Arguments Against Legalizing Marijuana

Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana is the most commonly used recreational substance in the United States. It is a mix of dried flowers, leaves, and stems from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC, also known as delta 9 tetrahyrdocannabinol. There are several opponents to legalization due to perceptions of the stereotypical “pot smoker”. It is my belief that marijuana should be legalized for its medicinal properties, as well as its implications for our legal system and our economy. Dating as far back as medieval times, marijuana has been used to treat numerous medical conditions including anxiety, severe pain, and certain types of cancer. In 2014, a scientific study found that over 90 percent

According to the FBI, 650,000 people were arrested for marijuana law violations in 2015 and 85 percent of those arrests were for possession, not selling or manufacturing. If the government were to legalize it nationwide at a federal level, crime rates would go down significantly. Because it is illegal, the people who do grow and sell it are corrupt and sometimes lace it with other toxic substances before distributing it out onto the streets. Whether it is legal or not, people will continue to smoke it. The safest option would be for the government to distribute it rather than cartels and drug lords. In addition, it will allow police to focus on more serious and life- threatening crimes and increase space in federal prisons for convicts who commit violent

In California, Colorado, and Washington marijuana is both medically and recreationally legal. Since it was legalized in Colorado, marijuana has brought over $100 million in tax revenue for the state. Colorado is also ranked as one of the fastest growing economies in the United States. The unemployment rate is at its lowest since 2008, well below national average. Colorado governor, John Hickenlooper, stated in his latest budget proposal that he expects legal marijuana sales in Colorado to exceed $1 billion in the next year. Rather than spending our tax money to keep Gregory 3 marijuana off the streets, we could be saving our money and putting it towards things that can better the future of our economy. The legalization of marijuana at a federal level will be greatly beneficial to our country. It will present Americans with a safer alternative method of medicine. Not prosecuting users of marijuana, will cause crime rates to decrease rapidly and the number of criminals in federal prisons will decline. In addition, by taxing the sales, we would increase tax revenue and save millions of dollars on enforcement laws. Gregory 4

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