Category: Marijuana

Marijuana is a drug substance better known as Cannabis Sativa. Its inhibitory aspects affect the brains development and results in the destruction of brain cells alongside other terminal diseases malignant cells. The users of marijuana often find themselves needing it more and more each day owing to this aspect.

The US government ensures that its use is limited to a minimum by enforcing harsh punishments to the dealers and users of marijuana. My opinion on Californias marijuana problem would be that the use of marijuana in California remains criminalized. Using marijuana is detrimental to ones health and the society at large.

The United States has continuously battled the implementation of medical marijuana. Regardless, it has seen fervent attempts by some state officials in passing and implementing ordinances and laws that allow for its use and cultivation. It is important to assess the implementation issues and general outcomes marijuana regulations established as well as the implications on the society. It is also important to establish the roles played by Government, Businesses and non-profit Organizations within the state of California.

Government Participation

Local governments have in the recent past dealt with issues rising from the growing, production and circulation of medical marijuana. According to reports on cannabis trends in the US, Californias neighbouring state of Oregon had established decriminalization legislation by 1973. California then went forward to propose the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (Proposition 36), which was passed by 61% of the house.

Its requirements were that first and second offense cannabis violators be checked into drug treatment institutions in place of facing trial and possible imprisonment. Following attempts by the government to amend its legal systems, the state of California marijuana use is decriminalized to date.

In recent years, Marijuana usage in the state of California has risen owing to numerous legislations within the US. The same can be said to be attributed to cultural beliefs abound using Cannabis as a medical drug.

The governments has played a role in the spread of marijuana. In recent years have seen Californias state officials go into debate and enact bills that were designed to allow the use of marijuana. An example of such programs is the Medical marijuana program. This program was enacted in the year 1996 and labelled California Proposition 215. A similar program called the California Senate Bill 420 was passed in the year 2003.

The Compassionate Use Act received a 55% majority vote prior to its enactment. This act was established so that the use of marijuana could be applied in curing and controlling such diseases as cancer, AIDS, and other chronic diseases. Governor Gray Davis of California also accented and enacted the Medical Marijuana Protection Act (SB 420). This act supported the use of medical marijuana by patients who would be presented with an identification card for identification purposes.

Another pointer that portrays the role played by the government in the use of marijuana is the signing of CA State Senate Bill 1449 into law. This law lightens the drug possession charges and equates the charge to that of a traffic violation. It is important to note that the law describes the possession of marijuana as a violation punishable by applying a $100 fine. Simply put, these attempts decriminalized marijuana use and possession.

Business Participation

In the year 2009, Tom Ammiano, (US Democratic Partys California State Assemblyman) pioneered the Marijuana Control, Regulation, & Education Act.

This bill had been proposed in order to waiver all penalties established under California law the sale, purchase, transportation, possession, use, as well as the cultivation of cannabis within the state. This facilitated trade and distribution in the state of California. Like wise, the bill waived penalties for the use and trade, as well as the possession of natural THC and supply by people aged 21 and over.

The bill prohibited local and state law officials from implementing federal marijuana regulations. In the states defence, the bill helped in improving the national budget from the 20082010 California budget crises. It was designed to ensure the state was free to regulate and tax marijuana use and its sale at a price of $50 per ounce. Californias reports on taxation indicated that the state had experienced a rise in collected revenue by over $1.3 billion annually.

The year 2010 would see California pass the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act. This act legalized cannabis while permitting the taxation, trade of cannabis, and the regulation of similar activities. It failed during the November 2 election.

Non-profit Organizations and their role in Marijuana control

Non profit organizations entrusted with marijuana handling in California are supportive of the medical uses of marijuana in the state of California and elsewhere. The law enforcers are, therefore, kept in check by these organizations, and thus, are hand-bound when dealing with marijuana. The non-profit organizations in the region are enhancers of the drug usage in the hampering of its use for medical purposes.

My personal beliefs and enlightenment come to play after watching the Pot Republic a documentary on the widespread use of marijuana in the state of California. It is my belief that marijuana can be applied in development of a better control drug for curing the diseases indicated.

Drug use is a vice that should be eliminated in the society. There would be not point in harming the mind in an attempt to cure diseases by smoking marijuana. In conclusion, my opinion on drug use remains unchanged, and I maintain that drug use should be avoided at all costs.

Introduction

The fringes of culture and perception offer the best platform through which one can bring an otherwise looked down on phenomenon to the realm of normalcy. Proponents of legalization and use of marijuana have for a long time been marginalized by society in almost every part of the world.

Cannabis has been part of human culture for ages but puritan influences have always ensured its exclusion from the mainstream human culture. Truth be told, changing ones state of mind with marijuana is no different from the effects people get from other legal and widely accepted substances such as caffeine and alcohol.

Criminalization of the use of marijuana and negative reviews as well as negative exposure from the media has driven marijuana use to the black markets with often negative consequences to the economy and society. It is interesting however to note that the marijuana use culture has stood the test of time and has taken root to appoint that it is widely accepted even in academia and social circles.

These voices have been in the lead in calling for legalization and open use of marijuana in society. It is important to acknowledge that there are quite a number of disadvantages that will result from such a move. However, many proponents are convinced that legalization and use of marijuana will be beneficial to the economy and society.

This discussion will briefly focus on the debate surrounding legalization and use of marijuana and its benefits while the rest of the discussion will focus on the pros of making such a move. The following Toulmin diagram helps in reinforcing the above thesis.

Legalizing Marijuana

The controversial debate about legalizing and use of marijuana has been going on for decades. Despite a widespread ban on the substance, some countries like Israel, Netherlands and Canada have partially legalized the use of marijuana and the results have been promising.

In these countries the culture of marijuana use has taken root and there is sufficient evidence suggesting that legalization and use of marijuana is beneficial to society.

Pros of marijuana use culture

It is important to reiterate that the argument presented in this discussion is purely from a socio-economic point of view. The usefulness of legalization the use of marijuana falls in two categories; economic and social benefits.

It is important to stress that all the arguments presented in this discussion are rooting for a formal establishment of marijuana use culture. Already, the culture exists and legalization will only entrench in the society acceptance that will easily magnify its usefulness.

Legalization will create a new industry within which marijuana will be legally traded and taxed like any other commodity in the market (Marincolo 123). The framework will be carried out within a highly controlled context where heavy taxation and penalties will mark its circulation in the economy.

Many economists argue that perhaps the biggest usefulness out such a move will be the creation of desperately needed jobs and generation of income by both the government and private dealers. In fact, some suggest that its legalization is likely to contribute though in minute quantities growth of GDP.

The United Nations estimates that drugs account for roughly one percent of unofficial GDP in the world economy. This translates to trillions of dollars every year that can easily be injected to the mainstream economy with a positive ripple effect of long-term results.

The economists further argue that legalization and its use within a controlled system of taxation and regulation will easily generate close to $14 billion annually. Most notable is renowned economist Milton Friedman who has openly advocated for such a move. Its prohibition according to Bello causes the authorities to lose slightly higher than $7 billion in prohibition enforcement in both federal and state levels (90).

Additionally, authorities lose over $6 billion annually in taxes, money that can be diverted to better economic use. The reasoning behind economists such as Friedman is that despite the elaborate anti-marijuana mechanisms put in place, both minors and adults still have easy access to marijuana leading to a call for careful analysis of the resources used in fighting it.

Besides generation of revenue, economists also argue that legal availability of marijuana will significantly reduce the price of the commodity in the market due to reduced risk and increased supply (Bello 37).

In return, consumers will have extra disposable income to save and invest which will have a direct positive effect on the economy. Additionally, this will contribute to the higher revenue collection by government since a sales tax will apply on the sale.

Economists contend that another usefulness that will result out of increased disposable income among marijuana consumers will be a drastic reduction of the rate of poverty. This is based on the premise that most marijuana consumers belong to the lower tier of the socio-economic order.

Legalization and acceptance of the culture therefore will give this group a lifeline as many of them will experience increased savings and will also have a chance to put to use their entrepreneurial skills by operating marijuana dealerships.

There is consensus among both government and private economists that authorities, both state and federal spend big amounts of money fighting and supervising marijuana related crimes and prisoners respectively (Earleywine 78). In the year 2008 for instance, the state of Texas spent slightly over $46 million in the above-mentioned operations. The state of California posted an even larger figure-$146 million in the same year.

The cumulative total of all states is likely to amount into billions of dollars as the Friedman report indicated. Besides high expenditure, incarceration of marijuana offenders contributes significantly to overcrowding of poisons across the US and other countries where the culture is illegal. Legalization therefore will help save on the above costs besides helping in decongesting prisons.

According to Jacquette, cannabis, the substance found in marijuana has several industrial uses with a possibility of making thousands of products including insecticides and textiles (166). Its illegal status in most territories however has greatly derailed research on its industrial use. It is likely therefore that legality and continued use of marijuana will in the long-run be beneficial to both industry and society.

Besides economic benefits, legalization of marijuana and its use will be a boon for the medical industry. Many medical research results have proven that marijuana has low toxic levels and is not likely to cause cancer like tobacco and alcohol.

