The Activity Based Costing System Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Activity Based Costing System - Assignment Example ta for input may be used differently according to different methodologies of the costing information system which may result in the production of varying outputs of information. A costing system is aimed at generating information to find ways to minimize waste in production. It should be taken care of that the benefits that are derived from the costing system should be higher than the resources used in designing, implementing and maintaining the costing system so that wastage is minimized. It is important to understand the fundamental working of the two systems i.e. The Traditional Costing System and the Activity Based Costing System in order make a comparison between the two. The traditional costing system The traditional costing systems use a single cost driver which is based on volume. Due to this reason, the traditional costing systems tend to distort the cost of the products. ... ies, the correct proportion of activity actually used for a specific unit of product is not exactly corresponding with one single cost driver (Akyol, 2012, p. 64). The conventional cost accounting system uses a volume based driver like the number of machine hours or the number of direct labour hours for assigning all the overhead costs incurred in the manufacturing process. But in almost all modern companies, the production process uses a combination of technology and manpower thus incurring overhead costs for both. But in the traditional costing model, the cost of goods sold is based on absorption costing and includes only the product costs as described in financial accounting. Therefore, the traditional costing model assigns the costs directly to the products before assigning costs to the activities involved in producing the product units first. The results generated thus a report about the information on the amounts spent on the product units but they do not give the reason as to why they are spent. This costing system is based on the application of costs to indirect cost drivers and the indirect costs are generally based on financial cost drivers. The traditional costing model uses a system in which the total costs incurred in the production is divided among the different products thus produced. Therefore, all the costs incurred in the production process have to be allocated to one or another product. The traditional costing model has the disadvantage that if overhead costs are cut down for reducing the total costs, only the signs of high cost are treated and the cause behind the higher costs remain unaltered. Also, the reduction of overheads is likely to result in the reduction of the quality of the products rather than in long term decrease in the cost incurred

Critically discuss the statement Entrepreneurs who wish to expand Essay

Critically discuss the statement Entrepreneurs who wish to expand their business should first expand their networks - Essay Example At the appropriate times the company sends customized message to the customers with suggestion for flowers and presents. The company gains a world-wide reputation. Therefore, good management information systems fast the business operation and use resource more effective. Basket Company also involves similar business actives we discussed above, by equipping the management information system, will greatly support business operation. Now the competition f basket market is very furious, it is not enough to improve only the product, we should impress the customers as a person who cares them more than their selves. To achieve the goal, we have to identify the trend f customer needs. Like large office goods supplier---Staples. The company system maintains lists f previously ordered items. Over time, Staples learned a great deal about its customers' preferences and use that information to offer new items. We value our employees as they play an important role in company success, but only with the helps f those tools, our employees and managers can easily make the decision on buy from supplier and predicate the profits. Thus, the good management information system plays a more important role in the competition. One f the outcomes f information system is the strategies for competitive advantages. ... t to play in a competitive strategy, cutting the labor and administration cost during business operation, the business can sell goods or provide services at a price that is lower than the competitors. Surveys and feedback sessions will be conducted from detailed transaction records and various data to access the ongoing project. Expanding business network is in fact an expansion f an organization. Franchising is a generic term that describes a way f doing business. In essence a model f business structure that relies on a relationship in which an owner (franchisor) f a business has licensed others (franchisees) to use a business system and trade name to market and sell products/services. Thus it is a marketing concept f delivering products and services that can be applied across a diverse range f businesses. The International Franchising Association has developed 75 different categories describing the businesses f its members. Who is involved Franchising involves two parties: Franchisor - The franchisor is the initial owner f a business system which has been developed and proven to be a successful method f operating a particular business. As owner, the franchisor has the legal capacity to provide licenses to others (franchisees). Typically the owner seeks to expand the business through a relationship with others who have similar objectives. Franchisee - The franchisee is the party that has entered into an agreement with the franchisor to use the trade mark / business name and business system in a defined outlet or territory. How does it work Essentially the franchisee has agreed to be part f the franchisor's operation. In return for fees, the franchisee secures these rights for a set period f time and can expect from the franchisor: Training in business practices -

