Marijuan Laegalization

Marijuana Legalization: A Growing Issue

Over the last half century there has been a great deal of controversy over the infamous cannabis plant. Cannabis is known by most as marijuana, and commonly referred to as “hemp,” “weed”, “bud,” “green,” “grass”, “wacky tobbacky”, and “straight killa” among dozens of other aliases formulated by its users and dealers. The utilization of this plant has been on going for, not decades or centuries, but for 10 millenniums. The legalization of marijuana is undoubtedly a hot-button issue, but ideas brought forth by proponents who are doctors, lobbyists, legislators, and activists, who question the federal government’s firm stand on the plant as an illegal drug, are brushed off and critiqued in a negative light.

Ever since the Age of Enlightenment (circa 17th century), people have strove to discover, learn, and reason with practicality and without bias, giving us the advanced society we live in today. However, when it comes to the subject of marijuana, there are those firmly opposing its legalization and they are usually the ones in power. The legalization of marijuana can make a strong contribution not only to our country, but also society as a whole. Marijuana cultivation and sales have colossal benefits in terms of aid our country’s plummeting economy. Marijuana has also been praised for its uses in the industrial and agricultural sector. Lastly, many regard marijuana as an excellent alternative medicine for many conditions that otherwise need pills. There is reason to believe that the many uses of cannabis are of great benefit for the country, but unless the government legalizes cannabis, our society cannot reap such benefits.

If alcohol and cigarettes are fully legal and available to adults, why is marijuana, a substance less harmful than both, marked as illegal? To fully understand why exactly this distinctive plant is illegal in the first place, a little investigation into its extensive history...