The Legalization of Marijuana

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Much debate has been brought to Capitol Hill concerning the legalization of the Marijuana. Analyzing the history, data, and health effects of marijuana it becomes clear that the debate for the legalization of marijuana should be seriously considered and should be brought to congress as an issue that can stimulate the economy and bring together a divided nation. This issue along with many others will not be a reality until congress takes action and addresses the issue directly. Conflicting views arise when so much time effort and money have been spent to eliminate drugs. America’s “War on Drugs” has been an intense operation to eliminate narcotics on the streets and often catch the criminal distribution before it even reaches the public. Citizens of the United States have petitioned for the legalization of marijuana since its origin, yet minimal progress has been made and the illegal existence of the plant remains. Congress has faced the vote to legalize marijuana countless times while the majority of politicians favor the ban on the substance, however there are certain individuals of political office that have and continue to vote for its legalization. America’s emphasis and concern for the use, distribution, and growth of marijuana is outstanding with arrests reaching nearly 5.9 million since the year 1990. A large amount of time, money, and man-power has been applied to the operation of controlling the substance of marijuana in society and many people argue against this. As long as marijuana is not legalized, the debate and fight for its legalization will undoubtedly continue from the millions of people who use the herbal matter in this country alone. The argument against the legalization of marijuana is pretty cut and dry, main... ... middle of paper ... ...roducts” (“What is Hemp” 2). With this incredible proficiency in mind, the unemployment rate in the U.S. would decrease as every industry and market will want to jump at the cultivation of hemp. Marijuana, as a recreational drug, would also strengthen our economy if taxed. Its taxation would generate “$6.2 billion annually in revenue” without any of the overwhelming costs that alcohol and tobacco carry (Moffatt 1). It’s most dramatic effect on the economy would be its decriminalization. Its decriminalization would save $8.7 billion annually, “$1 billion on the incarcerations of marijuana delinquents” and another “$7.7 billion” in prohibition expenditures (Moffatt 1.) Ultimately, marijuana should be legalized because its effects on the economy would steadily lower the U.S. national debt and unemployment through its creation of jobs, taxation, and decriminalization.

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