Introduction ((((Fluoride in Tea sample)) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Introduction ((((Fluoride in Tea sample)) - Essay Example The Nernst equation is valid for very dilute solutions or solutions with constant ionic strength. Fluoride ion selective electrode responds to free ionized fluoride in solutions. This experiment aims to demonstrate the use of fluoride ion selective electrode (FISE) in the determination of fluoride concentration (TSU, 2013). Tea (Carmelia sinensins) is naturally rich in fluoride. Plants absorb nutrients (inclusive of fluoride) from the soil). Most of these nutrients are stored in the leaves which for the case of tea are harvested for tea preparation due to easy harvesting, handling and brewing. New tea preparation techniques and consumption are deemed to have implications on the fluoride concentration. Josipa et al., (2012) determined fluoride concentration in various infusions of tea using fluoride ion selective electrodes which is a simple and fast method. In the study it was observed that the size of tea pieces greatly influences levels of fluoride in tea infusion. The finer the tea material, the grater the extraction of fluoride. Brewing time was found to also affect the concentration of fluoride in tea infusions. Brewing times of between 10 to 20 minutes gave optimal concentrations of fluoride especially for mint and pomegranate tea. It was advised that one should drink tea prepared more than 24 ho urs prior to preparation. Strong correlation were observed between concentration with change of time and also packaging effect especially for green tea. Josipa Giljanović, Ante Prkić, Marija Bralić, Mia BrkljaÄ a (2012). Determination of Fluoride Content in Tea Infusion by Using Fluoride Ion-Selective Electrode. Int. J. Electrochem. Sci., 7 2918 –

Christianity. What Went Wrong Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Christianity. What Went Wrong - Research Paper Example The conflict between Christianity and modern thought has been one of the intriguing parts that happened in those times. People know that modern thought is not really welcome in terms of Christian practices. Christianity has always been traditional and known to remain like that for years. Modernity, on the other hand, affects Christianity in a sense that it gives new ideas and raises questions that can influence the dignity of Christianity. There are studies which intentionally provide other meanings and interpretations of the Christian faith. In connection, these studies provide confusions to some Christian believers. Modern thought causes other people to have a different understanding of the Christian teachings. Modernity, in relation, had taken over the minds of the people in the nineteenth century. People started to transition themselves to a modernized world. Thus, giving them the new perspective that they have the freedom to redesign themselves and not just to stay in what seems to be the traditional way. There are many scholars who study the mystery behind Christianity. However, despite their efforts in making Christianity stand firm, these studies even led to rising of conflicts in Christian world. With all the modernity during the nineteenth century plus their studies regarding Christianity, everything went puzzled and confused causing people to start criticizing and questioning. In relation, one of the scholars who made a name in terms of theology during the nineteenth century is Friedrich Schleiermacher. He is said to be very influential during the nineteenth century. His influence has marked the history of theology. ... Hence, Schleiermacher has been named as the father of liberal theology. His study created many conflicts with regard to Christianity since he has a different view for religion. Roger Olson affirmed that, for Schleiermacher, Christianity and religion are all about deep and inner awareness (1999, 544). All religions, specifically Christianity, are based mainly in the experience of every human being. Roger Olson states that, for Schleiermacher, â€Å"it is distinctly human awareness of something infinite beyond the self on which the self is dependent for everything† (1999, 544). Schleiermacher cleared that in terms of principles, the two should not be in questioned: Christianity and science. In addition, Roger Olson notes that to Schleiermacher, any mystical divine interventions were not true. In his own viewpoint, these things do not exist at all (1994, 544). He even changed the traditional belief on the doctrine about the two natures of Jesus Christ. For him, instead of having this belief, it should merely focus on the experience of Jesus with the God-consciousness. The person who is known as the father of modern liberal theology proposed that spiritual feeling results to a true religion. Schleiermacher convinced people that to obtain true religion, one should submit a relationship to the source of life as stated by Gary Dorrien (1997, 12). In addition, Schleiermacher affirmed that one cannot have true religion if it is mainly based in morality, as well as doctrines. Gary Dorrien stated that knowledge, in terms of morality and science, should be taken away so that one can experience true religion and creates a relation with the source of life (1997, 13). Schleiermacher firmly believes that a person’s feeling plays a