In states such California where medical use of marijuana is legal, patients suffering from chronic disorders such as cancer, insomnia and chronic pain use marijuana for pain relieve and other therapies.

Medics concede that the relaxing effects of marijuana are comparable to few substances and will be a major stress and tension reliever to agitating and sore muscles. Additionally, marijuana is useful in chemotherapy treatment of cancer patients.

Besides direct medical reasons, it will be easier for agencies such as FDA to verify the quality of drugs available in the market effectively preventing many deaths that result from consumption of poorly prepared products. Because of the illegal status, government agencies find it difficult to regulate the quality of such products despite high consumption among the population.

Sociologists argue that criminalization of the marijuana culture is tantamount to infringement of individual rights. Backed by medical evidence, sociologists contend that consumption and use of marijuana is not any harmful than consumption of alcohol and tobacco. According to Turnlund, marijuana is little pleasure of life just like caffeine or alcohol is (38).

He adds that there is bound to be considerable stress among the population if such pleasures are withheld eternally. Like any drug or regulated substance, only excessive use of marijuana will be prove negative in case it was legalized. In essence therefore, legalization will be a social victory for consumers since they will have enough space to recreationally consume marijuana just the same way caffeine or alcohol is used.

One of the usefulness that the society will realize from legalization of marijuana will be reduced crime rates (Turnlund 41). Due to low supply of marijuana and the risk involved, the commodity is available in the market at high prices. Users especially addicts therefore have to dig deeper to afford it.

In most cases, marijuana consumers are people of the low economic order who can rarely afford the substance. Most engage in criminal activities to obtain funds for marijuana. Legalization will eliminate the risks effectively reducing its market price. Cheap access to the substance will result to low crime rates such as theft.

Bello says that there is a lot of street justice involved in the narcotics community (65). Disputes arise all the time and in most cases violence is the common solution.

Matthews asserts that violence more often than not leads to a cycle of more violence as is the case in Mexico, which may claim innocent lives (160). Legalization of its usage therefore will lead to establishment of proper dispute resolution mechanisms are established to ensure consumers and dealers are protected in the course of trading and recreation.

Earlier, this discussion focused on an economic point of view where police spend a considerable amount of time and resources in marijuana enforcement. According to Earleywine, there are more serious crimes than marijuana peddling (112).

Legalization will therefore make economic sense because it will free resources in police departments, FBI, DEA, judiciary and the media. Resources and manpower used in marijuana enforcement resources will therefore be used in combating more serious crimes such as terrorism, hard drugs, rape and murder.

Sociologists argue that the current anti-narcotics framework often traps young people and turns them to hardened criminals (Marincolo 76). For instance, marijuana peddlers are mostly young men in low income areas who engage in the trade to meet basic expenses.

Because marijuana is illegal, most of these young men and sometimes women are branded drug dealers and handed heavy prison sentences. Most of these youngsters lives get destroyed from this point. Allowing marijuana use will not only give these young people a lifeline but will also help in differentiating them from the hardcore criminals who deal in damaging narcotics such as cocaine.

Conclusion

It is important to note that the focus was mainly on social and economic benefits of marijuana. However, there were brief highlight on the medical benefits as well. Certainly, the marijuana culture is not going to slow down. There is going to be relentless activism calling for its legalization. As noted earlier, there are negative benefits that will result from such a move but the benefits are way too many.

Currently, there is an alcohol and tobacco related cultures mainly operating within the established legal frameworks. Yet, thousands of people die from tobacco and alcohol related illnesses including cancer.

Thousands more die from other controlled substances whose benefits are far less than what marijuana has to offer. It is important to note that the economical, social and medical benefits that marijuana has to offer far exceed what most controlled substances have to offer.

Whether or not the marijuana taking culture is one that the society needs to nurture among its generations is debatable. There however needs to be rationality when it comes to the pros and cons debate. Objectively, there are a lot of benefits that such a culture can accord humanity.

Works Cited

Bello, Joan. The Benefits of Marijuana: Physical, Psychological and Spiritual, New York: Routledge, 2007. Print.

Earleywine, Mitchell. Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence, London: Sage Publications, 2002. Print.

Jacquette, Dale at al. Cannabis: Philosophy for Everyone: what Were We Just Talking About?, Chicago: Springer, 2010. Print.

Marincolo, Sebastin. High: Insights on Marijuana, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print.

Matthews, Patrick. Cannabis Culture, Melbourne: Thomson Learning, 2003. Print.

Turnlund, Erica. Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana, New York: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.

Introduction

The debate on whether to or not to decriminalize possession and use of cannabis has been in existence for quite a long time. Some individuals have been against the idea that just by one simply being found with the substance could warrant him or her severe punishment as a jail term. Up to date marijuana possession is treated as a criminal offence in most countries. This means anyone found in possession of the substance is charged in the court and either subjected to a jail term or a fine.

This debate has come up with several important arguments on why decriminalization of this substance is appropriate (Australian Institute of Criminology, and the New South Wales Department of Politics 7). One of the main reasons that the supporters of this argument have progressed is that by decriminalization of marijuana, the government would save huge amounts of money that it uses on enforcing laws that relate to possession and use of the substance.

In addition, reports from various commissions and academic studies that have been carried out in the last two decades have indicated that decriminalization of marijuana has little or no contribution to its increase in use among the populations in the state where the new law has been enacted.

History of Marijuana Decriminalization

There have been active movements activities that have sought to reform the laws on marijuana since the 1970s in various nations. The increase in the use of the marijuana even after it was outlawed has led to increase in the costs incurred by the government when enforcing these rules and undertaking court proceedings.

In addition, the attitudes that most individuals had regarding the substance use was becoming more positive. This made many states and nations begin reforming the strict rules they had placed on the offences of being found in possession of marijuana. For instance, the period between 1923 and 1978 saw thirteen states in the United States decriminalizing the small amounts of marijuana possession.

These states were Alaska, Colorado, Massechusetts, California, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Missisippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon and Ohio. This was after Oregon State began this process where it reduced the possession offence of an individual found with less than 1 oz by inflicting a small fine of not more than 100 dollars.

This was contributed by change of peoples attitudes towards marijuana and an increase in cases of more individuals especially those who came from influential backgrounds being found in the possession of the substance. As a result of the enforcement of the new laws, the jail terms or other strict rules were replaced by only a small fine in most states.

Effects of the decriminalization of marijuana

The decriminalization of possession of marijuana in various states had great impacts on various issues in the society. These changes were observed in various aspects like patterns of use, costs of justice and even health care.

Impacts on the pattern of use

Initially there was fear that decriminalization of marijuana would lead to the increase in the use of the substance within the population. This is especially after the survey by the US Government confirmed that 25.8 million individuals used marijuana once a year while the percentage that use the drug monthly was about 6 percent. The report also showed that in the American population, about 95 million individuals, about 47 percent of the entire population, experiment with marijuana in their lifetime.

However, there were no reliable changes in the rates of use in most states after the decriminalization law was enacted. According to a study conducted by Rosalie, Jamie, and Janna (23), the states that decriminalized marijuana noted only slight changes while in other states, there was no change at all. For instance, in the states that noted a slight increase, the percentage was only 2 percent among the students in high school and other juveniles.

When a comparison was done between the states that have decriminalized and those that have not, it was noted that in the decriminalized states, rates increased immediately the law was enacted but later leveled in most states for both those who had decriminalized and those who had not. Single (459) therefore concludes that there was no considerable change even with enactment of the decriminalization of marijuana rule.

The other survey that was carried out was on the rate of those who were found in the possession of marijuana after decriminalization law. According to study that was carried out, there was no direct effect between the relationship of the number of offenders and the punishment imposed.

However, due to the effect the offender gets both in the access to future employment and the stigma that the family and other members of the society hold the culprit with, the possession would be low regardless of whether the decriminalization was passed or not.

This is particularly because possession of marijuana is still a major issue in the society even with the elimination of the punishment. The controls are therefore enacted by the social environment and the individuals career prospects. This is because an employer may refuse to recruit an individual who has records of marijuana possession.

Impacts on crime

There was also a major concern on the effect of decriminalization of marijuana on the rate of crime. Most individuals saw the enactment of this law as a factor that would lead to an increase in the rate of crime. Most individuals arrived at this conclusion from the analysis they had of the comparison of those who often ended up in jail where the greatest percentage had used drugs in the recent period before they were convicted.

However, this is a conclusion that has no substantial evidence. This is because other factors especially the social-economic factors are active causes of increase in the rate of crime (Erickson 1156). On close scrutiny, therefore, marijuana use has little relation with individuals criminal behavior.

According to a review carried out on drug control policies, marijuana was rated the least in its ability to generate activities related to crime compared to other illicit drugs like heroine and cocaine. The review also noted that marijuana has less chances of triggering violent activities since those who use the drug are those from middle and upper social economic classes. Decriminalization of marijuana may not be a reason for increase in the rate of crime in the society (Erickson 1166).

