side of argument clearly; scope for 3
appropriate/ highly appropriate essay paragraphs (4.5-6 HD + D)
Clear on topic statement, states side of argument; single sentence (may be longer but still has clarity), has scope for
2-3 appropriate essay paragraphs (4 Cred)
Opening statement; scope for separate essay paragraphs; may have some of the following - lack of clarity/ not
concise/ 2 sentences/ side of argument not clearly stated - but developing skills evident (3-3.5 Pass)
Thesis statement writing skills not yet demonstrated, too many elements missing(0-2.5)
7. Essay organisation (10 marks)
Strong main ideas, clearly relate to the topic (up to 3 marks)
Subpoints support the main idea and clearly relate to the topic (up to 3 marks)
Appropriate counter argument and rebuttal provided (up to 2 marks)

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In-text citations included and correct (up to 2 marks)
8. Draft argumentative essay (12 marks)
Demonstrates understanding of essay structural elements (up to 5 marks)
Incorporates appropriate information from own organisational chart, thesis, and topic work (up to 5 marks)
Includes accurate and appropriate in-text referencing (up to 2 marks)
9. Writing skills (12)
Spelling, punctuation, editing -exemplary (3.5–4) /above average (2.5–3) /good (1.5–2) /developing (0.5–1)/ skill not
yet demonstrated (0)
Grammar: exemplary (3.5–4) /above average (2.5–3) /good (1.5–2) /developing (0.5–1)/ not yet demonstrated (0)
Sentence/paragraph structure: exemplary (3.5–4), /above average (2.5–3), /good (1.5–2), /developing (0.5–1), / skill
not yet demonstrated (0)
Subtotal /80
Late penalty: 5% for first 24 hours, 10% for each 24 hours thereafter =____ /80
FINAL MARK /40
Tutor feedback
It is important that you look at all the feedback in your assessment, as it will help you improve your skills for the exam and your
future studies.
Assessment 2: essay planning and Rehearsal (40%)
Please read the Assessment 2 instructions on Blackboard before completing this assessment.
Highlight the essay topic you have chosen:
Legalisation of Drugs
OR
Volunteer Tourism
Instructions
1. Enter your answers directly below each question.
2. Write in full sentences unless otherwise directed. Full paragraph structure is expected where appropriate.
3. Before you begin the assessment, study the rubric (above) to see how you will be marked.

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4.
I. Searching for Information
1. List 6 separate key words or short phrases you used to conduct an effective research to find appropriate
articles for your topic for this assessment. Each word/phrase should return an effective search on its own.
You must read the following Library Tutorial before attempting question 1, and you must incorporate the
information into your answer:
Introduction:https://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/library-skills
(Note, you must click on each of the titles on the left of the screen and work through all the information:
Introduction, Planning your search, Searching the literature, and Help & support)
 HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS
 LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
 DRUG ABUSE
 Anti-drugs campaigns
 Prohibition and regulation of drugs or alcohol
 war on drugs
2. Using Reflective Writing Style (as explained in the topic documents), reflect on the process you went
through to learn how to do an effective search for your 6 words/phrases in question 1. Address the
following questions in your answer.
 What did you already know about the process of researching for an essay?
Word count: 250 +/-10%
Researching for an essay you
The idea of researching for an essay is pivotal in understanding the essay and getting correct information on
the topic. To research for a particular essay it necessary for me to identify the particular keywords and
searching for those keywords on the internet.
 Do you feel you did enough work to understand how to research effectively for an essay?
It is also important that I use the correct search engine for conducting the search for this information.
Selecting authentic articles and checking for more recent articles will provide better and updated information
for my essay. I feel I may have an adequate understanding of the process to research for an essay effectively
as I have completed essays for myself in the past with good ratings and feedback.
 Where did you do your research for this assessment? (Be specific, and explain).
I searched for this assessment on the internet using Google and Google scholar particularly for searching for
particular keywords and phrases. I used Google as it is the largest and the most used search engine and have
a great search engine technique for providing results matching the keyword of my search.
 Describe the major lessons you have learned from the library guides about conducting an effective
research for an assessment.
Library guides have given me better learning techniques and excellent new ideas for conducting a search for
my topic. It has taught me to use the phrase currently to broaden or narrow my searches according to my
requirement of the topic. Another key aspect I learned is using synonyms for the keywords that I need to
search for if I am unable to find the information with the given keywords. It has also provided me with
information to access better scholarly articles on Library catalogues which provides free access to a number
of articles which may not be available on other search engines for the general public.
3. Provide the APA 6th reference for the 2 sources you chose for this assessment.
Source 1: Friedman, M. (2019). Milton Friedman, Drug Legalization, and Public Policy. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark_Thornton3/publication/306303392_Milton_Friedman_Drug_Leg
alization_and_Public_Policy_Contributions_to_Economics_and_Public_Policy/links/

