Marijuana Legalization Argumentative Essay Example

to as weed, are cultivated worldwide. The prohibition of cannabis for medicinal purposes began in the U.S. during the period between 1915 and 1927 in states such as California (1915), Texas (1919), Louisiana (1924), and New York (1927). This led to a lasting stigma associated with marijuana due to false information spread by the U.S. Government and media.

Currently, several states have legalized medical marijuana use including AK, CA, CO, HI ME MI MET NV NM OR RI W WA. Among these thirteen states, eight achieved legalization through the initiative process. The legalization of marijuana in the United States has the potential to generate significant tax revenue.

When a government regulates a highly demanded product like marijuana, they gain control over the market and can determine prices. This situation resembles a monopoly where individuals who cannot access it elsewhere must purchase from the government. Tobacco and alcohol currently benefit from taxation revenue due to their popularity; therefore, legalizing marijuana would provide another taxable item that could greatly increase income.

The additional funds generated through this taxation could be allocated towards various expenses by the government. As efforts to combat drug trafficking intensify, drug enforcement has become a larger agency in the United States. In 2003 alone, over $19 billion was spent by the U.S Federal government on the War on Drugs equating approximately $600 per second.The budget has been increased by over one billion dollars since then. This increase in budget would greatly benefit the government's spending program and allow for more funds to be given to other agencies that need financial resources, if less money needs to be allocated to drug enforcement every year. Along with providing

financial benefits, legalizing marijuana would also reduce congestion in our courts and decrease prison populations. The War on Drugs is seen by many as an expensive failure; however, agencies like DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), and border security rely on these resources as a starting point. By legalizing marijuana, law enforcement expenses such as police officers, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, juries court reporters, and prison guards can be freed up for more urgent matters such as terrorism and harder drugs. Many doctors agree that marijuana is just as harmless as tobacco or alcohol when used responsibly and in moderation. However, problems arise from its abuse. Excessive consumption of alcohol or food can also lead to serious health conditions. Individuals should have the freedom to make decisions about their own health without government interference. Critics argue that legalizing marijuana could result in abuse and long-term consequences.Despite the fact that alcohol and tobacco cause millions of deaths annually in the United States alone, they are legally available. It should be noted that marijuana has not caused any recorded deaths throughout its extensive history. Additionally, marijuana is less addictive than alcohol and can be successfully treated if addiction arises. Therefore, it does not make sense for the government to ban marijuana while making alcohol easily accessible. In my opinion, legalizing marijuana would benefit not only individuals with terminal illnesses but also alleviate overcrowding in local prisons by accommodating more severe offenders. This action would save money on anti-drug programs and provide extra funds for other government projects, similar to Amsterdam's cannabis industry which generates tax revenue.