The Legalization of Marihuana in the United States

1643 Words4 Pages

Drugs have been a taboo for many centuries in the United States due to its exotic nature. Most other countries have already legalized drug use or never banned it all. The United States could legalize drugs and bring in many benefits. During the last couple of years legalization has become a major topic throughout the country. Colorado and Washington have become the first to legalize marijuana and both have benefitted greatly from it. If the United States legalized the use of the drugs then the economy would grow, crime rate would fall, and people would be smarter about drug use. History of Marijuana The United States did not always have strict laws on the use of marijuana. In 1906 the Pure Food and Drug Act which prevented the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors, and for regulating traffic therein, and for other purposes (government library. Web). This act enforced labeling marijuana as a “poison” (Cardinale). Many rumors started to swirl around the nation about marijuana could cause people to do. The depression soon hit after and with The assumptions that marijuana would incite violent behavior, lead to insanity, addiction and drug abuse, and even spur someone to commit sex crimes, were fueled by the 25% unemployment rate, increasing animosity toward anyone perceived to be the cause of a floundering economy. (Cardinale) In 1931 the government connected heinous crimes by the non-white communities with the use of marijuana. By 1932 twenty nine states outlawed the use of marijuana and congress passed the Uniform State Narcotic Act which gave the government control over, prevention of distribution and usage of narcotic drugs. In 1936 the... ... middle of paper ... ...to CHP data, and law enforcement puts much of the blame on the rapid growth of medical marijuana use in the last decade. Fatalities in crashes where drugs were the primary cause and alcohol was not involved jumped 55% over the 10 years ending in 2009. (Vartebjan) This is a serious situation due to the fact that marijuana could harm more than just the user. Drunk driving kills more people every year but still remains legal. If the United States does legalize marijuana does have to crack down on drugged driving. Conclusion The legalization of marijuana will be ongoing battle for many years to come. The battle will start with medical marijuana then go on to full legalization. The United States could gain money, lower the crime rate, and support the sick. Europe has already made the change and have greatly benefitted from it. Will the United States be soon to follow?

Open Document