Impacts on Criminal Justice system

The decriminalization of marijuana had an impact on the criminal justice system which was largely viewed as being positive especially due to the economic impact it had on this area. This is because offences related to marijuana possession dropped in all the states that implemented the new law where most states reduced this rate to more than 30 percent (National Academy of Sciences 102).

As a result, these states observed a remarkable decrease in the costs that were incurred in the enforcement of laws related to possession of marijuana. In addition, as a result of fewer cases being taken to court, there was reduction in the resources and costs that were initially spent in processing these cases. This is because before decriminalization law was enacted, marijuana possession cases dominated the court proceedings thus taking up most of the resources.

The cost saving has been felt in all levels of law enforcement systems. The correction system was another area that observed reduction in the cost factor. This is in areas like jail, prison and even those who were on probation.

There were many individuals who would be arrested for crimes related to marijuana making the number to be as high as 755,000. This was an expensive burden to the crime and justice system. This is because among those who would end up in these arrests, most of the individuals would earn a jail term or at least spend some time in there while waiting to be released.

This was a big expense to the system as they had to pass through the booking process which is the most expensive process in the correction process. The reduction in the number of individuals who were arrested due to possession of marijuana, therefore, was a major factor in the reduction of these costs as the reduction of these cases reduced the costs incurred and even ensured the safety of the system facility.

Discussion

On evaluation of these costs and benefits, one would conclude that decriminalization has been beneficial to the states that have enacted the new law. However, it is important to understand that some of these figures were based on scientific data some of which may not have a large impact. This is particularly because very few states undertook the research before and after the decriminalization law was enacted.

As a result, most of the conclusions that were made, results were arrived at on the basis of comparison. This is because there was no availability of primary data that would have been used to make authentic conclusions. In addition, lack of jurisdiction in these countries where decriminalization of marijuana has been enacted like the United States and Canada have made it hard to evaluate the marijuana use adequately. This is especially after the policy of decriminalization was enacted.

The conclusion that decriminalization of marijuana reduces government expenses especially due to reduction of costs in the areas of criminal justice and correction systems, may be refuted. This is because individuals making such a conclusion have to understand that the government places a fixed amount on these systems which means that it does not reduce its level of this amount based on reduction or increase in the number of activities that the criminal justice undertake.

Otherwise this reduction would only be visible and significant to the government spending if the police who undertake these activities were laid off and the court rooms stopped all their activities. Since decriminalization of marijuana is not likely to lead to such dramatic changes, the current cost saving figures being generated by various commissions may be overlooking some important factors leading to their misguided conclusions.

The only benefit that decriminalization may be counted to have caused in the criminal justice system that seems authentic is reduction of its expenses on the enforcement of marijuana laws and directing these resources to more meaningful areas like crimes that are more serious and which affect the whole population.

In order to help parents and the voters to come up with an informed decision on the impact of decriminalization policy on the economy and the changes in the rates of crimes, the various commissions and academic studies need to establish a way of acquiring primary data where possible in order to avoid misleading the public.

Conclusion

Reduction of the punishment met on those found in possession or using marijuana by various states is definitely a positive move. Though there were speculations that decriminalizing marijuana would increase its consumption among the populations of these states, studies have shown that there is little or no evidence to these speculations.

Reduction in amount used in the enforcement of marijuana laws has also given the criminal justice system a chance to use these funds in more meaningful areas. However, lack of primary data has resulted to making important decisions based on comparison or through use of secondary data.

In addition, lack of new cases of jurisdictions that have passed through this process of decriminalization has led to a decision that may be detrimental due to overgeneralization and use of assumptions. In order to come up with a decision that will be beneficial to all aspects of a nation, the various commissions involved need to also focus on the effect that the cost reduction has after the enactment of decriminalization policy especially to the tax payer.

This is as opposed to making a general conclusion that since there was reduction in number of cases the criminal justice system and the court handled, there was equal reduction in the government expenses. This is because some of these reductions may not have been very meaningful to the common tax payer as the government still pumped the same amount of funds to these institutions.

Works Cited

Australian Institute of Criminology, and the New South Wales Department of Politics. Marijuana in Australia, patterns and attitudes. Monograph Series No. 31. Canberra, Australia: Looking Glass Press, 1997. Print.

Erickson, Patricia G. The law, social control, and drug policy: Models, factors and processes. The International Journal of the Addictions 28. 2; (1993): 1155-1176. Print.

National Academy of Sciences. Marijuana and medicine: Assessing the science base. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1999. Print.

Rosalie, Pacula, Jamie Chriqui, and Janna King. Marijuana decriminalization: what does it mean in the United States? Working Paper 9690. Washington, DC: National Bureau of Economic Research, 2003. Print.

Single, Eric. The impact of marijuana decriminalization: an update. Journal of Public Health Policy 10.4; (1989): 456-466. Print.

Introduction

There is a raging controversy on whether marijuana should be legalized or not. Marijuana is as drug made from the hemp plant. In the past, this substance has been used for various uses including medical purposes as well as in the manufacture of ropes and fabrics. Today, many people use this drug to relieve the suffering caused by several ailments.

However, marijuana is banned in the United States. Some states in the United States have legalized the drug for medical purposes, but in most states, its possession, consumption, cultivation or sale is illegal. There are laws banning the use of the drug and many people have been arrested for using it.

Most people who push for the illegalization of marijuana have no valid reasons but see the drug as a threat to their interests. They know that the marijuana industry will bring stiff competition to their products and therefore make them incur losses or even go out of business. Marijuana has very many benefits and if legalized, can help boost the economic growth and relieve people from a lot of suffering caused by ailments. Therefore, marijuana should be legalized.

Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana

Marijuana should be legalized because it has numerous benefits. One of the major benefits of this substance can be found in the medical profession. If safely used, marijuana can help in the management and treatment of very many ailments. Firstly, it is one of the best substances that can be used for therapeutic purposes.

It is also used by cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy to get rid of nausea and relieve pain. Marijuana use also slows down the growth of cancerous tumors in the brain, lungs, and breasts; thus, it is valuable in the management of cancer. It is also helpful in the treatment of glaucoma as it reduces eye pressure. Patients suffering from AIDs and Multiple Sclerosis have also found marijuana useful in relieving them from pain.

This drug is also used in the management and treatment of seizure patients since it is a muscle relaxant. Moreover, it is used in the treatment of ailments like Migraines, Alzheimers, premenstrual syndrome, and other chronic diseases (Gieringer, Rosenthal, and Carter 101). Marijuana should therefore be legalized since its medical value can be used to advance the medical profession and provide better and more affordable pain relievers and cure to scores of people with various illnesses.

The governments could also earn a lot in taxes from the sale of marijuana if it was legalized. The hemp plant could be grown on large scale and earn the country a lot of income.

The advantage of the hemp plant is that it has multiple purposes. Many products can be extracted from marijuana, for instance, its seeds contain oil that can be used to make fuel, paint, lubricating oils, salad oils, butter, cheese, ice cream, soap and cosmetics, to mention but a few . The hemp fiber from marijuana is also very strong and can be used to make quality clothes, ropes, and paper.

Wood can also be substituted by hemp fiber products as a building material since it is stronger and ensures the reduction of building costs and less destruction of trees. Therefore, by legalizing marijuana, the government could earn a lot of money from the marijuana industry and this industry would create numerous job opportunities for the citizens. This would lead to advancement in economic growth and better living standards for the citizens (Rosenthal, Kubby, and Newhart 105).

Marijuana is also useful in the textile and paper industries. Marijuana can be used in the textile industry as a substitute for cotton because it produces much more fiber and requires less pesticide use. The use of this substance in paper manufacturing industries would help to save trees because they are the main raw material in paper manufacture.

Marijuana is capable of producing a large amount of paper. According to the U.S. department of Agriculture, an acre of marijuana and that of trees are incomparable in the amount of paper they produce because marijuana produces four times as much. The paper manufactured from hemp is of a higher quality and does not yellow with age as the one made from trees.

Therefore, legalizing of marijuana would boost the paper industry and also lead to the preservation of trees. Many trees are felled every day in order to sustain the paper industry. This leads to the degradation of the environment. Substitution of trees with hemp fiber as a raw material for the manufacture of paper can go a long way in preserving the environment. Marijuana can grow anywhere and it matures much faster than trees.

Marijuana matures after just four months while trees take many years to mature. It is therefore an economic option for the growth and expansion of the paper industry. Therefore, if legalized marijuana can be a perfect substitute for trees and can lead to both advanced economic growth and preservation of the environment (Yurchey par 10).

Legalizing marijuana can also have legal benefits in that the prison space occupied by marijuana users can be freed to accommodate more deserving criminals like rapists, murderers, and armed robbers. In addition, the courts would have fewer cases to resolve as people would no longer be charged for selling or consuming marijuana. Another benefit is that the law enforcement agencies would use the resources that they had originally allocated to track down consumers and sellers of marijuana to investigate and deal with more dangerous crimes.

Legalization of the drug would also lead to reduced crime rates as the drug will be available and therefore there would be no crimes like drug contamination, drug warfare, among others. Legalization of marijuana will also lead to reduced abuse of the drug since the illegality of the drug makes it more tempting to use (Rosenthal, Kubby, and Newhart 85).

