In the United States, more than 70 million people have tried marijuana, and millions of adults still consume it on a regular basis. About 140 million people –nearly 2.5% of the world’s population- smoke marijuana. Almost everyone has a friend, relative, neighbor, or co-worker who consumes marijuana. Because of the widespread economic and criminal justice ramifications of the illicit marijuana market and of Marijuana Prohibition, the marijuana phenomenon touches nearly everyone’s life. A “marijuana-free America” has proved to be an unrealistic goal. Therefore, we must ask ourselves, “Does Marijuana prohibition ?” Assuming the purpose of marijuana prohibition is to stop people from using marijuana, it has failed.

Marijuana has been illegal in America since 1937, and it has yet to stop marijuana usage. A “drug war” began in 1980, and it has had no long-term effect on usage of marijuana. Prohibition does not work. Alcohol prohibition did not work and neither will marijuana prohibition.

Many people say marijuana should be legalized for the following reasons: for the sick who can benefit from its usage; for the environmental and industrial benefits; for the farmers who need the cash and for the tax revenues. Should marijuana be legalized? I think marijuana should be legalized, or at least decriminalized in the United States, because and tobacco are no less harmful than marijuana, but they are legal. Why are they legal and marijuana is not?

Cannabis has not been proven physically addictive and no physical withdrawal symptoms occur when use is discontinued. However, psychological dependence can develop with long-term use. Many marijuana users describe two phases of marijuana intoxication: initial stimulation, which includes giddiness and euphoria, followed by sedation and pleasant tranquility. Mood changes are often accompanied by altered perceptions of time, space, and one’s bodily dimensions. Fragmentary ideas and memories disrupt thinking processes. Many users report increased appetite, heightened sensory awareness, and of pleasure. Negative effects can include confusion, acute panic reactions, anxiety attacks, , a sense of helplessness, and loss of self-control. These effects can differ, however, depending on the amount of drug consumed and the circumstances under which it is taken. The effects of long-term use on the intellect are unknown. Evidence that marijuana induces or causes brain damage does not exist.

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