More specifically, there now is a change in the attitude toward marijuana and whether or not it should be legalized. During the time of illegalization of marijuana, the drug had a vastly negative feeling associated with it, which many people now believe to be inaccurate and unfair. Now that people are more informed, more connected and more vocal, the United States government should allow and even encourage more research of the dangers and addictive nature of the drug which will assuredly legalize medical use and possibly recreational use to benefit the economy greatly and help the law enforcement.
Very recently though there have been many states that have actually legalized medical marijuana, and have seen first-hand the positive effects it
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However, this only led to the consumers fighting back, through stealing and organized crime, in order to get what they wanted ("Prohibition"). This event, as well as many others around the globe, only proves that the restriction does nothing but create more chaos and increase crime rates, as it cannot keep people away; the prohibition of marijuana is proving that point even more. Setting restrictions on substances has never been completely successful, and it probably never will be. For example, alcohol today is legal to anyone twenty-one years or older. However, a great percentage of minors are purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages every day. It is getting easier and easier for teenagers to purchase items such as alcohol, as some people do not check to confirm their ages. The same thing is being seen with marijuana. The cannabis plant is illegal in all but two states, yet it is easily accessible to almost anyone. The restrictions set on these substances, as well as others, are meant to limit people's access to them and keep the country safe. Nevertheless, people are getting caught and thrown in jail for abandoning the law. Though there seems to be nothing able to be done about the minor possession of alcohol, there would be no punishments due to possession or cultivation of marijuana if the restrictions on the drug were thrown …show more content…
With law enforcement being so strict on cannabis possession and distribution, people are getting away with more serious and violent crimes. Over the past decade, the number of marijuana arrests skyrocketed to over 800,000 a year, with almost ninety percent of them just for possession (About Marijuana). The government has recently been arguing about illegal immigrants moving to America, as well as whether or not to allow the use of guns. Both of these issues could change the shape of America and its people, yet marijuana arrests stand above any topic.
In fact, every year, marijuana arrests occur more than deadly and violent crimes (such as robberies, rape, assault, and murder) combined ("Legalization Will Reduce Crime, Free Up Police Resources"). Nothing should be focused on more than the cold-hearted activities like murder and rape, especially not something that has yet to be given a valid reason for its illegal ruling. By legalizing marijuana, law enforcement will be allowed to focus on those more serious crimes and restrictions, rather than a non-violent, wasteful
Marijuana legalization has been a controversial topic requiring a public policy solution in the political realm. There have been various arguments made for and against the legalization of marijuana. There are several states that have legalized marijuana use for medicinal purposes while others have let their guards down completely allowing citizens to use it not only medicinally, but recreationally as well. While the use of marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, there is much discussion by other states regarding policies to support marijuana legalization and many policy makers proactively planning for the possibility
Marijuana has been prohibited since 1968. You would think that because it is illegal, most would stop using the substance. But in fact, in the past 30 years, 10 million people have been arrested for marijuana offenses in the U.S. (Glasser, 2000) With so many people getting in trouble for this
Cannabis has been illegal since the Marijuana Tax act of 1934. Yet out of a population of 284 million American citizens, 70 million Americans claim to have smoked cannabis at some point in their lives. Prohibition of cannabis is therefore apparently ineffective at changing the habits of a population, just as prohibition of alcohol was ineffective in 1919-1933. Making otherwise law-abiding citizens fugitives does nothing more than fill the prisons and alienate the populace from their government. In fact the total cost to taxpayers of solely marijuana-related incarceration (in local, state, and federal prisons and jails) of 15,400 people exceeds $1.2 million per year.
The statistics do not lie, and many scientists and doctors alike are beginning to consider medical marijuana legalization (Medical Marijuana). We already know that it has no long term effect on brain cells, and we know that it has cured cancer cases. Marijuana has been seen dominantly as an illegal drug, so long that people are not willing to accept its medical benefits (6 powerful reasons). Marijuana has been around since the beginning of time, and since then it has been used for many medical purposes. The fact that medical marijuana has been proven to be useful in certain cases is enough to open the minds of the people. One day it will be legalized medically, one way or another.
Marijuana, the most abused drug in America, has had a lot of publicity recently. Marijuana has caused multiple economic problems within the U.S. A controversial question has arisen from the increased popularity and troubles of this drug. The question is whether or not the U.S. government should legalize marijuana possession and sale in the country. Many Americans believe that the drug should be legalized for various reasons; others, however, are against the legalization of the dangerous drug. While legalization has both pros and cons, the positives of legalizing marijuana for those people over the age of twenty-one far outweigh the negative aspects of legalization.
