Legalizing Marijuana

Legalizing Marijuana:

A Benefit for the Future

By

Dan Laviana

Abstract:

This research looks at the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. The goal is to show why it would be beneficial for every state in the country to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical usage. The legalization of marijuana has been a very controversial topic in the United States for the past few decades. It has recently become a heavily debated topic, especially after Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana for recreational use in the beginning of 2014. Since 2011, Connecticut has decriminalized the possession of marijuana at the state level and should push for legalization of recreational usage as well. Legalizing marijuana would allow the state to reduce the overcrowding of the correction system, can be used as taxation on cannabis for extra spending, and would allow those suffering from various diseases and disorders to medicate themselves in a way many others throughout the country find beneficial.

Existing drug laws have done more harm than good. Legalizing marijuana at the state level for recreational and medicinal usage would significantly benefit the state in many aspects shown through this research. Upon examination of facts and information, it is clear that marijuana should be legalized for both recreational and medical use in all fifty states. Through showing how marijuana has already benefited Colorado, Washington and other states that have legalized it, this research highlights the key reasons it should be legalized across the country. This research could likely impact the future decision of whether or not states should legalize marijuana.

Legalizing Marijuana: A Benefit for the Future

Marijuana has been decriminalized in twenty-three states in total and in the District of Columbia for medical usage. In 2012, the move to push for legalization amongst the state level became realistic. Colorado and Washington were the first two states to legalize...