Haematology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Haematology - Essay Example The subsequent decrease and increases in the blood components and processes as given by the test would have resulted to the illness condition of the patient. The patient reacted to several tests that can be explained as: the test of RBCs which denotes the Red Blood cells found that it existed at a ratio of 2.82x1012/L; this meant that the volume of Red Blood cells per liter of blood was lower than the expected and normal range for a normal individual at 3.8-5.8x1012/L. This meant that the volume of RBCs in the patient blood was already reduced by a certain percentage below the norm. This can be attributed to a reduced ability of the bone marrow to produce the Red Blood Cells. The inability of Red Blood Cell production by the bone marrow can be assumed to have resulted from the effects of cancer (Korde, et al., 2011). The normal hemoglobin mass in each deciliter of blood should be at 11.5-16.5g/dl but the test on the patient blood test revealed a lower level of 7.6g/dl thereby showing a reduced mass of hemoglobin that gives the blood its color. The concentration is below the normal range thus depicting that this patient was suffering from anemia. The HCT test revealed a lower volume in relation to the blood volume at 0.239L/L down from the normal level at 0.37-0.47L/L.This reduction would lead to an individual contracting a disease under such conditions. The MCV test gave a result of 84fL which is a visible drop from the normal expected range in normal individuals at 80-96fL. The MCH test also showed a drop from 27-32pg to 26.9pg which would have caused discomfort in the individual. MCHC test gave a result of 31.8g/dl which was different from the normal range lying at 32-36g/dl (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2009). The patient before undergoing laboratory examinations was appearing fatigued, weight loss and increasingly severe back pains. Fatigue in the patient must have resulted from her condition of having less hemoglobin or rather low hemoglobin conten t in the blood cells. Hemoglobin is obviously responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood keeping the body and cells fresh and active. Low levels of hemoglobin will therefore mean that the blood circulated within the body will be carrying less oxygen in it, active body muscles are then become deprived of sufficient oxygen for respiration and low energy supply to the cells resulting to fatigue and extreme tiredness. The low volumes of red blood cells in the body blood also result to tiredness (Hematology, 2009). The pale appearance was a result of low hemoglobin level in the blood. This condition might have resulted from iron deficiency since iron is responsible for the production of hemoglobin, which can also be linked to situations of inability of the body to absorb certain vitamins which help in hemoglobin production. The patient began treatment with a therapy of melphalan and thalidomide together with radiotherapy support for bone pain. This is a combined treatment that has largely been used in patients diagnosed with myeloma. Myeloma is also known as hematologic cancer which in other words refers to the cancer of blood and represents about 1% of all cancers in the white individuals and 2% of all cancers in black individuals. Myeloma has been greatly linked to the reduction in immune systems though no imminent cause has been identified to date and those susceptible to the disease are the aging

Art Blog Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Art Blog - Assignment Example Galleries open here and there, and museums feature exhibits that are not to be missed. Yet that visit to a community garden opened me to a whole new world of the art scene. Of course the Museum of Contemporary Art, the L.A. County Art Museum, and the Getty Center house several of the best pieces of art in the world. But ever since a community garden opened my eye to something new about art, I have been keener to observe those Chinatown galleries that feature up-and-coming artists that houses a more â€Å"homely† type of art. I have been more appreciative of the unpretentious airs in several of these galleries like Kathryn Brennans, Tom Solomans, and China Art Objects. What that little community garden did to my art perspective was huge. Since then, I never have to look far to see art in my surroundings. I can see it in simple places and things. In the community garden, I never thought the day would come where I would be looking at garden plots as works of art. Yes, they may no t be technically pieces of art, but works of art they are. There is no such thing as being too radical or being too conventional in art. Now I know there are no rules. Art is when it moves you even when you do not know why. Aside from being appreciative of art, I also love books. What moved me the most in the Getty Center is its collection of books within the Getty Research Institute and the vast collection of pictures of different architectures. Additionally, I also find it fascinating to stare at the illuminated manuscripts and glimmering decorative arts and furniture. I agree with Natalie that the museums programs and activities for kids and families are a joy to behold. I visited the place a few times, and I must state that for adults who do not have any kids in tow, it is worthwhile to catch the nighttime view of the place. I am all for self-expression. Sadly, the street art scene in Los Angeles is something

