Although the argument for the legalization of marijuana may not be a new one, it still remains as relevant as ever. With an ever-worsening financial situation, America needs to do everything it can to improve it's situation. Marijuana is a drug with a storied past, one full of governmental exaggeration and scare tactics. What is the government so afraid of?
As history has repeatedly shown us, banning a certain type of behavior tends to only drive it underground. While there is an obvious need to outlaw some things to maintain a safe and orderly society, marijuana is not one of them.
As most people now know, weed is a fairly benign drug, one that can be used without fear for withdrawals or risk of an overdose. Furthermore, marijuana has a calming affect on most people - you never hear of criminals going on weed-fueled rampages, or fights among teenagers high at a party - unless alcohol is thrown into the mix. It's a generally accepted claim that individuals under the influence of alcohol are a much greater risk to the people and objects around them than people who are high on marijuana. Additionally, many of the concerns that marijuana use raises, such as the operation of vehicles or machinery under the influence, are issues already present with alcohol. Even the well known "munchie" phenomenon that many people experience while high on marijuana also seems to be evoked by alcohol as well, as I've witnessed many people flock to fast food joints after a hard night of drinking.
A report by the Cato Institute found that decriminalization of drug use in Portugal has been a huge success, and that drug use rates did not increase under this change in legislation. While decriminalization is not the same thing as legalization, this case study on Portugal offers further support for the fact that America's hardline stance and "War on Drugs"campaign has largely been a waste of money and time - at least in regards to minor marijuana usage and possession charges. Efforts to detain, prosecute, and jail offenders has been a huge time and money sink for an already financially ailing America. The fact that we have the most people behind bars of any country - many for nonviolent drug crimes, is further proof that our current policies are not working.
With the legalization, regulation, and taxation of weed, we can utilize another tool on our belt in fighting to reduce our national debt, as well restore what should be a personal choice to our citizens.
For more information regarding the war on drugs and marijuana legalization, the Cato Institute offers a large amount of material and commentary on the subject.
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