Marijuana is an illegal drug in the United States of America, but why is marijuana illegal? Is it not safe? Is it addictive? Will it have a negative effect on society? The medical community is split on this issue; several studies that have been conducted on the effects of marijuana in the adult brain have been inconclusive. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states, “Many people who use marijuana long term . . . may begin to have symptoms such as grouchiness, sleepiness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and cravings.” Harvard Health publishing: Harvard Medical School stated: Marijuana is used to manage nausea and weight loss, and can be used to treat glaucoma. Many veterans and their therapists report drastic improvement and clamor for more studies, and for a loosening of governmental restrictions on its study. Medical marijuana is also reported to help patients suffering from pain and wasting syndrome associated with HIV, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. 76.3% of individuals who voted in the 2016 Presidential election are in favor of the legalization marijuana. If 76.3% of American citizen are in favor of the legalization of marijuana, then why is the drug not legal? What are the factors that make American citizens support or oppose the legalization of marijuana? The issue of legalizing marijuana is significant because it is a social issue that many Americans are in favor of. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, “On any given