The Relationship of Marijuana Accessibility & Substance Abuse Essay Example for Free

The Relationship of Marijuana Accessibility Substance Abuse Essay Abstract A growing concern in the medical and mental health field is the relationship between marijuana use and further illicit drug abuse. Due to the recent state laws passing in Washington and Colorado, there has been a need for a study to address the accessibility factor in relations to the â€Å"gateway hypothesis† to marijuana. The fear is that the increase in accessibility of marijuana will result in an increase of substance abuse and dependency. Therefore, this study is intended to address the following research question: Is the increased accessibility of marijuana correlated with the increase use of marijuana and other illicit drug use. Additionally, this proposal will address the gap in the literature, sample and instrument used, and the findings. The Relationship of Marijuana Accessibility Substance Abuse A growing concern in the medical and mental health field is the association of marijuana use and further illicit drug abuse as well as whether the increase accessibility of marijuana will result in the increase of substance abuse (Yacoubian, 2007). In the United Sates, researchers and professionals have observed the controversial gateway hypothesis of marijuana for the past 30 years (Hall Lynskey, 2005). Hall and Lynskey provide the following operational definition for the gateway hypothesis: â€Å"Drugs whose use in some unspecified way is a cause of the use of later drugs in the sequence† (p.1). During this time, a variety of studies have been conducted and have discovered empirical support to suggest that marijuana is commonly associated with the use of other illicit drugs (Lessem, 2006). A previous study found that 90% of cocaine users had used marijuana prior to cocaine (Fergusson, Boden, Horwood, 2006). In another study, researchers discovered that 33% of occasional and 84% of daily marijuana users reported using other illicit drugs (Fergusson, Boden, Horwood, 2006, p. 2). Currently, marijuana is a hot topic in the media due to the United States having the worlds largest single market for illicit drugs (Yacoubian, 2007).  In addition, research shows that marijuana has been discovered as the most prevalent illicit drug within the American households (Yacoubian). Out of the estimated 19 million people using illicit drugs in American households, the majority of patients admitted to treatment facilities are adolescents and young adults for marijuana abuse (Lessem, 2006). This research significantly affects the mental health field due to the high demand of professionals trained and qualified to work with and treat patients with substance abuse and dependency issues. In terms of policy, during the 2012 election the state of Washington and Colorado passed laws that legalized the recreational use of marijuana (Healy, 2012). To date an estimate of 12 states have decriminalized marijuana and 18 states as well as Washington, DC permit medical marijuana use (Healy). However, under the Federal law there is no such thing as â€Å"medical† marijuana (McCarthy, 2004). This is due to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s criteria and the Controlled Substance Act which classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug based on the following three factors: (1) its high potential for abuse, (2) having no significant means for medical use, (3) lack of accepted safety for use of the drug (McCarthy). Additionally, the Department of Justice clearly states that marijuana is illegal under Federal Law despite state policies and acts (McCarthy). Yacoubian (2007) addresses the debate between criminalization versus decriminalization by comparing and contrasting drug regulation and policies within the United States and the Netherlands. Research found that de facto legalization, permitting coffee shops, in the Netherlands led to a significant increase of marijuana use among Dutch youth (Yacoubian). Yacoubian concluded that research suggests that an increase accessibility of marijuana will result in the increase of drug use. For the purpose of this study, the operational definition of accessibility will align with Yacoubians, which is based on state policies and regulation. For example, legalization policies suggest a high accessibility of marijuana (Yacoubian). Specifically, in regards to the present study the following three states define the level accessibility: Colorado’s legalization policies and recreational use (high accessibility), California’s decimalization policies and medical use (limited accessibility), and Virginia’s illegal policies and no permitted use (no accessibility) (Healy, 2012). Due to the conflict of recent state laws passing and Federal Laws not changing there has been a  necessity for further research regarding the illicit drug marijuana and its effects (Healy, 2012). Researchers have found a significant relationship between regular and early marijuana use and further drug use such as cocaine, heroin, pills, etc. (Hall Lynskey, 2005). However, previous studies concluded that there is a gap within the research because there may have been an overestimation of results suggesting the â€Å"gateway hypothesis† known as the frequency of marijuana use and later involvement in other illicit drug use (Fergusson, Boden Horwood, 2006). Lessem (2006) mentioned some of the limitations to research were the inability to measure drug dependency as well as the issues of causality. In addition, most current research studies are out dated and prior to the recent laws. This research study was designed to fill the specific gap portrayed within the current