Opponents of the legalization of marijuana claim that legalizing the drug will lead to an increase in crime rates and encourage the users to start using other more harmful drugs. However, marijuana is not as dangerous as alcohol or cigarettes, yet these two are legal in the United States. Use of this drug has not led to any deaths and it is not as addictive as tobacco and alcohol. Legalizing the drug cannot lead to an increase in crime rates as there are lower crime rates in places like Amsterdam where it is legal than where it is illegal.

Most of the opponents of the legalization of marijuana are the manufacturers of other drugs like tobacco and alcohol who see the legalization of marijuana as a threat to their businesses. Therefore, they deny the country of a lot of income to protect their selfish interests. According to the national Toxicological Program, there is no evidence that the use of marijuana can cause cancer (Rosenthal, Kubby, and Newhart 43).

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is clear that the debate about whether marijuana should be legalized or not sparks a lot of controversy. Proponents of the legalization of the drug feel that the drug has very many benefits. Marijuana can be used to manufacture many products that can boost the economy by providing better and cheaper substitutes to many products that we are using today. A lot of employment opportunities can also be created with the legalization of marijuana.

The medicinal value of marijuana is also insurmountable as the drug is used to relieve all kinds of pain and help in the management and treatment of many chronic diseases. Hemp fiber is also a valuable raw material in the textile and paper industries. The opponents of the legalization of marijuana feel that legalizing the drug can lead to increase in crime rates and increase in the use of other dangerous drugs. However, these claims are not valid as marijuana is not as harmful as they claim.

Other drugs, which are legal like tobacco and alcohol, have more harmful effects as they can cause cancer, death, and are very addictive. On the other hand, there is no record showing that anyone has died from marijuana use. In addition, marijuana does not cause cancer but is used in the treatment and management of the disease. Therefore, marijuana should be legalized in order to exploit its numerous benefits and since it has no adverse effects on its users.

Works Cited

Gieringer, Dale, Rosenthal, Ed, and Carter Gregory. Marijuana Medical Handbook: Practical Guide to Therapeutic Uses of Marijuana. California: Ed Rosenthal, 2008. Print.

Rosenthal, Ed, Kubby, Steve, and Newhart Steve. Why marijuana should be legal. New York: Running Press, 2003. Print.

Yurchey, Doug. The Marijuana Conspiracy: The Real Reason why Hemp is illegal. World-mysteries, 2002. Web.

Introduction

Among all the illicit drugs used in the world, Marijuana takes the position of most popular illegal drug. As a matter of fact, the World Health Organization reveals that a significant 2.5% of the entire worlds population uses marijuana therefore making it by far the most popular illicit drug. As a result of the apparent popularity of marijuana and revelations that the drug is not as dangerous to a persons health as has previously been assumed, there have been increased calls for the legalization of this highly favored illegal recreational drug.

However, these calls have been met with opposition by advocates of keeping the drug illegal who argue that the drug has many adverse effects and should therefore remain illegal. This paper shall argue that the US government should legalize marijuana since the drug is not as dangerous for use as is assumed and its legalization would have many advantages to both the individual and the government. To provide a balanced view, the demerits to the move will also be given with counter arguments offered for the same

Why Marijuana should be Legalized

The US government is notorious for its unforgiving War on Drugs which has resulted in the imprisonment of a significant number of people for possession and use. Marijuana is one of the drugs that the government policy targets and as it currently stands, the government uses a lot of resources in prosecuting and punishing marijuana consumers through the legal system. A report by Jeffrey Miron reveals that in the US, an excess of $7.7 billion is used annually in the governments enforcement of prohibitions efforts.

The usage of this money ranges from organizing raids, arresting and prosecuting the offenders and then housing them in the prison system of the country. As can be seen, keeping marijuana illegal is a hugely expensive affair and the burden is borne by the tax payer whose money is channeled to fund all these operations. Making marijuana legal would mean that law enforcers would no longer have reason to arrest and prosecute dealers and users of the drug therefore resulting in the government saving a lot of money.

The current status quo where marijuana has been earmarked as an illicit drug has led to a situation where the government is not able to benefit monetarily from the drug. This is because the government cannot impose taxes on a product whose production and usage it has prohibited.

Gettman articulates that illicit marijuana cultivation provides considerable unreported revenue for growers without corresponding tax obligations to compensate the public for the social and fiscal costs related to marijuana use (5). In the event that the government was to legalize domestic marijuana production, this situation would be changed since some of the profits from the trade in the product would go to the government through the tax apparatus.

A study conducted by Miron in the USA revealed that an estimated 6.2 billion would be gained if marijuana were taxed at the same rate as tobacco and alcohol products. These findings illustrate the huge loss in potential gains that the US government makes by failing to allow legal home production of marijuana.

The lack of a legal marijuana industry has resulted in the emergence and thriving of an underground market through which the product is grown and sold. This black market which deals with the production, distribution and sale of the marijuana is almost explicitly run by criminal gangs from neighboring countries. In the US, the Mexican cartels have engaged in commercial production of marijuana to supply the US market (Houston).

This criminals and drug lords who run the marijuana production and distribution have become increasingly powerful and wealthy as a result of the product. Legalizing marijuana would remove the monopoly held by the criminal gangs and result in their being rendered unneeded.

Another reason why marijuana should be legalized is because it contains many medical benefits. The WHO states that several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in the advanced stages of illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.

Considering the fact that humanity is constantly in a quest to ensure that suffering of man is minimized, making marijuana available to the people would propagate this values. Marijuanas medical properties stem from the presence of the active ingredient, THC, which gives the drug the medicinal values. Legitimizing marijuana would therefore ensure that this drug is available to people who will benefit greatly from its curative properties.

Opposition for Legalization and Counter Arguments

For all this advantages, there are significant demerits that would arise from the legalization of marijuana. A major argument against the legalization of marijuana is that it would lead to a monumental increase in the number of users. The reasoning behind this argument is that as it currently stands, most people are afraid of the legal action that can be undertaken against them by the government as a result of marijuana possession or use.

Houston asserts that this reasoning is flawed since in the Netherlands (a country where it is legal for adults to purchase and consume regulated amounts of marijuana), the rate of marijuana use is significantly lower than in the United States and other countries where the drug is banned.

Arguably the most significant reason for opposition to the legalization of marijuana is due to the alleged negative effect the drug has on the use. Volkow states that the use of marijuana can produce adverse physical, mental, emotional, and behavior changes, impair short-term memory, verbal skills, and judgment and can harm the lungs. Other studies reveal that marijuana use predisposes men to developing testicular cancer.

Considering this many serious negative effects that are attributed to marijuana use, it would be very irresponsible for the government to legalize this particular drug. If anything, the government should increase measures to limit the use of marijuana by imposing stricter jail terms for distributors and sellers. While it is true that pervasive use of marijuana can have this health effects, this statement is a generalization and at the present, research indicates that the negative effects of marijuana are only mild.

Conclusion

This paper set out to argue that marijuana should be legalized since there are many benefits that can be reaped from the legalization of marijuana. These advantages include; the drugs medicinal value and the positive effect that legalizing would have on the economy.

The costs of keeping marijuana illegal are great and most of them end up being footed by the taxpayer. In addition to this, leaving the drug illegal only benefits a few drug lords and kingpins. For this reasons, all development minded citizens should call on their governments to legalize this drug since legitimizing it brings about numerous benefits for the nation as a whole.

Works Cited

Gettman, John. Marijuana Production in the United States. The Bulletin of Cannabis Reform, 2006.

Houston, Aaron. The case for a domestic marijuana industry. 2009. Web.

Miron, Jeffrey. The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition. 2005. Web.

Volkow, Nora. Marijuana Abuse. 2009. Web.

World Health Organization (WHO). Management of substance abuse: Cannabis. 2010. Web.

Marijuana is one of the illegal drugs used in America and other countries as well. According to research done internationally it is evident that more than seventy million people in the United States have made use of marijuana (Wagner 231). Although many people have used and are using marijuana, there is no proof that anyone has ever been spoiled by smoking marijuana.

Like other drugs that have been abused by people, marijuana does not affect people and their thinking capabilities. To some extent, I have a strong believe that marijuana should be made legal as it is not harmful as most of people tend to think, human beings should be allowed to live life the way they want, as long as they are not causing harm to themselves or to other people.

In 1960s and 70s, marijuana was very commonly used in the united states, as most of people thought of it as a harmless drug. Later, the government and its officials started seeing marijuana as a harmful drug that should never be used by people. Through their ideas, they introduced a law of marijuana Act in 1937 that was meant to prohibit the use of marijuana fully (Bermwin 169).

The most disappointing idea about the congress accepting this law was that there was no background information to support the harmfulness of smoking marijuana. It was evident that he accepted the enactment of the law without enough information to support the decision.

To some extent, people were still left with the idea that smoking marijuana is not a harmful incident. In addition to the peoples thought about marijuana was that, it has both pros and cons. Most of people claim to make use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and others for reasons of entertainment (Barnabas 318). The fiber of the marijuana plant has also some values as they are used in industries to make papers, fuel, in food production industries, as well as in production of fibers.

