A recent United States Supreme Court decision launched the issue of

Question

A recent United States Supreme Court decision launched the issue of medical marijuana once again into the national spotlight. The high court issued a 6–3 decision that the federal government may prosecute those who use marijuana (Cannabis sativa) for medical purposes even when that usage has been declared legal by state laws. To date, eleven states have passed laws, either through public referendum or acts of the legislature, that permit some use of marijuana within a medically prescribed context. Since federal narcotics law stipulates that it is illegal to possess any quantity of marijuana for any purpose other than certain regulated forms of research, these state laws have been effectively invalidated.

The position of federal law enforcement agencies is that marijuana has no legitimate medical use that cannot be better served by existing legal medications. They further argue that any law that legalizes the use of marijuana, even in a limited way, will lead to increased rates of drug addiction and drug-related crime. It is frequently asserted by law enforcement officials that marijuana serves as a “gateway” drug that introduces users to heavier drugs such as cocaine or heroin.

Proponents of the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes say that the arguments of law enforcement agencies are inaccurate and exaggerated. There is no evidence, they argue, that levels of drug addiction or drug-related crime have increased in any of the states or foreign nations, such as Canada or the Netherlands, that have legalized marijuana for medical use. Furthermore, they assert that marijuana has been shown in many studies to be one of the most effective and least expensive anti-nausea medicines available. It has been shown to be particularly effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from AIDS, who have reported that marijuana is the only drug that effectively slows down the wasting that often accompanies these conditions. Marijuana is also known to reduce intraocular pressure, a condition that causes pain and even blindness in glaucoma sufferers. Further proof of medical efficacy can only be achieved, legalization proponents say, if the federal government reverses its restrictive policies.    1 
 1. According to the passage, people who suffer from glaucoma are most likely to seek prescriptions for marijuana for which of the following reasons?

A. Marijuana has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting.
B. A controversial 2000 study suggested that THC, the active chemical in marijuana, can slow or stop the growth of certain types of tumors.
C. Late-stage AIDS patients have reported that marijuana is one of the few treatments that can slow or reverse the wasting that often accompanies the disease.
D. Use of marijuana has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure.
E. Use of marijuana can induce a sense of euphoria that helps glaucoma patients feel less anxious about their condition.

2 
 2. The passage is primarily concerned with which of the following?

A. The medical benefits of marijuana.
B. The debate over the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.
C. The debate over whether or not federal narcotics law overrides contradictory state laws.
D. The question of whether or not the legalization of marijuana increases rates of drug addiction and drug-related crimes.
E. A conflict over what types of medical conditions warrant the use of medical marijuana.

3 
 3. It can be inferred from the information given in the passage that opponents of marijuana legalization would be likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Even a strict system of regulation over production and distribution of medical marijuana cannot reliably prevent the misuse of the drug.
B. The decision of which medicine to use for a given medical condition is a matter best left between a patient and his or her doctor.
C. Matters of narcotics regulation and enforcement are best addressed at the state level.
D. The use of marijuana provides no actual medical benefits for patients.
E. It is acceptable to legalize the possession of marijuana as long as the production and sale of the drug are still illegal.

4 
 4. Which of the following research results, if produced by a study conducted in a properly scientific manner, would offer the most support for proponents of the legalization of medical marijuana?

A. In a study of 150 occasional marijuana users, 65 percent reported a significant increase in appetite while under the influence of the drug.
B. Scientists have concluded that the long-term use of marijuana may significantly increase the levels of estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, in male users.
C. In a study of 1,000 felons convicted of drug-related offenses, 42 percent reported that marijuana was the first illegal drug they had used.
D. Historians have concluded that plants containing cannabinoid compounds, the active ingredients in marijuana, have been used as a part of traditional medicine in China for over 2,000 years.
E. In a study of 114 cancer patients who had experienced little or no relief with at least three prescription anti-nausea drugs, 56 reported significant relief of their symptoms after using marijuana.

nivivacious · Answer

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Note: Highlighted option is correct, stricken through options are incorrect

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1. According to the passage, people who suffer from glaucoma are most likely to seek prescriptions for marijuana for which of the following reasons?

