Legalization of Marijuana

Marijuana: Should it be Legal? Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the United States of America. It is also one of the most controversial in the United States of America. Some states have strict laws governing against it while others like California have made it legal for medicinal use. Marijuana should be Legalized because it can be taxed to create income for the government, reduce marijuana related crimes, and it would improve the quality of marijuana. Marijuana should be legalized because it can be taxed and create a huge income for the government.

If marijuana were to be legalized than every time it was sold at a store the government would be making profit. According to John Hoeffel of the Los Angeles Times ” Four dispensaries pay a tax approved… that raises about $800,000 a year” (Hoeffel) . In other words four legal businesses are creating a tax income for the government that is about $800,000. If four businesses can create this much income imagine how much income hundreds or thousands of them can make.

Those who argue against the legalization of marijuana will oppose it from store resale because their children run the risk of contact and exposure in every day activities to this drug. In one perspective the drug will be in more of a controlled environment compared to the illegal sales today. The same effect can be viewed to how well controlled the sale of alcohol or cigarettes to minors are in today’s society. This will also defeat the theory of marijuana becoming the gateway drug for people as it is not sold with other illegal substances.

One of the main ways to purchase marijuana is illegally through so called vendors with access of other illegal drugs for sale and with the ability to be sold in stores this will reduce the use and contact of other drugs. With this information in mind it may actually provide a drop in crime rates for cities. Marijuana should be legalized because it can help reduce marijuana related crimes. If marijuana were to be legalized than it can be sold in a safe environment like the local convenience store instead of a street corner.

According to Daniel Wood of the Christian Science Monitor if marijuana were to be made legal than “it reduces crime and violence by putting the street gangs who would otherwise sell marijuana to people who want it out business” (Wood) . In other words if businesses were legally allowed to sell marijuana than the gangs who people would usually buy it from would be put out of business making an area safer. This in turn would also reduce the amount of wasted law enforcement effort trying to stop the use of marijuana.

According to the Contra Costa Times ” Legalization of marijuana would save taxpayer money by reducing enforcement efforts and incarceration costs”(Contra Costa Times) . To put it differently the millions of tax payer money that is being wasted to fight marijuana can instead be put towards fighting other crimes such as gang violence and robbery. Those who oppose the legalization of marijuana might argue how marijuana will help a community that is financially struggling. Well according to The Christian Science Monitor ” Bringing the Marijuana trade above-ground… llows the city to take in much-needed tax revenue it otherwise wouldn’t have”(wood) . If marijuana were to be legalized then it could be sold in a proper taxpaying business thus creating a much needed income for the government. The government would not be the only one to benefit from it financially because local communities will also be able to gain legal business in their area which would create many needed jobs. Marijuana will also become a higher quality product. The legalization of marijuana would also increase the quality of the product making it safer to use.

Legalization would allow marijuana to become regulated and tested for quality just as any other product in our stores is today. The Christian Science Monitor says “legalization would improve the quality and safety of the product while providing income for law enforcement” (Wood) . In other words if marijuana were to be made legal than it would not only be less harmful to the health of those that use it but it would also create income for law enforcement which would allow them to regulate the use, sale, and safety of marijuana.

Legalization of Marijuana would benefit the United States very positively in many different aspects. It would create a much needed income for the government through the taxation of the businesses that will sell marijuana legally. This would also stimulate local economies by creating much needed jobs. The reduction of marijuana related crime in the streets by putting drug dealers out of business. Lastly, it would improve the quality and safety of marijuana by allowing it to be regulated just as any product sold in our stores currently.