Ever since the start of America’s modern era, marijuana has been a heavily debated topic. Many people argue that it is a drug and should be outright banned. Others argue that we should tax and monitor the sale of the drug. Four states have already begun to decriminalize and regulate the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes; many other states allow for the use of medical marijuana. The thousands of people that are incarcerated each year for possession of marijuana would have reduced sentences and lesser fees. The decriminalization of the drug could allow for a unprejudiced justice system. With the legalization of marijuana across the country, America could reap from the benefits. Across America, only 4 states and Washington D.C. have fully legalized and allowed for the recreational use of marijuana. These states have begun to collect special taxes imposed on marijuana. According to Christopher Ingraham, Colorado is one of the most profitable states in Marijuana sales with reported …show more content…
However, many states are still hesitant to legalize because of issues that may occur during the process of legalization, as well as those that can occur after it is is legalized. One of the most significant problems is the popularity of the drug. In a report issued by the American Public Health Association, they stated that “Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the United States. In 2012, more than 111 million Americans 12 years or older (nearly 43% of this population) admitted to having tried marijuana in their lifetime, and almost 19 million had used it in the preceding month.” With such popularity, the governments, as well as citizens, were concerned with how to keep the drug regulated. They wanted to make sure that adolescents will be prevented from obtaining the drug, as well as limit their access to it. With the legalization of marijuana, may people are afraid their access will be a lot