The question is based on the last paragraph of the passage

A. Marijuana has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting. 
 Passage specifically mentions this benefit in the context of chemotherapy or AIDS patients not glaucoma patients.

B. A controversial 2000 study suggested that THC, the active chemical in marijuana, can slow or stop the growth of certain types of tumors.
 
 This is not mentioned in the passage

C. Late-stage AIDS patients have reported that marijuana is one of the few treatments that can slow or reverse the wasting that often accompanies the disease.
 
 This is specifically related to AIDS patients not glaucoma patients.

D. Use of marijuana has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure. 
 The passage specifically mentions that marijuana can reduce intraocular pressure, which is a concern for glaucoma patients.

E. Use of marijuana can induce a sense of euphoria that helps glaucoma patients feel less anxious about their condition. 
 Passage does not mention this as a reason for its use by glaucoma patients

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2. The passage is primarily concerned with which of the following?

A. The medical benefits of marijuana. 
 This is the part of the bigger debate and not the main point. See mind map for clarifications

B. The debate over the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. 
 Given that passage provides all arguments from both sides of the debate. This is correct

C. The debate over whether or not federal narcotics law overrides contradictory state laws.
 
 Again, not the main point of the passage. See mind map for clarity

D. The question of whether or not the legalization of marijuana increases rates of drug addiction and drug-related crimes.
 
 This is one aspect of debate but not the main point. See para summaries and mind map

E. A conflict over what types of medical conditions warrant the use of medical marijuana.
   Passage mentions the types that warrant the use but not the main point of the passage. See para summaries and mind map

--

3. It can be inferred from the information given in the passage that opponents of marijuana legalization would be likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Even a strict system of regulation over production and distribution of medical marijuana cannot reliably prevent the misuse of the drug.
This is correct and likely to be agreed by the opponents of marijuna legalizations - however we can quickly check if there is anything better amongst other options

B. The decision of which medicine to use for a given medical condition is a matter best left between a patient and his or her doctor.
  Out of scope. Not discussed in the passage

C. Matters of narcotics regulation and enforcement are best addressed at the state level.
 
 Opponents support the federal law that overrides state laws on marijuana use.

D. The use of marijuana provides no actual medical benefits for patients.
 
 This is likely to be agreed upon by opponents as they believe existing legal medications can better serve any legitimate medical use of marijuana. This is a trap answer.
Since, given an option between A and D, opponents of marijuana legalization would likely agree more with statement A. 
While they do argue that marijuana has no legitimate medical use that cannot be better served by existing legal medications, the passage does not explicitly state that they believe marijuana provides no actual medical benefits at all.

E. It is acceptable to legalize the possession of marijuana as long as the production and sale of the drug are still illegal.
 
 Out of scope. Not discussed in the passage

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4. Which of the following research results, if produced by a study conducted in a properly scientific manner, would offer the most support for proponents of the legalization of medical marijuana?

A. In a study of 150 occasional marijuana users, 65 percent reported a significant increase in appetite while under the influence of the drug.
 
 This is a side effect - may or may not be good - and might not work as a strong support to the marijuana's proponents

B. Scientists have concluded that the long-term use of marijuana may significantly increase the levels of estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, in male users.
 
 This is a side effect and will not work as in support to proponents

C. In a study of 1,000 felons convicted of drug-related offenses, 42 percent reported that marijuana was the first illegal drug they had used.
 
 This would act against legalisation as it suggests marijuana can be a "gateway" drug.

