Marijuana has been known to man for quite some time now and has been used for centuries. The Marijuana prohibition has been in effect since 1937 and continues today. The real question is, is it time that we as Americans reconsider this prohibition and look closer at the possible positive effects that marijuana can offer?

If the main goal of marijuana prohibition is to stop Americans from using it, then it has failed just like the alcohol prohibition did in 1920 when it was enforced. Studies clearly show that out of the three substances of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, that marijuana is the least addictive (Schlosser, 1994, p.41). This also doesn't mean that marijuana is harmless. Research shows that marijuana damages short term

memory, distorts perceptions, impairs judgment and complex motor skills, alters heart rates, and has the potential to trigger severe anxiety, paranoia, and lethargy (Shalala, 1995, p.10).

According to NORML (The National Organization to Reform Marijuana laws) marijuana is said to be the second largest cash crop in America and has a value of around $14 billion. Revenues for Marijuana is said to have annual sale pro

There are currently many reform groups out there that are trying to promote the legalization of marijuana. Two examples are: NORML (The National Organization to Reform Marijuana laws) and MLO (Marijuana Legalization Organization). These groups set up committees which have frequent meetings about the legalization movement. Many members of these reform groups are marijuana users themselves and would like to see marijuana available for all people, to be used for social as well as medicinal use. A lot of the reform groups focus on legalizing marijuana for medical use because it is the most logical way to welcome the use of marijuana into society. The medical issue has been a very big topic for awhile now and a few states have tried very hard to legalize it for this purpose. Some of these include: California, Arizona, and Alaska. These states are also in favor of domestic hemp growing for commercial product use such as clothing and other materials.

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Marijuana use in America is very popular and not uncommon, that is probably why there is such a strong desire for many Americans to promote the legalization of this substance. Although many people are in favor of legalization, there are still a number of people who think differently. In my opinion, it all depends on the generation of the person. If a person grew up during the 60's-80's, there is a very good chance they will be more laid backed on the t

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