Should Marijuana Be Legalized - 1895 Words

Tia Carter Phil 4 Section 81 Legalization of Marijuana There has been a tremendous amount of debates on whether or not to legalize marijuana in the United States. Marijuana has been used and is continuously being used by individuals for medicinal purposes and recreational use. As of today there are only five states in which â€Å"legalized small amounts of marijuana, such as: Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Washington D.C., and Alaska† (â€Å"Marijuana Legalization and Regulation†). Citizens seem to have different views on passing a law that allows marijuana use. People argue their position with supporting or opposing reasons on this topic. I argue for and support making marijuana legal for three different reasons. The reasons are: medical benefits,†¦show more content†¦Many who are ill turn to â€Å"medical marijuana to relieve themselves from pain, or treat symptoms of their illness† (â€Å"Marijuana: The Facts†). Medical marijuana will benefit a variety of citizens of any cu lture, race, or illness. With the legalization of marijuana in the United States, citizens with serious illnesses and pains will have medical marijuana at arm’s reach. There will be an end to long travels across the states for those who need this medicine. The United States could have a positive increase in tax revenue due to legalizing marijuana. Marijuana is known as a crash crop that could bring in money that was once lost on funding to chase it out of the United States. It could be â€Å"legally sold, taxed and regulated like that of alcohol or tobacco† (â€Å"CA NORML Costs of Prohibition†). Those who could purchase and use marijuana should be 21 years of age or older, just as alcohol laws. States have invested too much time and money into preventing citizens from selling and having possession of marijuana. â€Å"Over the past forty years, federal and state governments have put over $1 trillion into drug spending and counted on taxpayers to pay the billâ⠂¬  (â€Å"Wasted Tax Dollars†). The government is wasting citizens’ money on a battle that cannot be accomplished. â€Å"Money being directed into the DEA has meant fewer funding for worse crimes and has left vital schooling, well-being, societal service and community security programs suffering to operate miserable funding†