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592598ef0f7e9b9979864a92/Milton-Friedman-Drug-Legalization-and-Public-Policy-Contributions-to-
Economics-and-Public-Policy
Source 2: Jackson, C. (2019). The pros and cons of drug legalisation. Retrieved from
https://www.theweek.co.uk/59417/should-cannabis-be-legalised-the-pros-and-cons-of-decriminalising-drugs
4. Evaluate your 2 sources, using the criteria you learned about evaluation in Topic 3. Remember to explain
your answers clearly.
Word Count: Each evaluation has a word count of 200 +/-10%.
Source 1 Friedman, M. (2019). Milton Friedman, Drug Legalization, and Public Policy. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark_Thornton3/publication/306303392_Milton_Friedman_Drug_Leg
alization_and_Public_Policy_Contributions_to_Economics_and_Public_Policy/links/
592598ef0f7e9b9979864a92/Milton-Friedman-Drug-Legalization-and-Public-Policy-Contributions-to-
Economics-and-Public-Policy.
Currency: The information is based on the book of Milton Freidman who was for the motion to legalise
drugs. The author has had taken a just view of the policies and agenda of Milton Freidman and used it as a
standard to view the current world scenario. Though the information in the books is based on the books of
Freidman, it is still relevant in the current scenario as this created the base for the movement of legalisation
of drugs, countering the Nixon era's "War on Drugs: stance.
Reliability: The article is a review of the impact of Milton Friedman's had on legalisation of drugs and how
he helped shape the policies and society has been impacted by his stance to legalise the drugs. The author
has taken both viewpoints into considerations and provided detailed elaborations and the circumstances in
which Freidman took this stance. He has mentioned the opposition's point of view and the steps that were
taken by them.
Authority: The author of this article is Mark Thornton. He is Senior Fellow in Ludwig von Mises Institute
in Alabama also he is book review editor for its Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics. He has his PhD
from Auburn University (1989). He has had experience in teaching and his experience in the field of writing
as well. He has written several books on economics, political economy and prohibition impacts. This was
published online on ResearchGate which is popular for articles by some of the great authors of our time.
Purpose/ Point of View: The point of the author is similar to that of Milton Freidman and it is apparent in
the way he has subjected towards the praise and viewpoints of Milton to be correct and suitable for a liberal
and free society. The overall purpose of the discussion is to show the impact Freidman had on helping
counter the push by the Nixon government to ban drugs and alcohol. This counter opinion is still very
popular in the current age, and this article helps us understand the base of this counter view.
Source 2 Jackson, C. (2019). The pros and cons of drug legalisation. Retrieved from
https://www.theweek.co.uk/59417/should-cannabis-be-legalised-the-pros-and-cons-of-decriminalising-drugs
Evaluating an article published in ‘The Week' on Oct 8, 2018, is being evaluated as my second source using
the CRAP method:
Currency: The article by The Week is in adherence to the current scenario of the topic at hand i.e.
Legalization of Drugs. The article refers to recent comments by authors and policymakers to prove its point.
They have also used up the market statistics on the topic which is the mark of the updated article.
Reliability: The article puts forth both the views for and against the topic. It cites references from the
general public, policy makers, researchers and academicians to prove its point for both the sections of the
article. It shows a balanced approach towards the topic and has shown statistics on the available data of
various other countries to back their theory and viewpoints. They have created a scenario for both legalising