The legalization of marijuana is a controversial issue in North America today. Despite the outstanding benefits of legalizing this drug, we haven't gotten any closer to ending the war on drugs. There are major social, law enforcement and fiscal benefits with very minor drawbacks. Many European countries have proven than legalizing drugs can reap many benefits and we should follow these liberal ideas so we can also enjoy the benefits.
Marijuana has always been a big deal in society, ever since it has become known as a street drug. In the current year of 2016, not only citizens abuse marijuana, Celebrities, professional athletes, and college students all abuse the substance for its benefits. We are becoming more aware how recently this year that marijuana has been legalized in ten countries and twenty five states in the United States of America. That is one half of our country that is able to use this substance. By legalizing marijuana we as in the country can reduce harm, save families, save money, and most importantly save lives.
Our countries laws have long needed a review as well as some research into the effects that marijuana and other illegal drugs have on our bodies and way of life. We have lived in a country where marijuana has been illegal and we have been sending offenders to prison; some longer than sex offenders. A stigma was placed on drugs forty
Marijuana has been around for a long time and its use has become wide spread in America. So much so, that an underground culture and economy have formed around it like a protective shroud. For most people, a supply of marijuana is only a phone call away (ICSDP.) Yet it has been illegal to possess, use, grow, or distribute since the thirties. Despite the possibility of becoming addicted to marijuana, many use it recreationally, while others rely on the medicinal effects of marijuana to alleviate a variety of diseases. Thirteen states have enacted medical marijuana laws and programs despite federal prohibition policies against the use of marijuana. Twelve more states are in the process of following this trend and if they are successful in
Some say that marijuana is a crime in itself. Each year, millions of dollars and resources are used to patrol, arrest, trial and detain offenders who are either buying or selling marijuana. Pro-legalization advocates often cite these economic statistics and claim it is reason number one why marijuana should be legalized.What these advocates fail to mention, however, is the link between marijuana and other crimes committed, and what effect legalization would actually have on the overall crime rate.
Marijuana prohibition stands as one of the most unwarranted policies of the United States. Every year we are spending billions of dollars on the War on Drugs with little benefit. Data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation show there were an estimated 1,552,432 arrests for drug-related crimes in 2014 – a slight uptick from the 1,531,251 drug arrests in 2013. Marijuana offenses accounted for 48.3 percent of all drug arrests. Most marijuana-related arrests were for possession of the drug. By mere possession, there was one marijuana arrest every 48 seconds in 2014. Including arrests for distribution, there was a pot-related arrest every 42 seconds. This prohibition makes no sense, especially in a country where alcohol use is
For decades marijuana has always been a controversial subject to talk upon and share to the world. Since the marijuana tax act in 1937 was approved, it has become one of the most used substances since the late 1980s, even more so then alcohol. Since being legalized medically in California in 1996, the industry has grown tremendously due to the benefits it has and also being a safer substance than other legal drugs. In this modern day, marijuana has become the talk of the nation and the safety behind it has increase businesses and non-profit organizations for one day to be legal across the country and provide a safe consumption to patients.
Each year, New Jersey police have set new records for marijuana possession arrests, making the largest number ever in 2015: 24, 985 (Sinha, 2017). Enforcement of marijuana prohibition exacerbates deep racial disparities in our criminal justice system and costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually (Sinha, 2017). First, there will not be any illegal selling of marijuana. This will limit the people who sell it illegally and facing five to ten years in jail, and hence they can now sell it legally without any fear of being arrested. It would force the people selling it illegally to get a legal job. It also allows police and courts to focus on more violent crimes in communities. It will create a set of standards for quality and safety control in the environment (Hall & Lynskey,
The legalization of marijuana can have many positive and negative effects on American society. State budgets are constantly looking for new avenues of revenue and ways to create new industry. The legal system in place is exhausted and unable to sustain the current rate of incarceration and enforcement. Our jails and prisons are overcrowded and law enforcement budgets are challenged every year trying to keep up with the enforcement of marijuana use, smuggling and production in addition to its other obligations.
Marijuana and other narcotic drugs have been a controversial topic on a national and global scale throughout the century. Marijuana especially is considered a drug that’s harmful and helpful at the same time. People have formed opinions about different drugs based upon their observations and the scientific research that has been shared with the public from different experimental organizations. We have had picketers demonstrate their support by protesting for the marijuana movement, which can be seen in today’s news by photos taken of their picketing. And we have seen an increase in our law enforcement, who has tried to enforce laws imposed against all drugs as being illegal. Whether you are for the right to smoke or consume drugs, or