A current hot topic is the debate of whether to legalize marijuana or not.  I believe the U.S. government should legalize marijuana not only for medicinal purposes but for recreational purposes as well.  At a very minimum, the federal government should decriminalize it and let each state decide for themselves, thereby removing the conflict between state and federal legislation, and treat it the same as alcohol and cigarettes.  A main argument for not legalizing it is that it is deemed to be a gateway drug.  I don’t see it that way.  My thoughts are aligned with Willie Nelson's.  He said, “I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug.  It is an herb and a flower.”

Marijuana smokers shouldn't be viewed as criminals.  I work in the court system, and I see far too much energy and resources being focused on marijuana, a substance that is not known to induce violence.  Some people who drink excessive alcohol will get aggressive and even abusive (in addition to just plain stupid), and it often brings out the worst in people.  Marijuana, on the other hand, has a calming effect and seems to promote a peaceful vibe.

Marijuana has been proven to have health benefits.  I believe it should be decriminalized so that law enforcement and the court system can focus on more important problems and allow people who could benefit from using it to have the freedom to do so.  At this point, 28 states have legalized medical marijuana to treat illnesses such as cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, Chron’s disease, hepatitis C, arthritis, migraines, anorexia, Turette’s syndrome, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, lupus, seizures, and autism.  Researchers have even found that the plant protects the brain in some ways.  In the Business Insider article “23 Health Benefits of Marijuana,” several proven medical benefits are listed, backed up by reputable research teams.

Small doses of marijuana can also inspire creativity and trigger increased attention to detail, but it’s important to emphasize “small” doses here.  Anything becomes a bad thing when it’s overdone.  Junk food is legal, but if people overeat or eat nothing but high-fat junk foods with no nutritional value, they can become obese and unhealthy.  Alcohol is legal, and there's no harm in someone having a glass of wine after work, but to consume drink after drink after drink would cause someone to lose the ability to make rational decisions and become a danger to themselves and others.  Just as we expect people to drink responsibly, we would have the same expectations for marijuana use.

There would need to be regulations in place, just as with alcohol and cigarettes (minimum age, warnings about overuse, etc.), but I see no reason why marijuana should be illegal while alcohol and cigarettes remain legal.  Our neighbor Canada is now embracing marijuana legalization, according to the CBC article “Marijuana Industry Gets Boost from Legalization Target Date.”  The United States should do the same.  Bill Murray summed it up well when he stated, “I find it quite ironic that the most dangerous thing about weed is getting caught with it.”

    

The U.S. government should remove the federal prohibition on marijuana and allow this natural plant to be freely used if a person so chooses.  I believe it can help suffering people, boost the economy, cause law enforcement and courts to focus on worse problems, and there would be more mellow, easy-going people all around.