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and banning the drugs and explained them efficiently. They have used recent references to other news
publications and current news to highlight the current stand of the public as well.
Authority: The Week is a renowned media publication of the UK which has its great share of writers and
editors. They are a weekly news magazine which provides it copies both in the UK and US. They have been
known to take a stance on the hot boiling topics over politics, social community or entertainment.
Purpose/ Point of View: The point of view is balanced and shared in nature. It shows both sides of the
matter that this controversial topic has and describes them correctly on each of their stances. They have
taken various insights from other publications to help them make a stronger case for or against the topic.
5. Synthesise the sources using the correct paragraph structure. (Use the techniques you have learned in this
semester’s topics and classes, including in-text referencing).
Word count: up to 250 words.
Source: Friedman, M. (2019). Milton Friedman, Drug Legalization, and Public Policy. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark_Thornton3/publication/306303392_Milton_Friedman_Drug_Leg
alization_and_Public_Policy_Contributions_to_Economics_and_Public_Policy/links/
592598ef0f7e9b9979864a92/Milton-Friedman-Drug-Legalization-and-Public-Policy-Contributions-to-
Economics-and-Public-Policy.
From the second source the discussion can be made in such a way that in American country legalised some
drugs but it creates a huge challenge for the European country. Also, the various discussions have been
made on this topic, but the last conclusion is not futile for the drug addicted people. The article puts forth
both the views for and against the topic. It cites references from the general public, policy makers,
researchers and academicians to prove its point for both the sections of the article. It shows a balanced
approach towards the topic and has shown statistics on the available data of various other countries to back
their theory and viewpoints. They have created a scenario for both legalising and banning the drugs and
explained them efficiently. Meetings did not result in a positive one. They always deduced the negative
impact but the fight is on and due to this American country legalised few drugs.
Source: Jackson, C. (2019). The pros and cons of drug legalisation. Retrieved from
https://www.theweek.co.uk/59417/should-cannabis-be-legalised-the-pros-and-cons-of-decriminalising-drugs
From the first source, it is very much clear that within a few days the medical cannabis will be legalised to
prevent the disease like Nausea, Chronic pain and many more. Also, this journal revealed the death of
millions in Europe due to the consumption of drugs. Lord Falconer also highlighted that it is much better to
legalise medical cannabis rather than the other drugs which affected largely. Also the pros and cons
regarding the legalisation of the drugs have been discussed where the foremost benefit of the legalised drug
is to remove the addiction whereas also former UK ambassador to Afghanistan said that it is nearly
impossible to stop the Afghan farmer from cultivating the opium, but it is possible to reduce the demand
II. Planning the Essay
6. Write your thesis statement (informed by the techniques you have learned in this semester’s topics). Write
one sentence.
The prime objective or the purpose of this paper is to highlight the several benefits of drugs and thereby
argue for its legalisation, but not any policy in particular.
7. How will your essay be organised (based on your above thesis)? To address this question, fill in the chart
below with the requested information.

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MAIN IDEA
The changes in the current drug
prohibition policy are the parent idea
for the ideas mentioned below:
SUBPOINTS
Idea 1
Reduction in availability
1a Several surveys have demonstrated that
the percentage of marijuana have been
around 82%, relatively similar to the
percentage of alcohol at 89% since it is
legalised
1b Due to the illegal nature of cocaine,
heroin and other drugs have been found to
be around 31% and 21% respectively
Idea 2
Reduction in demand and downfall
of quality of the product
2a: The prohibition causes poor quality of
production of the products due to the
involvement of the black market and often
untrained individuals involved in the
manufacturing procedure
2b: The chances of loss of scholarships
and arrests reduce the downfall in demand
Idea 3
War on Drugs
3a: Development of DEA or Drug
Enforcement Administration
3b: Affordable Care Act, along with
programs such as HOPE or Hawaii's
Opportunity Probation with Enforcement
aid in controlling the prohibition on drugs
Counter argument
Though the prohibition of drugs has
been placed for certain purposes,
there are often medical uses for the
same. Furthermore, the measures
implemented to control the
prohibition can be quite strict and
has grave consequences in certain
cases.
Rebuttal to counter argument
Despite having medical purposes and strict
measures for maintaining the prohibition, it
is imperative and essential that compliance
with the Acts and legislation placed for
drug prohibition.

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8. Using correct argumentative essay structure, write an outline (or draft or plan) of your essay, incorporating
your thesis statement (from question 6), your essay organisation chart ideas (from question 7), and other
skills you have learned from the topic documents.
Use a separate heading for each section of your argumentative essay, and under each heading, write, in
point form, the ideas that would be included in each section. Use APA style referencing throughout. NOTE:
Your answer must clearly show all the sections required in a correctly structured argumentative essay. Do
not include any direct quotes. Make sure your points are clear and concise so that the marker understands
what you are saying.
Important: you are not required to write a full essay. Write an outline (or draft or plan) of an essay only.
Word count: 300 words +/-10%.
The essay outlines the contradicting topic of the legalisation of drugs, its significance and the limitations that
have been identified in this regards. The major points highlighted in this context are as follows:
 Difficulties in making choices in the drug policies, involving jurisdictions and legislations several
countries
 Current Prohibition policies, its outcomes and effects
 The impact of legalisation of drugs
 Regulation of products
 Availability in the markets and the youth
 Cost of enforcement, outlining human costs and monetary aspects
 Legalisation at the state level and national levels
 Alternative approaches
 Discrimination of drug usage
 Modifications in the prohibition of drug usage
 Reduction in harm from drug usage
The implementation of the modification of any particular policy is not discussed in this regards.
However, the effectiveness of decriminalisation is argued. The product regulation is not maintained in terms
of production and quality, in order to modulate production costs in the black market. The specifications for
the product remain inadequate. On the other hand, the uses of drugs draw attention towards a criminal
record, which is discouraged for academic purposes. Furthermore, it may be stated in this context that the
prohibition or the mandate be modified accordingly, leading to a softer and more considerate jurisdiction
system.

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End