Abstract

Group members: Chardae Anderson, Kristin Maurer, and Brian Murphy


For our multimedia project, we are constructing a video. The video will argue for the legalization of cannabis. Our video will employ the high style level of decorum in order to move the audience. The intended audience for our argument will be professionals. The high style level of decorum will help establish a serious and persuasive tone in the video. The video will begin with a variety of interviews. The interviews will consist of a diverse group of people. Both sides to the argument will be presented through the interviews. Following the interviews, we will begin to introduce our argument. First, we will talk about the cannabis’ legality in the past. In doing so, we will analyze the reasons for its original outlawing. We will present how cannabis was originally outlawed due to corrupt politicians’ capitalizing off of racist prejudices. After this, we will discuss the different uses and benefits of cannabis. This part of the video will focus on the medical, industrial, and recreational use. After discussing the benefits, we will present reasons why cannabis is illegal. By present these reasons, we will show how feeble the opposing argument is. We will address how medical companies oppose medical marijuana due to little potential profit. Marijuana is not patentable because it is easily grown. We will address the scientific basis by comparing marijuana to tobacco and alcohol. Although long term marijuana use has been shown to cause changes in brain chemistry, these changes have not been determine to be detrimental. Next, the video will discuss how many of the adverse effects of marijuana are caused by the war on drugs. We will discuss cost of imprisoning marijuana uses, and show better uses for that money. Finally, we will summarize and clearly articulate our argument.

In order to keep the audiences focused on our argument, the video will include a variety of elements. Pictures of cancer patients using medical marijuana will be included. The video will include music by artists such as Bob Marley, Ben Harper, and Phish. Finally, we will splice footage of famous and powerful people’s opinions on marijuana into the video. By including a variety of elements in the video, we will establish ethos and pathos, as well as keeping the audience intrigued in the argument.