The debate over legalization of marijuana has gone on for too long in the United States. It is time now to legalize it for recreational and medicinal purposes. The adverse economic and health impacts of the prohibition are too great to ignore. Legalization of the drug will pave way for regulations on its use and distribution. Regulations will help the country take control of a huge black economy and ensure consumer safety.
The simple fact is that the circulation of the drug can't be stopped especially with some states already having legalized it. In absence of any federal regulation, the U.S. government misses out on over a $50 billion economy per year (too big of an economic boost to ignore). A lesson can be learned from Massachusetts, a state that legalized marijuana back in November 2016. Over a period of 2 fiscal years, Massachusetts collected $122 million in taxes.
Moreover, lack of governmental mechanisms gives space for criminals to take advantage of the illegal status of a societal accepted action...which is smoking weed. A lack of official oversight results in gang rivalries for a greater share of the market. The amount of money in this market fuels violence and conflict. Not only does the government miss out on the money, the violent crime numbers also go up due to the prohibition on marijuana. If this prohibition on marijuana is lifted, the regulations will give that money to the government and drain the black market. Eliminating the black market will also help reduce violent crime.
Legalizing marijuana is important from a consumer safety point of view. Presently, there are no quality controls in place on the production of marijuana. This gives the distributors the motivation to mix harmful products within the original product. The government can save millions of consumers from adverse health impacts by only allowing licensed stores to sell it with proper regulations.
Prohibition of marijuana also puts unnecessary burden on law enforcement and the justice system. 750,000 people are arrested every year for cannabis offenses, with roughly 90% of those arrests for simple possession. Legalizing marijuana unburdens the police department and its resources which can be better spent on more pressing crimes...crimes that actually hurt residents.
Arrests relating to marijuana impact the lives of many. Recreational users are marginalized for a lifestyle choice. A choice that millions around the world make without posing a threat or harm to others or even themselves.
It is no surprise that the support for legalizing marijuana has increased in the US over the years. In 1969, only 12% Americans supported legalizing cannabis use; today, that figure is well over 60%. Support isn't growing only among Democrats and independents: In 2017, a slim majority of Republicans also supported legalizing marijuana.
In the light of the economic and public safety benefits it will bring, the decision to legalize marijuana should be a no-brainer. It's been done successfully by 15 states already, and the decision to legalize marijuana should spread nationally.