There was a time when George Washington encouraged people of America to make some efforts of planting the marijuana seeds to reap those benefits at the end. This idea was eradicated by the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, which now people of America want it removed and have freedom in usage of marijuana (Mounter 263). People have a strong supporting point of claiming that if marijuana has been used for than 5ooo years in medical; field, what would make it harmful now.

In early 1970s, there was a positive move towards legalizing the use of marijuana, when eleven states allowed the possession of small amounts of that drug. Currently, more than thirty six states have allowed the usage of marijuana with their citizens especially for medical purposes (Cowan 45).

The reason that has facilitated this move in various states is because of the information that is collected in most of the medical fields that, through using marijuana, it is possible for one to relive pain and nausea. For the people who have a family history of cancer, when they make use of marijuana there is a high likelihood of deactivating the growth of breast lumps that are cancerous.

For the patients who are suffering from stroke, the use of marijuana protects their brain cells from being badly affected. Other health illnesses that are cured by smoking marijuana are AIDS, glaucoma, monthly period complications, and stress. Scientists have also made some efforts to prove that smoking marijuana is not as harmful as most of people think of it (Gagnon 21).

Scientists have given people some evident that marijuana has very little or no addiction at all to the users, and imposes a very little capability for abuse by the users. Now the question arises from this idea of why marijuana should be categorized in the same group with harmful drugs such as LSD, cocaine, and heroine.

In 1996, there was still another positive move towards making marijuana a legal drug. During this period, there was an introduction of a medical marijuana law to cover the patients and caregivers incase they are found in possession or in use of marijuana. This was allowed for serious medical illnesses where the people concerned may cultivate or either posses the drug with written recommendation of a physician.

This law later proved to be confusing as patients who were caught in possession of such drug was arrested and given the same treatment that criminal were given. For instance, there was a serious case when a patient in United States by name Todd McCormick, who was advised by his physician to make use of marijuana to relieve pain and nausea, was arrested when caught in possession of the drug (Gagnon 22).

He was a cancer patient covered by the medical marijuana law, but this did not prohibit the central government officials from arresting him. As part of his judgment, the central government prohibited the cancer patient the use of marijuana, although he confessed how the drug assisted him in the recovery process.

Despite the efforts of the people of California to fight for the medical law of marijuana to cover the patients, and their care givers, the federal government officials did not respect the law, as they used to arrest people according to their personal perceptions. This was a great sign of injustice. Its a proposal from everyone to the research bodies to provide enough evident to the federal government to prove that marijuana should be removed from the category of such harmful drugs such as cocaine and heroine.

It is evident that no one has ever died due to the use of marijuana. Annually, the world records death of millions of people out of excess usage of alcohol and tobacco. These two are known to be causes of cancer through destruction of bronchial, liver and kidneys (Wagner 305). They are assumed to be legal drugs though they are very addictive and are causes of deaths every day.

In addition to their harmfulness, they dont have any medical use to the citizens. Another question arises as to why marijuana has a bad name, and yet it is not addictive and has more uses in addition to medical purposes. It is claimed that while marijuana smokers are at their homes relaxing, the alcohol consumers are in fights, and others driving carelessly causing deaths to themselves and to innocent people. For the world to be fair to everyone, the prohibition of marijuana should be terminated through the government approval (Barnabas 213).

The Federal Drug Administration should also put its efforts to provide people with information that marijuana is not harmful to their health, but rather a medicine to some serious health complications.

The three possible ways through which people can acquire approval from Federal Drug Administration is one, through marketing marijuana as an herbal drug, an act that does not call for approval from FDA (Wagner 35). The only way that would make it pass through and become acceptable is by demonstrating functionality to the people. The fact that marijuana was sold over the counter before the Tax Act law in 1937 would prove to people that it was safe and effective.

The most important part of legalizing the use of marijuana is by the government providing a designated area where the growth of medical marijuana can take place. For instance, in Netherlands there is such a place where a green house is constructed to facilitate the growth of marijuana purposely for pharmaceuticals use.

Instead of prohibiting the use of marijuana for unknown reasons, the government should be concentrating on introducing the use of greenhouse for marijuana growth, which would be an initiative for approval across the board. It is very expensive for the government to prohibit the use of marijuana, as it uses approximately 15 billion dollars to enforce the same.

In conclusion, It is the high time for countries in the world to make the use of marijuana legal, the initiative of California people to want it legal represents the desire of other people globally. As we are sure that the government is here to serve its people, the desire of the people is to have marijuana use legalized for the benefit of the sick people, and those who need entertainment (Gagnon 13).

Just in the same manner that Christians and Muslims instruct their followers to take wine, some religious beliefs like Hindu and Rastafarians instruct their followers to take marijuana. The government should save that money it uses in prohibiting the use of marijuana as it has no proved harm to the users. Legalizing marijuana would be a one great step of making this world a better place to live for every one a world without pain.

Works Cited

Barnabas, John. Marijuana. New York: Routledge, 2009.

Bermwin, Jane. Legalization of Marijuana. Michigan: Cengage Learning, 2006.

Cowan, Richard. Important and outrageous Cases. 10 January 2005. Marijuana News. 10 August 2011.

Gagnon, Louise. Marijuana Less Harmful than Cigarettes. 9 June 2007. Marijuana. 10 August 2011.

Mounter, Jessica. Move towards legalizing Marijuana. Michigan: Routledge, 2004.

Wagner, James. Why marijuana should be Legalized. New York: Thunders Mouth Press, 2009.

Cowan, Richard. Important and Outrageous Cases. 1998. Online. Marijuana News. 11 April 1998. Web.

Gagnon, Louise. Marijuana Less Harmful Than Cigarettes. 1994. Online. 6 Sept. 1994. Web.

Introduction

Drug trafficking is one of the major challenges the American federal government is facing (Gerber 36). The illegal selling of drugs, such as cannabis is among the most lucrative businesses in the world. The drug market in the United States of America is vibrant and economic experts estimate the trade to generate revenue in billions of U.S. dollars annually.

Marijuana can easily identify as one of the main cash crops in the United States of America due to its economic value. Many state governments are yet to legalize marijuana, yet people continue to participate in illegal practices associated with the drug. Some of the criminal activities associated with this drug include smoking, possession, trafficking, and selling.

The states of Colorado and Washington have legalized the use of cannabis (Gerber 39). Marijuana has traded in the United States of America for very many years. The Controlled Substances Act identifies and explains marijuana as a drug. The battle to legalize marijuana in America has been an ongoing scuffle for several decades. The use of marijuana in the United States of America is limited to medical and recreational purposes.

Marijuana has been tested and proved to have some benefits to health that are very helpful, especially to cancer patients (Earleywine 9). Various lobby groups, non-governmental organizations, special interest groups, and American citizens have been on the forefront of the campaign to have the drug legalized in the country. The federal government should legalize marijuana because of its massive economic value and health benefits.

Discussion

According to statistics gathered from studies that have explored the American black market, it is evident that marijuana qualifies as a cash crop. Drug trafficking is an lucrative trade that generates a lot of income in the tune of billions every year (Van 100). Unfortunately, the federal government has been losing on tax revenue from the the sales of marijuana because it is still criminalized in the country. Much of the revenue created through marijuana goes to foreign economies through the operations of criminal gangs and drug cartels.

The grim reality of the economic performance of the United States of America lies in the lengthy debate over the legalization of marijuana. The federal government struggles to balance the national budget every year. The reason for this is that it spends a huge percentage of its financial resources fighting marijuana, which has a huge economic value for the country. Legalization of cannabis sativa could fully exploit its potential as a cash crop through the creation of a reliable revenue stream (Earleywine 11).

Statistics from a study conducted to show the effects of legalizing marijuana in the United States of America, estimated that the federal government could generate annual revenue of $ 8.7 billion from the drug annually (Gerber 44). This estimate applied the current tax rates on legal drugs in the country, such as alcohol and tobacco.

The study also established that legalizing marijuana would help in reducing the amount of money spent by the federal government on regulating the use of the substance (Van 105). The two states that have legalized the use of cannabis sativa for medical and recreational purposes provide good case reference to the federal government as they try to handle the pressure from various citizens raised concerning the issue of marijuana use.

The challenge that the federal government is likely to face regarding this crucial decision is weighing between the financial benefits of legalizing marijuana and the social impact associated with its use (Gerber 50). Some of the social impacts associated with using marijuana include reduced human productivity, as well as a diluted essence and the value of human beings.

Reasons to legalize marijuana

There are numerous reasons why the federal government of the United States of America should legalize marijuana. These reasons are developed out of extensive research on the various uses of cannabis sativa in the country.

The studies involve people who have used the drug in the past, those who use it now, as well as state governments that have already legalized the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. The first reason is that the current laws applied to regulate the production, use, and trading of marijuana in the United States have failed drasticly (Turnlund 20).

Despite the federal laws providing harsh penalties for crimes associated with marijuana, the number of people being associated with the substance has been increasing every year.

