Pot, Weed, Joint, Blunt, Bud, Leaf...the few names for the word ‘marijuana’. It has become a popular aspect in movies, television shows, and music. But, what is it about marijuana that 42% of Americans believe it should be illegal? In fact, studies show that marijuana has less consequences than alcohol and cigarettes combined. The majority of those who oppose, think that marijuana is used only recreational purposes and do not see the benefits to society. Legalizing marijuana would drastically reduce the number of crimes, stabilize the number of deaths, and create a more united medical society. In United States, on an average, every 52 seconds, a person is arrested for the possession of marijuana. As a result, more than 7 million people were booked across the country, in 2015. Moderately, the country pays 750 dollars per arrest, 20 billion …show more content…
Harvard Senior Professor in Pharmacology, Dr. Oliver Jameson says, ”New studies have proven that no one has ever directly died from smoking marijuana” (Renee,5). In fact, marijuana has also proven to be the ‘non addictive drug’. In Washington, it has even been recorded that deaths caused by drugs have dropped by 14%, after legalizing canibal. Although it might be true that the increase of drug use with teenagers have increased by 1.3% over the last year, the Supreme Court in 2012, had broadened the authority of public schools to do ‘suspicionless testing’ on students; in other words random drug tests. Ever since states like Washington, Montana, and Florida have taken up on this act, the rates by decreased by 54% in those states. Governor of Florida, Rick Scott states upon taking up this act, “Not only should students be tested for drugs, but they should be aware of the consequences”(Norml). Not only will marijuana help teachers and parents, but it will also stabilize the number of teenagers harming