There are many different uses for marijuana and reasons why it should be legalized or remain illegal. The main argument that always comes up is the possibility of economic gains that could result from legalization. The article “Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment” by Gwendolyn Alexander Tedeschi, published in The American Economist, examines the economics of illegal drug markets. In his book, Tedeschi presents the results of a classroom experiment on said markets and provides the necessary information so that other economic educators can replicate the experiment. However, Tedeschi does not take a specific position on marijuana; it simply aims to prove that economic logic can be applied to controversial issues such as the drug market. Conversely, in Kevin Drum's "The Patriots Guide to Legalization," published in Mother Jones magazine, Drum takes a definitive position on the legalization of marijuana. Drum attempts to influence his readers' opinions on marijuana prohibition by using quotes and outside sources, but fails to cite any of them. Drum also uses a catchy headline and illustration to attract its readers and hold their attention. Quite the contrary, Tedeschi uses none of these tactics in his writings, which leads me to believe that "Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment" is academic while Drum's "A Patriots Guide to Legalization", on the other hand, is is clearly non-academic. The first comparison contrasts the reliance on opinion and the strong position that Drum chose to adopt with that of Tedeschi's article, which remained neutral on the subject. For example, in “A Patriots Guide to Legalization,” Drum takes a decidedly pro-marijuana stance on the subject. Drum's opinion on the subject comes through in various places throughout the article...... middle of paper ... through the use of headings and illustrations, or with a summary. Drum's article took a specific stance on marijuana, used sources he did not cite, and employed a catchy title and illustration. All this proves that it was a non-academic article. Unlike Drum's methods, Tedeschi did not take a strong stance on marijuana, she cited every source she used, and used a summary rather than a catchy title and illustration. Thus proving the fact that Drum's "A Patriots Guide to Legalization" is not academic and Tedeschi's "Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment" is academic. Works Cited Drum, Kevin. “The Patriots’ Guide to Legalization.” Mother Jones 34.4 (2009): 49-52. Wilson select more. Internet. May 12, 2010. Tedeschi, Gwendolyn Alexander. “Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment.” Am Econ 51.1 (2007): 75-84. Wilson select more. Internet. May 12 2010