A word that has "sprouted" one of the most controversial debates this country has seen in the past 20 years. Whether or not we should make this seemingly "harmless" looking plant, legal to use for medicinal purposes or keep the ban on it forever is quite the struggle. Coming to a fair and reasonable conclusion on this topic seems impossible at best. While the so-called "war on drugs" is in full stride, it still has had problems accomplishing its main goals. Marijuana is still easily found throughout the country while the government spends hundreds of millions a year trying to contain the problem. While it might seem excessive, legalization is an option that is in dire need of application, if not, at least great attention. It would help our economy in many ways by actually increasing our countries economic status rather than depleting it. .
Legalizing marijuana would definitely increase the amount of money in circulation within the United States. During Prohibition, in the early 1920's, alcohol was still sold and used (illegally) by many people across America. The 21st amendment then repealed prohibition and alcohol was taxed for government funding, as well as mass-produced at half the cost of what it took to prevent its manufacturing. This same idea can be applied to marijuana. "In 1987, 10 billion dollars were spent alone just on enforcing drug laws- (Long, 114.) That is simply too much money being virtually wasted on a cause that seems to have no end. Our country could save countless amounts of dollars even if marijuana is legalized for medical uses only. "The drug enforcement authorities might reduce their budget requests, or, more likely, focus more intensely on hard drugs and violent crimes- (Baker 23). All drug enforcement agencies could reduce their budget, and all marijuana sold can be taxed, adding tremendous amounts of what is basically profit to our: governments funding for schools and monuments/buildings, government spending and salary, and our economy's overall state.
