The Legalization Of Marijuana

Cannabis, otherwise known as, marijuana has been around for centuries; dating back to the B.C. era. Marijuana comes from the Hemp plant which was widely grown by in the 17th century for its abilities to make rope, sails, and clothing out of it. By the 19th century, marijuana started to become a popular ingredient medicinal products and were sold to public pharmacies. The use of marijuana didn’t become recreational until the after the Mexican Revolution of 1910, as many Mexican Immigrants poured into the U.S. From this point forward, marijuana became associated to the newly arrived immigrants. The government and many anti-drug groups turned towards the drug to blame for the unlawful crimes that were happening during this time period. It wasn’t till the start of the Great Depression, that states started to outlaw marijuana. Today, marijuana is illegal in most states, but can be obtained in some, for it’s medicinal properties. To be prescribed it, you have to have a fatal illness, or chronic pain. However marijuana is a very common drug on the streets and can be picked up from just about anyone. The legalization of marijuana has not been too friendly in the eyes of many republicans. Most republicans are not in favor of this and some even want to sue Obama for not arresting people for possession of marijuana. According to Jim Gerlach, Republican of Pennsylvania, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Republican of Virginia, they want to enforce the Law Act (H.R. 4138), which would allow the House or the Senate to sue the president for “failure to faithfully execute federal laws,” involving laws relating to immigration, health, and marijuana. Republicans want to see more action being done in apprehending marijuana users. According to The Star-Ledger Republican Governor Chris Christie continuously stresses that he will never be a supporter of legalization in New Jersey because of the harmful effects of casual pot use. Christie cited a study by The Journal of Neuroscience that stated “even the casual use - smoking once or twice a week to get high - can alter the brain.” Which supported Christie’s reasoning to keep marijuana illegal. He strongly opposes the idea and stresses once again that anyone who thinks that legalizing marijuana is a good idea, just look at the state of Colorado. Where there are head shops popping up at every corner and a constant flow of “pot heads” flying in to get high. Most republicans have come to an agreement that it is the quality of life that they want to have, even if there is no tax revenue. However most Democrats are very supportive and are for the legalization of marijuana. Many feel that marijuana can provide a constant revenue and provide crucial jobs that could decrease the unemployment rate and help the economy a bit. Even President Obama to some extent is not against this notion. He believes that marijuana is safer than alcohol, but was also reported saying in an interview by the New Yorker that he told his daughters “It’s a bad idea, a waste of time, and not very healthy.” Although Obama’s comments cautious as they were, could still encourage many people on the state level for recreational use. According to the Politics Blog from the San Francisco Chronicle, California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom stated “This isn’t a debate about stoners,” he said. “You can be pro-regulation without being an advocate for drug use.” Newsom wants people to think of legalization as a whole and not just the “drug” factor. The some benefits include diverting law enforcements and resources away from unnecessary confinement, and boosting state revenue. Colorado for example was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use and along with the 2.9 sales tax on marijuana, Colorado’s projected sales in the next year could total $118 million and could even exceed half a billion dollars by 2015. Colorado is a clear example of a working system. I believe that marijuana should be

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Legalization Of Marijuana