Legalization of Marijuana

Amsterdam is known for many things, but mostly for the things which most people in the United States would frown upon. When we Americans imagine Amsterdam, we picture an old fashioned river city with disease infested prostitutes wandering about, the skunk like odor of marijuana filling the streets, and perhaps even a few women bustling about in their wooden clogs and long braided hair. The ever popular Anne Frank was known for living here and around Amsterdam for much of her short lived life, setting an even darker cloud above this city. There is one thing we could learn from this taboo country though. The legalization of marijuana would bring much accomplishment to our economy and society, similar to those accomplishments which occurred in Amsterdam.

(mention the California people, south park episodes, rise of this heated topic.) This ongoing controversy has become a very popular topic of discussion once again in the U.S. here recently. When the negative aspects of this “drug” are weighed against the benefits it is easy to see why we should legalize it. It was successfully displayed by Amsterdam that legalization could make or break you.

The taxation of marijuana in the U.S. by the government would aid economy get out of the hole it has dug itself in. Once we were back on our feet, marketing marijuana sales worldwide would even greater our chances of stabilizing our debt.

Secondly, with our growing use of heavy drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and pain pills, the legalization of marijuana has been proven to lower the number of those users.

* Effect on economy

* Effect on society

* Medical Research Advantages

* Effects on Individuals-negative and positive-

* Compare issues that Amsterdam faced that we are now facing-drug abuse

* Compare pros vs. cons

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1779334/the_economic_effects_of_legalizing_pg2.html?cat=71

http://www.suite101.com/content/redefining-amsterdam-a228443...