• No one has ever died from the use of marijuana
• Marijuana does not lead to physical dependency
• Marijuana is less dangerous than tobacco and people smoke less of it at a time
• No independent government panel that has studied marijuana has ever recommended jail for users
• Marijuana leads to non-violence and pacifism
• Marijuana used for medicinal use is also gaining renewed recognition
• Marijuana is a medicinal herb that has hundreds of proven, valuable therapeutic uses—from stress reduction to glaucoma to asthma to cancer therapy, etc.
• Marijuana was a major active ingredient in 40-50% of patent medicines before its ban
• Marijuana could replace at least 10-20% of prescribed drugs now in use
• Marijuana was banned in 1938
• Hemp has an estimated 50,000 non-drug commercial uses including paper, textiles, fuels, food, and sealants, but these uses are also banned in the U.S. by existing laws
• Marijuana is known to cause small cases of anxiety
• Marijuana is not a gateway drug—for every 104 people who have used marijuana, there is only one regular user of cocaine, and less than heroin addict
• There is no possibility of a fatal overdose from smoking marijuana, regardless of potency. High potency marijuana may be less harmful to the lungs because people can use less to achieve the desired effects
• No medical test used to determine brain damage has indicated brain damage in humans who use marijuana—even after long-term use
• Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is not addictive; less than one percent of people who consume marijuana do so on a daily or near-daily basis. An even smaller minority develop dependence on marijuana. Withdrawal symptoms, if experienced at all, are mild.

Marijuana is one of the most controversial issues (as far as use/distribution/and legalization) in American society. In my personal opinion, it should be legalized. In fact, in my questioning of others (not just peers—many teachers and other "authority figures"), I have found the same opinions.

As it turns out, the government would actually benefit from the legalization of marijuana. We could manage to get out of our national debt in a very short period of time, because the truth is, marijuana is already a booming market, and if the government were to get involved, things would be a lot better in the way of money, and drugs would become less of a problem over time. As people who are against marijuana’s legalization continue to lead in the government, marijuana will stay illegal unless those who are for its legalization stand up for it.

It’s a fact that alcoholism is a problem in nearly 14 million Americans, and that is only counting who is directly affected. Marijuana is proven to be less intoxicating and less addictive, if at all. Those who smoke marijuana only develop a dependency in certain, rare cases, whereas with alcohol, which is as legal as the missionary position, a person can become very physically and emotionally dependent, and in some cases, ill when deprived of it.

Marijuana’s intoxicating properties aren’t as extreme or long-lasting as those of alcohol. Nor does the user feel the unpleasant hangover the next day. Marijuana stimulates the mind in such a way that the user lies in a ‘euphoric’ state. Alcohol hinders the mind in such a way that what is perceived by the senses is delayed by as much as 5 seconds, and body movements are hindered greatly, such that simply walking in a straight line is more than difficult.

By marijuana being illegal, the federal and state government is only hurting itself. The money spent by Americans on marijuana is going to countries like Mexico and Columbia, when it could be going towards things in the community, like a new park or more educational funding. It would be the same principle as the ABC stores in place right now. They are governed by the state of Virginia and that is where the money goes—to Virginia. Why not legalize this drug? The loss of a little face within the state? The realization of the "War on Drugs" being a joke? Come on, the last time I ever noticed the government at least pretending to be noble was in the days of the Revolutionary War.

Marijuana also has many medicinal purposes, particularly for those people with eye problems like glaucoma. Marijuana takes tension off the eyes and relaxes them. Marijuana’s uses can go far beyond that of the body, too. Hemp can be used as paper, clothing material, fuels, etc., but these uses are also banned in the U.S..

In conclusion, my opinion on marijuana’s legalization is evident in this essay. I believe that people need to stand up for what is right and better for the community and themselves and say something. Sure, no one person can do it all alone, but if many people understand the facts, good and bad, and accept them as what they are, no more—no less, the tables would really turn.