There are many different uses of marijuana and reasons why it should be legalized or remain illegal. The main topic that always comes up is the possibility of economic gains that could arise from legalization. The article “Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment” by Gwendolyn Alexander Tedeschi, published in The American Economist, takes a look at the economics of illegal drug markets. In the work Tedeschi presents the results of a classroom experiment on these markets and provides the necessary information so that other economic educators can replicate the experiment. Tedeschi, however, does not take any specific position on marijuana; it simply aims to demonstrate that it is possible to apply economic logic to controversial issues such as drug markets. In contrast, in “The Patriots Guide to Legalization” by Kevin Drum, published in Mother Jones magazine, Drum takes a definitive position on the legalization of marijuana. Drum makes an effort to influence his readers' opinion on marijuana prohibition by using outside quotes and sources, but fails to cite any. Drum also uses a catchy title and illustration to attract his readers and keep their attention. In contrast, Tedeschi uses none of these tactics in his writing, thus leading me to believe that “Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment” is academic while Drum's “A Patriots Guide to Legalization” on the other hand is clearly non-academic. The first comparison contrasts the use of opinion and strong stance that Drum chose to take with that of Tedeschi's piece, which remained neutral on the topic. For example, in “A Patriots Guide to Legalization” Drum takes a decidedly pro-marijuana stance on the topic. Drum's opinion on the topic comes across at various points in the piece... in the middle of the paper... through the use of titles and illustrations, or with an abstract. Drum's piece took a specific stance on marijuana, used sources he didn't cite, and used a catchy headline and illustration. All this proves that it was a non-academic article. Contrary to Drum's methods, Tedeschi did not take an opinionated position on marijuana, cited every source he used, and employed the use of an abstract instead of 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 CitedDrum, Kevin. "The Patriot's Guide to Legalization." Mother Jones 34.4 (2009): 49-52. Wilson selects more. Network. May 12, 2010. Tedeschi, Gwendolyn Alexander. “Drug Markets: A Classroom Experiment.” Am Econ 51.1 (2007): 75-84. Wilson selects more. Network. May 12 2010