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Persuasive Essay On Decriminalization Of Marijuana

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With marijuana being one of the biggest controversial topics in America, many states are deciding to favor the decriminalization of marijuana. There are currently 22 states that have passed the law of legalizing small amount of marijuana, allowing first-time marijuana possessions to be released of all jail time, no arrest, or criminal record and be treated as a minor traffic violation. However, some states like Virginia are still up in debate on whether they will follow the trend and decriminalize marijuana. The executive committee of the Virginia State Crime Commission is currently conducting a study that will determine if small amounts of marijuana will become legal in the state. Virginia current laws prohibit all purposes and possession of marijuana and will result in a criminal misdemeanor. Virginia’s new governor, Ralph Northam, voiced his support on the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana, stating that Virginia’s current marijuana enforcement and sentencing laws remain “costly and disproportionately harmful to communities of color.” In a letter he wrote to Virginia’s State Crime Commission, Northman compares the spending amount of marijuana enforcement to the amount of money that could be used to open 13,000 pre-k spots for kids. He also states that African Americans are three times likely to get arrested for marijuana possession that could include jail time. In addition, Virginia senate majority leader Tommy Norment favors lifting the penalties in place

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