D. Historians have concluded that plants containing cannabinoid compounds, the active ingredients in marijuana, have been used as a part of traditional medicine in China for over 2,000 years. 
 This doesnt provide scientific evidence of effectiveness

E. In a study of 114 cancer patients who had experienced little or no relief with at least three prescription anti-nausea drugs, 56 reported significant relief of their symptoms after using marijuana.
This is correct and directly supports the proponents' argument about marijuana's medical benefits.

PK1 · Answer

Para 1: SC brought issue of medical marijuana. HC voted against state laws that permit usage for medical context. Since Federal narcotics law ban usage other than research, the state laws become invalid

Para 2: Position of federal narcotics law... there is no medical condition not served by legal medication , it will increase drug usage and crimes and usage will lead to higher forms of drug usages

Para 3: Proponent of Marijuana usage: Federal arguments inaccurate and exaggerated. No evidence of drug addiction/crime. Medical benefits of marijuana is enumerated.

Main point: Author discusses both federal law and proponents side on marijuana usage against backdrop of SC /HC voting against state laws permitting usage.

1. According to the passage, people who suffer from glaucoma are most likely to seek prescriptions for marijuana for which of the following reasons?

"Marijuana is also known to reduce intraocular pressure, a condition that causes pain and even blindness in glaucoma sufferers."

A. Marijuana has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting.
--Reduction in nausea and vomiting is not the reason one will seek prescriptions

B. A controversial 2000 study suggested that THC, the active chemical in marijuana, can slow or stop the growth of certain types of tumors.
-- It is on the positive side but does not warrant people suffering from glaucoma to seek prescriptions for marijuana

C. Late-stage AIDS patients have reported that marijuana is one of the few treatments that can slow or reverse the wasting that often accompanies the disease.
-- It talks about benefits but does not warrant people suffering from glaucoma to seek prescriptions

D. Use of marijuana has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure.
--This is what marijuana does in glaucoma sufferers and hence people suffering from glaucoma will seek prescriptions
This is the answer

E. Use of marijuana can induce a sense of euphoria that helps glaucoma patients feel less anxious about their condition.
-- This is not discussed on sense of euphoria or less anxious and hence outside of scope

2. The passage is primarily concerned with which of the following? 
Main point: Author discusses both federal law and proponents side on marijuana usage against backdrop of SC /HC voting against state laws permitting medicinal usage.

A. The medical benefits of marijuana.
-- Passage main point is to discuss around medical benefits

B. The debate over the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.
-- It captures debate of legalization of marjiuana by federal law and proponents against HC voting against state laws
This is the answer

C. The debate over whether or not federal narcotics law overrides contradictory state laws.
-- Author primary purpose is not to debate over whether federal narcotics law overrides contradictory state laws. It does not take any sides rather presents their views against SC/HC voting against statelaws permitting medicinal usage

D. The question of whether or not the legalization of marijuana increases rates of drug addiction and drug-related crimes.
-- Main point is not to discuss whether the legalization of marijuana increases durg addiction or crime rates.

E. A conflict over what types of medical conditions warrant the use of medical marijuana.
-- Main point is not to discuss conflict over what kind of medical condition warrant marijuana usage

3. It can be inferred from the information given in the passage that opponents of marijuana legalization would be likely to agree with which of the following statements?

Para 2: "They further argue that any law that legalizes the use of marijuana, even in a limited way, will lead to increased rates of drug addiction and drug-related crime"

A. Even a strict system of regulation over production and distribution of medical marijuana cannot reliably prevent the misuse of the drug.
-- It captures the essence in Para 2 presented above
This is the answer

B. The decision of which medicine to use for a given medical condition is a matter best left between a patient and his or her doctor.
-- This is not what opponents will agree, they do not want it to be legalized and best left for interaction between doctor and patient

C. Matters of narcotics regulation and enforcement are best addressed at the state level.
-- There is nothing that suggests that matters of narcotics regulation are best addressed at state level else HC/SC may not have come into picture

D. The use of marijuana provides no actual medical benefits for patients.
-- Opponents do not say marijuana provides no actual medical benefits . It says there are valid legal medications that can do the work and hence do not legalize marijuana

E. It is acceptable to legalize the possession of marijuana as long as the production and sale of the drug are still illegal.
-- Opponents agree for possession only for research not for just possession as long as production and sale are illegal. Possession could mean consumption as what will one do if one possesses. So it does not capture opponent's view.

