That funny thing called, Legalization

                As a young adult interested in politics, it’s always refreshing to find an article or subject that relates to me in both the political and young adult aspect. One of those subjects that I favor discussing with my peers and really anyone that has a strong opinion on the subject, is the legalization of marijuana.

 For anyone who is not familiar with the drug, I will do a quick breakdown on the basics. Marijuana commonly known as "pot" or "weed" is widely used in the United States for recreational and medical purposes. When used recreationally marijuana is illegal and uses of the product can result in heavy fines, probation, or prison. Also, the possession and distribution can result in many harsh consequences. While looking at marijuana from a governmental point of view, the drug sounds dangerous. But is it really?

 Non-supporters of the legalization of marijuana claim that the substance is a gateway drug, leading users to experiment with more serious drugs that may have more serious consequences such as cocaine. Another myth many people get confused with is that people believe that marijuana causes cancer and can result in death. THC is the main ingredient in marijuana that causes the "high" feeling that people experience, and "no one has ever died of THC poisoning, mostly because a 160-lb. person would have to smoke roughly 900 joints in a sitting to reach a lethal dose" (Cloud 2).

 Now to move on to the part of the blog where I give you my opinion, WEED DOES NOT HURT A THING! If marijuana were to be legalized many of our country’s problems would be a step closer to being solved. The government could regulate it, and use it as a source of additional tax revenues. An enormous amount of money is raised through government taxation of alcohol, tobacco, and other "sins" (Cloud 3). The legalization of marijuana would create another item that could be taxed. I am sure the government would have no problem spending all that money.

The second reason why marijuana should be legalized is because many people believe that the war on drugs is an expensive failure. Add in the cost of police officers, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, juries, court reporters, prison guards, and so on. Legalization of marijuana would free up those people to concentrate on more important things like terrorism, harder drugs, rape, murder, and so on (Messerli 2). By legalizing marijuana legitimate cases will not have to be put on hold for minor cases such as these.

When the founding fathers made the Constitution was being written, was it not all about freedom and free will? Should we be taking away people's free will by restricting their morals? No one has control over another person's morals. All people think differently and no one has the same values. Would anyone take away someone's right to practice their own religion or have a job that they want? No. Even if the drug is wrong or harmful we cannot take away marijuana because we cannot regulate their morality (Messerli 2). So would it go against the constitution to take away that free will?

“If the words "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" don't include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn't worth the hemp it was written on.”