Final answer:
Your classmate's persuasive speech on legalizing marijuana uses a speech proposition of policy, aiming to influence policy changes. The speech content would incorporate historical context, public opinion trends, and legal inconsistencies between state and federal laws on marijuana use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your classmate who presents a persuasive speech on why marijuana should be legalized is using a speech proposition of policy. A speech proposition of policy argues for a change in policy or procedure, addressing what should be done, changed, or implemented. In advocating for the legalization of marijuana, your classmate is suggesting a specific action to be adopted by lawmakers or society.
The content loaded in such a speech would likely include historical perspectives on the legal status of marijuana, shifts in public opinion over time, and the current legal landscape. Given the complex history and the recent movement towards legalization in various states, the speech may reference the contrast between state laws and the federal government's stance as outlined by the Controlled Substances Act.
Advocates for legalization have influenced public perception by challenging stereotypes and changing the narrative around cannabis use. With many states now legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, this topic is highly relevant and contentious, making it a prime subject for a proposition of policy speech in a persuasive context.