4. Which of the following research results, if produced by a study conducted in a properly scientific manner, would offer the most support for proponents of the legalization of medical marijuana? 
Strengthen - proponents of legalization of mediacl marijuana if produced by a study in a properly scientific manner

A. In a study of 150 occasional marijuana users, 65 percent reported a significant increase in appetite while under the influence of the drug.
-- It will not support as opponents may say alternate legal medication can help achieve the same

B. Scientists have concluded that the long-term use of marijuana may significantly increase the levels of estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, in male users.
-- It will not support as opponents may say alternate legal medication can help achieve the same

C. In a study of 1,000 felons convicted of drug-related offenses, 42 percent reported that marijuana was the first illegal drug they had used.
-- This is a high percentage and weakens support

D. Historians have concluded that plants containing cannabinoid compounds, the active ingredients in marijuana, have been used as a part of traditional medicine in China for over 2,000 years.
-- Again traditional medicine is being discussed and do not say that it is a legal medication or not.

E. In a study of 114 cancer patients who had experienced little or no relief with at least three prescription anti-nausea drugs, 56 reported significant relief of their symptoms after using marijuana.   
-- If the study proves it that even after legal medication with no relief , people reported significant relief, it bolsters proponents view.
This is the answer

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. According to the passage, people who suffer from glaucoma are most likely to seek prescriptions for marijuana for which of the following reasons?

Explanation

The passage states toward the end of the third paragraph,  “Marijuana is also known to reduce intraocular pressure, a condition that causes pain and even blindness in glaucoma sufferers.”

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The passage is primarily concerned with which of the following?

Explanation

The passage is primarily concerned with presenting the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana for medical use;  B  effectively captures this idea.  A, C,  and  D  are too specific, and  E  is mostly outside the scope of the passage.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. It can be inferred from the information given in the passage that opponents of marijuana legalization would be likely to agree with which of the following statements?

Explanation

The passage states, regarding law enforcement agencies that oppose legalization,  “They further argue that any law that legalizes the use of marijuana, even in a limited way, will lead to increased rates of drug addiction and drug-related crime.”  The regulations mentioned in  choice A  are a form of  “the limited way”  described in the passage; if a person believes that any legalization will lead to increased rates of drug addiction, then that person would have to also believe the statement in  choice A .

In the context of the passage it can only be assumed that an opponent of legalization would disagree with  choices B, C,  and  E .

Choice D  is worded too strongly; the passage represents legalization opponents as believing that  “marijuana has no legitimate medical use that cannot be better served by existing legal medications” ; therefore, the position is not that marijuana has no actual benefits, but that other drugs can produce these benefits with equivalent or greater efficacy

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

4. Which of the following research results, if produced by a study conducted in a properly scientific manner, would offer the most support for proponents of the legalization of medical marijuana?

Explanation

The study described in  E  suggests that the claim of law enforcement officials that  “marijuana has no legitimate medical use that cannot be better served by existing legal medications”  may not be true for at least some medical conditions. The key to this study is the comparison of the efficacy of marijuana to other prescription medicines. Study A could be relevant if the study subjects were suffering from a dangerous loss of appetite, but the statement does not specify this.

D  offers indirect support that cannabinoids may be effective as a medical treatment, but it is also possible that a traditional medical system could use materials that have no proven medical properties, or less effective properties than those found in modern medicines.  D  is a weaker answer than  E.

Answer: E

A recent United States Supreme Court decision launched the issue of

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A recent United States Supreme Court decision launched the issue of

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