Marijuana Should Be Legalized In The United States

Words: 1635
Pages: 7

The drug marijuana has been around for years, if not centuries. Marijuana is a plant that is most commonly used by smoking or put into edibles. This drug can go by many names such as weed, pot, Mary Jane, and cannabis. The main component of marijuana, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical component of this drug that causes the “high” or “stoned” feeling (Drug Free World 1). Through the past half century, marijuana has become more prominent and has been the subject of a variety of debates. This drug was illegal on a federal and state level until 1996 when California first made it legal in the California State Constitution to have and use for medicinal purposes. As of 2012, thirteen states have legalized marijuana for the use of medically treating conditions …show more content…
Since then, twelve more states have followed suit. In 2012, the next step was taken. In this year, marijuana was legalized in the Colorado State Constitution for recreational purposes in Colorado. This state was the first to carve the pathway for many other states to follow. As of 2016, eight other states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. This has caused problems because according to federal law, marijuana is illegal for all purposes (DEA Position 1). According to federal law, marijuana is not a legal substance. It is classified as a Schedule I drug according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, also known as the DEA. This means that “marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medicinal value in treatment in the United States” (DEA 1). With this organization’s extensive tests, they have assessed the pros and cons of both sides of the argument.