Marijuana (pot,) is one of the most widely used recreational drugs. The legalization of marijuana is one of the most controversial debates in today's government. For years the debate to legalize this drug has grown stronger and stronger. There are various arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana. Those who are for legalization argue that marijuana is a stress reliever, it enhances creativity, and can be used for medicinal purposes. On the contrary, those who are against the legalization of marijuana argue that marijuana is a doorway drug to harsher more dangerous drugs, pot makes you stupid, and will make drugs readily available to our nation's youth.
Until its ban, pot was used for over 50,000 non-drug commercial uses including paper, textiles, fuels, food and sealants. Marijuana is also a medical herb that has hundreds of proven, valuable therapeutic uses- from stress reduction, to glaucoma to asthma to cancer therapy, etc. THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, can be extracted and made into pill form for medical purposes. Marijuana was a major active ingredient in 40-50% of patent medicines before its ban. During the 1930's the American media spread false stories about marijuana facts and depicted pot as an extremely dangerous drug. This caused marijuana and hemp to be effectively banned in 1938. .
Many say that by legalizing marijuana it will cause the crime rate to increase. In actuality legalizing marijuana would decrease the crime rate if the herb is readily available. It would eliminate the need of an underground subculture. For example, during the prohibition when alcohol was banned, the only way to obtain alcohol was through the black market. Once alcohol was legalized, distributors sold alcohol at a cheaper price, therefore driving bootleggers out of business. The same thing would happen if marijuana was legalized. Distributors would sell pot at a cheaper price and would cause dealers to go out of business.
