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Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

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Centuries ago, marijuana, a drug cultivated from the flowers of the cannabis sativa plant, has been used for both folk medicine and also recreational use for centuries. The oldest known cache of marijuana was found in a grave that’s over 2,500 years old. Today, there are federal laws enacted prohibiting the possession, distribution, and cultivation of marijuana. However, states are beginning to challenge marijuana prohibition by legalizing and regulating the sale of this widely used substance medically and recreationally. This legalization movement will greatly benefit the United State’s economy and provide a medicine that is available for those in need. Marijuana has been a part of our history ever since the 1600’s. When the colony of Jamestown was established in Virginia, one of the laws enacted by King James I demanded that all farmers grow Indian hempseed. Hemp is a part of the marijuana plant and is one of the most strongest and durable of all natural fibers. Over the next couple centuries, many other laws were passed ordering even more hemp to be grown. In times of hemp shortages, you could be persecuted for refusing to grow hemp. In modern times, growing or possessing marijuana could possibly land the victim life in jail. Today, instead of implementing laws to grow hemp or cannabis, there are laws that make those who possess cannabis criminals. The government spends tax money to prohibit the use of cannabis instead of collecting tax money from the sale of

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