Although people argue that regulatory measures on the use of cannabis sativa in the United States has been successful, statistics show that over 25 million people use it every year (Earleywine 17). This demonstrates that numerous efforts are needed to eliminate the drug. This would be very costly to the federal government owing to the fact that little has changed thus far, despite its numerous efforts.

The second reason is that there is racism in the enforcement of laws on marijuana (Turnlund 28). The United States of America has a long history about racial profiling that entails discrimination against minority groups. The biggest targets of law enforcers in the war against drugs are people belonging to the black community, which makes up about 13% of the American population.

Studies have shown that members of the black community in the United States of America account to 26% of arrests associated with marijuana (Van 133). This is not the case for people from the white community who often face arrests with lower risks, and under less complicated circumstances. This does not provide an equal ground for managing the illegal activities of marijuana. Thus, legalizing marijuana will help to reduce social injustice and give everyone an equal opportunity to contribute to the national economy.

The third reason is that legalizing marijuana would regulate its activities in the black market, reduce the exposure to young people, and lower the levels of crime in the country (Turnlund 35). According to economic experts, marijuana has more valuable on the black market. This provides a good ground for the development of crime, as more people will be seeking a bigger share of the market.

Its illegal status provides an opportunity for young people to make huge profits by avoiding being taxed, thus exposing them to various dangers. Legalizing marijuana will reduce its usage, which is the case with other legal drugs like tobacco and alcohol (Morgan 204). Legal drugs have less consumption rates among people because they have little economic benefits and are very costly. The low economic value and high prices are necessitated by huge financial obligations such as taxation by the government.

The fourth reason is that legalizing marijuana would boost the economy through increased federal taxation (Turnlund 41). The money generated through black markets in the United States of America ends up in criminal gangs and cartels that invest in the outside of the country. Marijuana has helped various people make money and eventually become rich.

However, the federal government has been missing on benefits from the drugs huge economic value (Morgan 209). Drug trafficking is one of the top illegal business in the United States of America. If marijuana is legalized, it could contribute a lot to the countrys economy. If the federal government chooses to legalize this drug, it would reduce the cost managing the problem. Unfortunately, the federal government does not profit in any way from the multibillion businesses, because it cannot tax the income generated.

Most of the income generated goes into foreign economies (Turnlund 46). Therefore, legalizing marijuana would allow this money to remain within the American budget through investments, as well as taxation by the government. Since drug dealers make this illegal money, using the infrastructure built and developed by the federal government, it is important to reverse back some of that money into the economy through infrastructural development by the government.

The fifth reason is that marijuana does not have dangerous effects on the user like other drugs (Turnlund 60). Scientific studies on marijuana have established that the illegal substance is not toxic to human body, has little potential for overdose among its users, as well as less potential for addiction development. The reality on the use of marijuana in the United States of America is characterized by harsh treatment of people caught with violations relating to the drug.

Marijuana does not negatively influence the individuals productivity. Some of the people opposed to legalization of marijuana argue that the number of people using it will increase, because the drug will be readily available to everyone (Morgan 213). However, this should not create confusion over the need to legalize the drug, because it is clear that the activities in the black market provide many incentives that will end when the drug becomes legally accepted.

The other reason is that cases dealing with marijuana are very costly. The justice system in America cannot afford to support the numerous cases on marijuana brought before it every day (Turnlund 67). Legalizing marijuana will reduce the financial burden on the federal government that is involved in treating the cases. Instead, the federal government can use that money to support numerous programs within the nation aimed at educating people on drug abuse (Morgan 216).

The war on drugs will go down if the federal government agrees to legalize this drug. In addition, the amount of money invested by the federal government in fighting the drug would be invested in more meaningful tasks that can boost the national economy (Turnlund 71). Legalizing marijuana in the United States would help in decongesting prisons and correctional facilities, therefore reducing the number of billions of dollars invested in the wellbeing of prisoners.

Marijuana compared to other legal drugs in the United States

The federal government will create billions of dollars in revenue off this cash crop if it agrees to legalize it. The federal government can use this money to reorient the American economy towards a more positive direction. This is possible if only it appreciated the harmless and safe nature of marijuana (Caulkins 116). Legalizing marijuana will save all of the money wasted on finding marijuana busts, and the taxpayers money used on drug felons in jail for housing, food, attorney fees, court costs, health, and other expenses.

In addition, if the government imposes taxes on the sale of marijuana, the money will go to our economy and will help get this country in managing the impacts of the recent global financial crisis that hit the American economy very hard. The innate nature of marijuana is applicable in arguing for its legalization (Caulkins 119). In comparison to the processing of other drugs, which involves the addition of unhealthy chemicals to enhance their effects, marijuana is safe because it has no additives.

The perception of categorizing marijuana as a bad drug is long overdue, and the government should legalize it. Out of the most commonly used drugs in the world, marijuana is relatively harmless. Therefore, it is important for the federal government to reevaluate the issue of marijuana again and consider its legalization (Morgan 224).

If the government compares statistics on deaths caused by the use of drugs, it would be surprised to discover that marijuana smoking does not even appear on the list of drugs studied. In contrast, tobacco kills 340,000-395,000 people a year, and alcohol kills roughly up to 125,000 or more annually. Harder drugs, such as Heroine, Cocaine and Methamphetamines lead another 18,000- 32,000 people to death per year (Morgan 237).

However, there are examples of numerous irresponsible marijuana consumers who have harmed themselves or others while being under the influence. Unlike other drugs and substances occasionally abused by people, there are no known fatalities from the consumption of marijuana (Caulkins 128).

Marijuana is safe when used responsibly. These two reasons should convince the federal government on the need to legalize the use and selling of marijuana in the United States of America. Although marijuana can have negative results if person abuses it, plenty of worse things are progressing in the society, and the government is less concerned about their economic implications (Morgan 242).

One of the most important things to remember is that there are always dangers involved in being under the influence of any substance. However, it is important for the federal government to give a legal permit for trading and use of marijuana in the United States of America (Caulkins 131). As long as responsibility is raised among users, there is no harm in partaking cannabis.

Conclusion

Marijuana is one of the commonly used drugs in the United States of America that the federal government has unsuccessfully tried to eliminate. Studies have demonstrated that marijuana has health care, social, and economic benefits, which are lacking in some of the drugs currently legalized in the country.

Although cannabis sativa has long been considered as a criminal subject in the United States, there have been numerous attempts in the recent past to legalize the drug. Supporters of the legalization of marijuana have urged the federal government to use the states of Colorado and Washington, as reference points in the request to legalize marijuana.

The economies of these two states have benefited a lot from the legalization of this substance. The federal government should legalize marijuana because of its immense economic value, medical benefits, and its less harmful side effects compared to other legalized drugs such as alcohol. The perception of categorizing marijuana as a bad drug is long overdue, and the government should legalize it.

Works Cited

Caulkins, Jonathan. Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York:

Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Earleywine, Mitch. Pot Politics: Marijuana and the Costs of Prohibition. California:

Cambridge University Press, 2006. Print.

Gerber, Rudolph. Legalizing Marijuana: Drug Policy Reform and Prohibition Politics.

New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004. Print.

Morgan, Kayla. Legalizing Marijuana. New York: ABDO, 2010. Print.

Turnlund, Erica. Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana. New York: GRIN Verlag, 2011.Print.

Van, Christine. Marijuana. Detroit: Green Haven, 2007. Print.

The use of Marijuana and its products has been an issue of debate and controversy in America although some states have accepted and legalized its use for medical purposes. The big question, therefore, is why legalizing Marijuana for the whole nation has taken so long to come. Marijuana is a substance that has brought a lot of debate especially on whether to legalize it. In the United States, marijuana is legal for medical use in twenty states and more will follow suit.

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, American people for its medicinal value used Marijuana freely until it was made illegal in 1970. Later, the Drug Enforcement Agency was instituted to fight the use or distribution of Marijuana. Since then, the fight for the legalization of Marijuana has been on to the present day.

The substance is especially used for cancer and AIDS patients to relieve nausea and it has so far proved to be an effective medication (Julian, 2000).

Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized

There are many reasons why marijuana should be legalized. They include and are not limited to the following:

1. Medical Reasons
2. Economic Reasons
3. Social Reasons
4. Philosophical Reasons
5. Religious Reasons
6. Legal Reasons

Medical Reasons

The Hemp seed is used all over the world for food, fuel and fiber. It is a big source of Proteins. Hemp is mostly confused with Marijuana, but they are two distinct substances. Hemp is the low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) strain of Cannabis.

This strain contains fats, which are psychoactive and are very useful for the Human nervous system. As indicated earlier, Marijuana is used to relieve nausea in AIDS and Cancer patients. Therefore by legalizing it for medical use, we shall be helping our ailing brothers and sisters as swell as aiding in the progress towards getting better and more effective cures if the twenty first century diseases.

Millions of Americans are suffering from ailments that Marijuana could heal in only those states where it is legalized. The use of Medicinal marijuana (hemp) has no side effects. Therefore, legalizing it will not have any effects for those using it, those around them or even for the economy as explained below.

