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Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

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Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana is a drug that has been actively used for centuries. This drug can be traced back to 2737 BC by the Chinese emperor Shen Nung. He spoke about the euphoric effects of Cannabis and even referred to it as the “Liberator of Sin.” Since early on, marijuana was seen as a medicinal plant that was recommended for medical uses. Marijuana is currently in schedule I, which means that physicians are not allowed to prescribe it in the United States (Hart, Ksir 2013). This drug is also considered to have a high potential for abuse. In New York, a recent law was passed that states the penalties of possession of marijuana. If a person is carrying less than 25 grams and it is his/her offense, a $100 fine will be given to the individual. Marijuana is a very popular drug and in a study called Monitoring the Future Project by the University of Michigan in 2011, they state that next to alcohol, marijuana is the second most popular drug used by college students (Hart, Ksir 2013). There are currently many ongoing debates on why marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana should be legalized for recreation use in New York State because it can bring many positive effects to one’s health and can improve the economy as well. Marijuana has been falsely linked to crime. The role of the media played a major effect on how people viewed the drug. Around the year 1930, reports on marijuana associated with crime and violence started coming out. This contradicts the effects of

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