research. According to Fergusson, Boden, and Horwood (2006) their study resulted in overestimation of date; therefore, this specific study was formatted to ensure the data is precisely and accurately analyzed to prevent complications of overestimations. Additionally, this study uses a valid and reliable assessment to measure drug abuse and dependency, which satisfies the limitations previously mentioned in Lessem’s (2006) research study. It is a concern that as marijuana becomes more accessible, there will be an increase in substance abuse and dependency across the nation (Hall Lynckey, 2005). This study is intended to address the following research question: Is the increase accessibility of marijuana correlated with the increase of marijuana use and substance abuse and dependency. Therefore, the research hypothesis for this study is that with the increase of accessibility there will an increase in substance abuse and dependency. The overall purpose of this research study is to cover several presenting factors. First, it is to increase awareness of the epidemic of marijuana use and further drug abuse within our nation. Second, it is to educate the public on the significance of the relationship between marijuana and drug abuse. Lastly, this research proposal is designed to gather and analyze data from states in which recent laws were passed permitting increase in accessibility and use of marijuana. Method Participants The sample for this study consisted of 450 subjects from the states of  California, Colorado, and Virginia. A sample size of 150 was used from each of these states, 75 participants were students from state universities and another 75 participants were patients at rehabilitation and drug treatment centers. The mean average age of participants within in the sample was 22.23. Among the total sample size, 64% (n=288) were male subjects and 36% (n=162) were female subjects. In terms of ethnicity, 42% (n=189) of participants identified as white, 22% (n=99) as African American, 20% (n=90) as Hispanic, 16% (n=72) as Asian, and 4% (n=18) as other. The sample was first divided into the following three pre-existing groups according to state accessibility of marijuana: California participants (decriminalized marijuana/limited accessibility), Colorado participants (legalized marijuana/high accessibility), and Virginia participants (illegal marijuana/no permitted accessibility). Participants were then separated into one of the three subgroups based on their drug use and abuse. The participant’s score on the Drug Abuse Screening Test assessment determined their placement in one of the following three subgroups: non-existing/mild, moderate, and severe. Instrument The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) was the instrument used to assess the sample in this specific study. The DAST is a 20-item psychometric instrument that is purposed to measure an individual’s drug use and abuse (Corcoran, Fischer, 2007). The manual indicates that a higher total score suggests an index of problem severity (Corcoran, Fischer). The DAST is scored by the total sum of all 20 items with range of scores being from 0 to 28 (Corcoran, Fischer). For the purpose of this study, participants scores are estimated by mild (scores: 0-6), moderate (scores: 7-13), severe (scores: 14-20). Refer to Appendix A for a sample of the full instrument presenting all 20 items. The DAST indicates that psychometric instrument has both excellent reliability and validity (Corcoran, Fischer, 2007). The estimated internal consistency reliability was calculated with an alpha of .92; however, the manual does not provide any data of test-retest reliability (Corcoran, Fischer). The DAST manual shows both a good discriminant and concurrent validity for the instrument. In terms of discriminant validity, the instrument’s total score accurately and significantly distinguished between the groups with mainly alcohol-related problems from the groups with drug  problems (Corcoran, Fischer). The DAST concurrent validity was examined by its significant correlation of the DAST’s background variables, frequency of drug use within a 12-month time frame, and indices psychopathology (Corcoran, Fischer). Procedure The participants of this study were recruited by two different approaches based on their institutional setting. At state universities, the psychology departments recruited participants through a research database that required all students in a PSYC 101 course to participate in at least 3 studies in which this study was an option. Additionally, faculty and staff at state university counseling centers recruited students whom were receiving counseling services. At the substance abuse rehabilitation and treatment centers, staff recruited current and new patients to participate in the study at their consent. After participants were recruited through their institutional setting and consent, they received two separate emails from the researcher of the present study. The first email was a confirmation email for the individual’s participation. The second email contained a testing packet for the research studying which included the following three components: study consent form, personal questionnaire (age, race, gender, and institutional setting), and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). Participants were asked to complete the entire testing packet and return by email to the research of the study within a week time frame. Once the researcher received the completed testing packets from participants via email, the packets were examined and separated by pre-existing groups based on state accessibility. For example, all participants from the