Hemp is Healthy and contains Protein and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in a very healthy and no harmful ratio of 1:3. For this reason, I strongly believe that Marijuana should be legalized to be used medically. The most important use for marijuana to the sick includes:

1. Reduction of inflammatory effects- Marijuana helps alleviate the inflammatory effects of such diseases as Arthritis
2. Improved mental functioning-Research also shows that Marijuana has neuron-protective properties that help to prevent Stroke and Brain Damage.
3. Appetite boosting- Marijuana has the effect to reduce vomiting in Cancer patients and improve their appetite.
4. Improved sleeping patterns- nausea in patients is reduced greatly using substances extracted from Marijuana
5. Pain Relief- marijuana can aid to relieve pain by smoking just once a day for five days
6. It is used for Antiemetic effects especially for people with cancer. It also helps reduce the growth of tumors in the body thus greatly reducing the effects of cancer.
7. Reducing AIDS. Reducing syndrome- this is the effect of HIV and AIDS where a patient loses weight in a way that cannot be related to AIUDS or other diseases. Marijuana is used to counter this effect and the other effects on Cancer and AIDS patients

Economic Reasons

Hemp is a great economic crop and on legalizing, it would give most American farmers a chance to plant it on large scale, sell it to the big American market and consequently improve the economy. Hemp is also has many industrial uses and thus would improve indust5rial advancements in the country.

All these factors will eventually improve the American economy either individually or collectively. Thirdly and most importantly, the American government spends billions of dollars every year on the fight against drugs. All that money directed to a little number of Americans who just like to smoke Marijuana and get high.

By legalizing marijuana for medical use, all resources that the government dedicates to drugs through such agencies as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) could be channeled to other sectors of the economy for overall development and economic advancements.

Lastly, by legalizing Marijuana would collect Taxes on it. This Tax money could be used to educate Children on Drug and substance abuse. Hence, by legalizing Marijuana would be saving rather than risking.

Social Reasons

Those people in society who use these substances (Marijuana) are associated with crime. This is quite unfair when you compare these users of Marijuana with other drug and substance users using more harmful substances such as Tobacco and alcohol.

It will only be socially fair if the Drug is also legalized for medical use so that these users will not feel discriminated. In addition to that, the use of Marijuana especially by smoking either for medical reasons or to heal ailments, is a social activity that will help bring them together and improve their social ties (Putnam, 2000).

Philosophical Reasons

Individuals should have the free will to choose what they consume or not. The governments job is to come in if it feels that such consumption of a substance poses a threat to other people. When legalized for medical use, then one will only use Marijuana when they are ill or when they have a recommendation from their Doctor. How this affects other peoples security is hard to see, thus, legalize Marijuana.

Individuals should therefore, decide what to use or not to. When something is forbidden, most humans have a tendency to try it out and see why it has to be illegal. More Americans are therefore, involved in distributing and abusing Marijuana than would if it were legal. By legalizing Marijuana for medical use, the government will help reduce this large number of curious youths (Effland, 1998).

Religious Reasons

Many religious groups require their followers to use some substances for instance Christians take wine during some occasions. Similarly, some Buddhists, Hindus and Rastafarians religious groups use Marijuana for some of their Religious ceremonies. The government would only take care of their right to worship by Legalizing Marijuana.

Besides, the Americans constitution is very clear on each individuals right to free worship and religious practice. Most activists would ask why the government would legalize other substancde3 and not Marijuana. Their plight will surely be answered if Marijuana is legalized for medical use now that it has been proved to heal ailments and improve human health (Christensen et al. 2003).

Legal Reasons

There are very many cases pending in courts involving people who were caught using Marijuana. Most of these Americans were simply using Marijuana for therapeutic reasons not as a Drug. A substantial number of these defendants do not deny charges but plead therapy in mitigation. The government should therefore, clear these legal hurdles by legalizing Marijuana for Medical use. If made legal, people will perceive the law as being fair and considerate to their needs. They will not find it hard to obey the rest of it (Kenny, 2011).

Conclusion

There might be so many arguments against the legalization of Marijuana in America; however, the above-explained reasons serve to prove to the government that it would do more good than harm by legalizing Marijuana. The clear benefits in Health are surely not to be left out. Most ailing American citizens on discovering this medical use of Marijuana resort to planting it in their backyards.

This is done with a lot of fear for the federal government and state agencies. Overall, they have to do it to reduce the effects of such diseases as Cancer and AIDS. This government will take this huge load off their shoulders by legalizing the use Marijuana for medical use. Human Rights groups and Activists are constantly pushing the government to give the go ahead on medically useful strain of Marijuana.

Why not listen tom their plea and see the point they are so much urging the government to consider. The Marijuana market in the United States keeps increasing by the day. By legalizing it, more taxes from it, increased economic production and industrial use of Marijuana will see the economy shoot unbelievably. So, why not just legalize it (Lenski, 1974).

References

Christensen, K. et al. (2003). Encyclopedia of Community. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Effland, R. (1998). The Cultural Evolution of Civilizations. London: Mesa Community College.

Julian, B. (2000). Community Development Principles and Practical Actions. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

Kenny, S. (2011). Developing Communities for the Future: Community Development in Australia. Australia: Thomas Nelson.

Lenski, G. (1974). Human Societies: An Introduction to Macrosociology. New York: McGraw- Hill, Inc.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The collapse and revival of American community. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Introduction

Of all the illegal drugs in existence, Cannabis Sativa (most popularly known as marijuana) is the most commonly used substance (Iftikhar et al. 7699). The World Health Organization documents that 2.5% of the worlds population indulge in the usage of this drug, therefore making it the most popular psychoactive substance.

Despite this apparent popularity of the drug, it remains illegal in many countries, including the USA. Recent scientific research has revealed that the effect of marijuana on a persons health may not be as potent as previously thought. With this revelation and the increased use of the drug among the population, there have been calls for the government to consider legalizing this popular recreational drug.

Calls for legalizing marijuana have been countered by vocal opposition from people advocating for the drug to be kept illegal since it has many adverse effects. This Why Marijuanas Should Be Legal essay will set out to argue that marijuana should be legal since the harmful effects of this substance are not as dire, and legalization would result in many benefits for society. The argumentative paper will rely on research to reinforce this claim.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized

Marijuana is a favored recreational drug, which means that its commercial significance is high due to the high demand for the product. Under the current situation where the drug is deemed illicit, the government cannot benefit monetarily from commerce with this drug. This is an essential consideration since data on the prevalence of Marijuana indicates that the US is still the worlds largest single market for the medication (Hammond et al. 221).

The government could gain much revenue if the drug were legal and taxes imposed. As it currently stands, the sale of the drug only benefits players in the black market who produce and sell the product. These players are primarily criminals who have become very powerful from the money obtained from commerce in marijuana.

Houston, who is an outspoken advocate for the legalization of Marijuana, confirms that marijuana is the cash cow that has made the Mexican drug cartels such a formidable force. By making the drug legal, the government would benefit from revenues obtained from its sale as well as remove the monopoly held by the criminal gangs, thus making the country safer.

The government uses significant amounts of resources in enforcing its laws against marijuana. Maintaining the status quo of marijuana as an illegal substance is an expensive operation, and the taxpayer bears the financial burden.

Green documents that the US government spends billions of dollars annually to enforce prohibition efforts on marijuana (6). This money that would otherwise have been spent on more socially constructive purposes is currently being used to fund operations ranging from the carrying out of drug raids, arrests, and prosecution of drug offenders.

The expenses do not end there, as more money is needed to maintain the convicted offenders in the countrys already overstrained penitentiaries. Making marijuana legal would mean that the government would save all the money that it currently spends on enforcing the law against marijuana. This would be a prudent step since, as it is, the efforts by the government, while prohibitively high, do not appear to have significantly reduced marijuana consumption in the country.

An obvious merit of the legal industry is that it is bound by government control, which ensures that the products sold are safe for the consumer. The government can also monitor the production process and issue guidelines to ensure the consumer is not exposed to unnecessary risks.

Since marijuana is illegal, its production and distribution are unregulated, which means that the quality of the product is unguaranteed. Part of the contamination also comes from the pesticides used on the plant. Legal crops have strict government controls on pesticides, which minimize the risks to the individual. Montoya et al. reveal that since marijuana is an illegal drug, there are no guidelines or controls for its cultivation, and it is not known whether the pesticides used are safe for humans (4).

In addition to this, the illegal status of marijuana means that most of it is grown indoors to reduce the risk of discovery by law enforcement. Indoor-grown marijuana is perceived to be more contaminated than marijuana grown naturally since indoor cultivation involves the use of additives to maximize yield (Montoya et al. 4).

Legalization of marijuana would give the government greater control over the product, which would make it safer for the user. Currently, the market is unregulated, and dealers are constantly increasing the potency of the drug to attract more customers. The potency of marijuana is changed by altering the primary active chemical in marijuana, THC, which is the component that causes the mind-altering effects of marijuana intoxication.

