Derek Leong

The debate has been around for a very long time and it seems that it has only just begun. The topic of debate is brought up a lot through news or the internet. The topic is very controversial whether it would help or hurt America if legalized. I feel that the people who oppose it have never really looked into the debate and are making false accusations.

How would legalizing marijuana help the American people in the future? The legalization of marijuana would help America thrive in the future for very positive reasons.

Use of Google with keywords relating to the debate. Such things as certain parts of the topic like medicinal, crime rates and economy. Information searched was for both pro and con to keep paper nonbiased. Sites used were credible like NY Times and if not the site’s author and info presented was further looked into.

America should legalize Marijuana. Many positive effects to better help America. Medically used in America in 17 different states. Crime rate would drop due to legalization Economy would rise also due to the legalization of marijuana.

Many States have legalized marijuana for medical use along with many other countries. ("17 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org." 17 Sept ) Beneficial to the everyday person for pain relief, relief of migraines, OCD’s, ADHD, ADD, and even prevention of Alzheimer’s. The drug also has no proven or tested medical drawbacks (“10 Major Health Benefits of Marijuana.” COED. 2. Sept ) The drug is illegal indefinitely due to the Federal Uniform Controlled Substances Act but is allowed to be used medically.

Simple to say taking out the illegality of marijuana would already cut crime… by a lot. Prisoners in jail where 1/6 of the population were incarcerated due to nonviolent drug crimes related with marijuana (Wolff, Madeline. “Legalizing Marijuana Can Reduce Crime, Increase Revenue For State.” Daily Sundial.) Police resources and courts will be more freed up to focus their attention on much more serious crimes instead. Thus helping the crime rate drop in other areas.

Taxation of the drug would bring in money to the government. California collects 14 billion dollars a year on medical marijuana alone. Legalizing the drug would only increase that number and in all the states (Wolff, Madeline. “Legalizing Marijuana Can Reduce Crime, Increase Revenue For State.” Daily Sundial.) The reduction of prisoners in jail will also cut cost on government spending. America spends around 68 Billion dollars on prisoners in jail where 1/6 of the population were incarcerated due to nonviolent drug crimes related with marijuana. That means America could save 11.5 Billion dollars a year on prison spending with YOUR tax money (Wolff, Madeline. “Legalizing Marijuana Can Reduce Crime, Increase Revenue For State.” Daily Sundial.)

Most of the information against the legalization of marijuana is assumptions and stereotypes of the drug without any evidence. But there are some valid points. The drug has been labeled as the “gateway drug” or the drug that leads to other drugs. Second hand smoke of the drug would pass on the drugs effect to others. Driving under the influence of the drug can slow down reaction times behind the wheel. But the most brought up point is that you can overdose on marijuana. (Not a single death in the world was recorded due to a marijuana overdose.)

There are cons but the pros greatly outweigh them. The legalization wouldn’t bring America out of its hole but definitely help. There are far more dangerous substances that are legal like cigarettes, alcohol and even over the counter dugs.