state of Virginia were separated into the no accessibility group. Participants were then additionally divided in to one of the 3 subgroups based on their score on the DAST. The three subgroups were determined based of the following range of scores on the DAST and the individual’s degree of drug use and abuse: mild (scores: 0-7), moderate (scores: 7-14), and serve (scores: 14-20). For the purpose of this study the data was converted to nominal with mild=1, moderate=2, and severe= 3. Once the data was collected  and converted, it was inputted into the IBM SPSS ® 20.0 software to analyze the statistical relationship between marijuana accessibility and drug use/dependency. Results The statistical analysis conducted was a coefficient of contingency in order to analyze the correlation and statistical significance of marijuana accessibility and drug use/dependency. The coefficient of contingency was conducted two separate times examining the statistical significance between no marijuana accessibility (Virginia) to limited marijuana accessibility (California) and then again no accessibility (Virginia) to high accessibility (Colorado). Additionally, analyzing the relationship between each accessibility level and drug use/dependency. Before running the statistical analysis, a frequency table was made to organize the data. The table portrayed how many participants scored in one of the three subgroups (mild, moderate, severe) under each state. Therefore, it was discovered that in the state of Virginia 47 participants fell in the mild, 61 in moderate, and 32 in the severe subgroups. The state of California had 37 participants were in the mild, 66 in the moderate, and 47 in the severe subgroups. Lastly, in the state of Colorado 29 participants were in the mild, 62 in the moderate, and 56 in the severe subgroups. The coefficient of contingency was calculated after the frequency table was formed. The first statistical analysis of Virginia and Colorado computed a contingency coefficient of .716 and statistical significance of .00. The second analysis of Virginia and California computed a contingency coefficient of .775 and a statistical significance of .00. Discussion In conclusion, the results of this study can be interpreted as supporting the researchers purpose and design for this specific study. The frequency table demonstrates that in the state of Virginia which has no permitted accessibility to marijuana that there were more participants who fell in the mild subgroup and fewer participants within the moderate and severe subgroup compare to the two other states. In the state of California, limited accessibility, there were more participants in the moderate subgroup and fewer participants in the mild and severe subgroups. Lastly, in the state of Colorado, high accessibility, there were more participants in the severe  subgroup and fewer participants in the mild and moderate. The two statistical analyses results conveyed additional statistical support for the hypothesis of this study. It was hypothesize that there this a relationship between marijuana accessibility and drug use and dependency, which translates that with an increase in accessibility there will be an increase in use or dependency. Therefore, the statistical analysis of Virginia and Colorado portrayed that there was a .716 correlation that was statistically significant by .00. The analysis of Virginia and California found that there was a .775 correlation that was also statistically significant by .00. Concluding that the null hypothesis was rejected and the research hypothesis was statistically significantly supported. Several suggestions can be made for future research due to the limitations of the present study. First, future studies should attempt to acquire interval data to run a more robust statistical analysis of the collected data. Second, it is suggested that future research studies use multiple assessments to measure both accessibility and drug use. Specially, the researchers recommend the Adult Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Test-3 (SASSI-3) that measures an individual’s probability to abuse or depend on substances. Lastly, a significant gap in the research conveys that there is a need for longitudinal case studies with individuals from states where policies permit recreational use of marijuana in order to accurately discovered whether these individuals are likely to use and/or abuse substances. Appendix A References Corcoran, K., Fischer, J. (2007). Measures for clinical practice: A sourcebook (4th ed., Vol. 2). Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0195314905 or 9780195314908. Fergusson, D. M., Boden, J. M., Horwood, L. (2006). Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: testing the cannabis gateway hypothesis. Addiction, 101(4), 556-569. Hall, W., Lynskey, M. (2005). Is cannabis a gateway drug? Testing hypotheses about the relationship between cannabis use and the use of other illicit drugs. Drug Alcohol Review, 24(1), 39-48. Healy, J. (2012, November 6). Voters Ease Marijuana Laws in 2 States, but Legal Questions Remain. The New York Times. Retrieved from  http://www,nytimes.com Lessem, J. K. (2006). Relationship between Adolescent Marijuana Use and Young Adult Illicit Drug Use. Behavior Genetics, 36(4), 498-506. McCarthy, K. I. (2004). Conversations about Medical Marijuana between Physicians and Their Patients. Journal Of Legal Medicine, 25(3), 333-349. Yacoubian, G. S. (2007). Assessing the Relationship between Marijuana Availability and Marijuana Use: A Legal and Sociological Comparison between the United States and the Netherlands. Journal Of Alcohol Drug Education, 51(4), 17-34.