Case Study: The Prohibition And Criminalization Of Marijuana

1040 Words3 Pages

The Forbidden Savior

Cannabis Sativa L., more widely known as marijuana, is one of the most talked about plants of all time. The origin of its use dates back to 6000 B.C. China, and since then it has worked its way through the world. Over these years’ cannabis has been in a plethora of ways Industrially where it is referred to as hemp, and recreationally or medically where it is referred to as marijuana. Cannabis is currently illegal, on the federal level, no matter how it is used, even though both forms of the plant could transform our society. The Prohibition and Criminalization of marijuana is hurting society more than it is helping therefore, it should be legalized, so that people may experiment and exploit the plant to its fullest potential.

The prohibition of cannabis is taking a huge toll on our society’s financial status. The …show more content…

It has had little, if any effect on the rate it has been used since the prohibition started. Actually it has increased since 2007, according to Drugabuse.org there were 19.8 million current users in 2013 compared to the 14.5 million in 2007. Likewise, the use of most drugs other than marijuana has stabilized over the past decade or has declined. With this data it would make sense to conclude that no matter how strict the penalty for its use, people will still find a way to obtain cannabis. So with its demand increasing, why does our government sit back and allow the black markets and gangs to profit? Cannabis legalization would take the drug off the streets and make it less likely to fall into the hands of a minor. The New York Times states that mandatory underage drinking laws and effective marketing campaigns have reduced underage alcohol use to 24.8 percent in 2011, compared with 33.4 percent in 1991 (Poindexter). Cigarette use among high school students is at its lowest point ever, largely thanks to tobacco taxes and growing municipal smoking

More about Case Study: The Prohibition And Criminalization Of Marijuana

Open Document