Montoya et al. attribute the increased potency to the popularity of indoor cultivation, which involves the practice of cloning from a variety of cannabis with high THC content (2). The more potent marijuana is, the higher the increase of cannabis-related harms such as psychotic and anxiety effects. Legalizing the drug would make it possible for the government to monitor the content of the drug just as the alcohol content in beverages is monitored. This would reduce the health risks that result from highly potent marijuana.

Marijuana has scientifically proven medical benefits for its consumers. Marijuana has been documented to improve symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. The efficacy of marijuana in this area has been so significant that pharmaceutical companies have begun using Sativex, a derivative of cannabis, in the care of people with multiple sclerosis (Baratta et al. 3).

Clinical trial research on the therapeutic role of marijuana in pain management has shown that the drug demonstrated significant pain relief and induced relaxation, hence relieving anxiety and depression (Baratta et al. 2). These findings are corroborated by reports by the WHO, which indicate that cannabinoids alleviate symptoms such as nausea and vomiting in chronically ill patients. Making marijuana legal would ensure that it is more readily available for the sick, who would exploit it for its curative properties.

Arguments against Legalization

Despite all the advantages that can be gained from legalizing marijuana, there are critical adverse effects that opponents of legalization point to. The most significant of these claims is that marijuana results in adverse physical and mental effects on the user. Hammond et al. state that heavy marijuana use impairs a persons ability to form memories, and users who have taken high doses of the drug may experience acute psychosis (9).

Montoya et al. proceed to state that contaminated marijuana has the potential to cause lung disease and respiratory problems (4). Considering these adverse effects, proponents of legalization assert that it would be reckless for the government even to consider making marijuana legal. While it is true that marijuana can have adverse effects, these extreme effects are mostly restricted to heavy users and those users who consume contaminated or high-potency marijuana.

A primary concern of the public is the link between drug use and involvement in crime. Opponents of legalization state that marijuana would result in citizens, especially the youth, engaging in criminal activities as a result of drug use. This stereotypical view is unfounded, as research indicates that marijuana use does not play an essential role in fostering a general involvement in crime.

A study conducted by Lu et al. on the association between cannabis use and subsequent criminal charges on an individual suggested that marijuana was associated with subsequent criminal activity (565).

However, the authors noted that the bulk of this involvement was in various types of drug-specific crime, such as possession and distribution of the drug. Marijuana does not, therefore, result in general crime involvement, and a considerable proportion of its users only get into the penal system because of the use or possession of drugs.

A common argument raised by proponents of legalizing marijuana is that its legalization would result in a phenomenal increase in the number of users. This reasoning is based on the assumption that, at present, many people who would be users of marijuana are deterred because of the legal action, such as jail time that they would suffer if they consumed the product.

Houston suggests that this argument is not based on facts since the rate of marijuana use in the Netherlands (a country reputed for its relaxed laws on marijuana, which permit the purchase and consumption of regulated portions of the drug) is significantly lower than in the US where prohibitive laws against the drug are in place.

Why Marijuanas Should Be Legal: Essay Conclusion

Marijuana consumption is pervasive in the US, and this drug has become the favorite recreational drug despite measures by the government to curb its supply and discourage its usage. This has resulted in the issue of whether to legitimize marijuana or not being heavily debated in the country.

From the arguments given in this paper, it is clear that many benefits will be reaped from the legalization of marijuana. These advantages include increased access to the drug for people who require it for medical purposes, a regulated market that would make the product safer, and the financial gains that the government would achieve through taxation and savings from the money that is currently used to enforce the law against marijuana.

While proponents of legalization point to the adverse effects of the drug, this paper has shown that many research findings available today indicate that the adverse effects of marijuana are mild and that the drug has functional medicinal properties.

This paper set out to argue that the government should legalize marijuana. To this end, the paper has engaged in discussions about the merits and demerits of such a move. Overall, evidence suggests that making marijuana legal would benefit society more than having it classified as an illegal substance.

Citizens who are keen on bringing about development should, therefore, petition the government to legalize the drug so that society can enjoy the benefits stated at the same time avoiding the enormous costs incurred by efforts to keep the drug illegal.

Works Cited

Baratta, Francesca, et al. Cannabis for Medical Use: Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials in View of Current Legislation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 13, May 2022.

Green, Jesse. Federalism, Limited Government, and Conservative Outcomes: The Republican Case for Marijuana Legalization. Social Science Research Network, Jan. 2023.

Hammond, Chris, et al. Cannabis Use Among U.S. Adolescents in the Era of Marijuana Legalization: A Review of Changing Use Patterns, Comorbidity, and Health Correlates. International Review of Psychiatry, vol. 32, no. 3, Feb. 2020, pp. 22134.

Iftikhar, Amna, et al. Applications of Cannabis Sativa L. in Food and Its Therapeutic Potential: From a Prohibited Drug to a Nutritional Supplement. Molecules, vol. 26, no. 24, Dec. 2021, p. 7699.

Lu, Ruibin, et al. The Cannabis Effect on Crime: Time-Series Analysis of Crime in Colorado and Washington State. Justice Quarterly, vol. 38, no. 4, Oct. 2019, pp. 56595.

Montoya, Zackary T., et al. Cannabis Contaminants Limit Pharmacological Use of Cannabidiol. Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 11, Sept. 2020.

World Health Organization (WHO). Management of substance abuse: Cannabis. Jan. 2010. Web.

Marijuana is known as one of the most popular and widespread drugs in the world. Historical records suggest that cannabis was used in prehistoric societies for religious ceremonies, as well as for meditation and relaxation. Nowadays, most governments prohibit the recreational use of marijuana; however, in most states of the U. S., it is legal to use cannabis for medical purposes and in some of the states  for recreational ones. The focus of this paper will be on the impact of the legalization of the U.S. economy with possible positive and negative sides of the matter.

The History of Marijuana Criminalization and Legalization

Marijuana was outlawed in the USA in the 1930s when the Marijuana Tax Act was issued. After the law was issued, several states decriminalized possession in small amounts, and some of them legalized medicinal marijuana. In 2009, as it appeared in a poll conducted by the authorities, the citizens were concerned about the strict drug laws, and several new policies, including, for instance, the Ogden memo, have been adopted ever since (Zambiasi and Stillman 2). The first states that legalized recreational marijuana were Washington and Colorado in 2012 (Zambiasi and Stillman 1-2), and currently, it is legal in nine states and the District of Columbia.

Pros and Cons of Legalization

Marijuana legalization may lead to substantial profits for the government. However, new profits often come with additional expenditures. There are positive as well as negative sides of the legalization, regarding the economy. First, marijuana legalization significantly reduces black market production and distribution, allowing businesses to operate legally, leading to a less burdened judicial system. The government will potentially need fewer detention facilities and forces, thus spending less money. According to Saaty, of the $48.7 billion spent by states and the federal government in 2008, $13.8 billion was strictly used for marijuana enforcement (1).

Since legalization brings down the costs of production and distribution, the government can impose a tax on marijuana, generating additional revenue. However, establishing a universal way to tax marijuana may be challenging; Colorado and Washington already tax marijuana based on its value, while other states plan to take the weight as a point of reference (Kilmer, The 10 Ps of Marijuana Legalization 56). Moreover, if the tax is too high, it may stimulate the black market.

Marijuana legalization naturally increases its use with all its health risks, entailing significant healthcare expenditures. The government will be forced to establish new testing programs, awareness messaging, and control institutions. According to Kilmer, from mid-2012 through Fall 2014, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board spent about $9 million to develop the proposed regulations (Marijuana Legalization 5). In addition to tourists, drug legalization also attracts migrants. As of 2015, for instance, the number of citizens in Colorado had increased by roughly 3% since marijuana was legalized for recreational use (Zambiasi and Stillman 10). Such population growth, if uncontrolled, inevitably leads to a shortage of job positions, housing, etc.

At the beginning of 2018, federal authorities rescinded the Cole Memorandum that weakened strict prohibition enforcement in states where marijuana was legal. Although this may potentially help regulate the market, the local laws still differentiate from state to state, ruining the overall macroeconomic balance. Considering that, it might be beneficial for the government to enforce similar laws throughout the country to control the market more effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, marijuana legalization has its pros and cons that can greatly affect the economy. It may entail not only financial profits but also losses on federal and local levels. It appears that a uniform drug policy throughout the nation might be a solution to some of the problems. It is crucial for the government to find the middle ground in laws and regulations regarding the matter to counterbalance the financial problems.

Works Cited

Kilmer, Beau. Marijuana Legalization, Government Revenues, and Public Budgets. RAND Corporation, 2016.

. The 10 Ps of Marijuana Legalization. Ideas, vol. 54, 2015, pp. 5257.

Saaty, Thomas L. A Marijuana Legalization Model Using Benefits, Opportunities, Costs, and Risks (BOCR) Analysis. International Journal of Strategic Decision Sciences (IJSDS), vol. 6, no. 2, 2015, pp. 111.

Zambiasi, Diego, and Steven Stillman. The Pot Rush: Is Legalized Marijuana a Positive Local Amenity? The IZA Institute of Labor Economics Papers, vol. 1, 2018, pp. 124.