Persuasive Essay for Drug Legalization
Drugs are a major influential force in our country today. The problem has gotten so out of hand that many people are even considering legalization of one of the most used drugs, marijuana. The legalization of marijuana is a controversial issue that has been fought for and against for several decades. Marijuana is defined as a preparation made from the dried flower clusters and leaves of the cannabis plant, which is usually smoked or eaten to induce euphoria and to heal and soothe. (dictionalr.com)
The first benefit to the legalization of marijuana would be the decreased spending on law enforcement. Many of America’s jails are filled to the brim with people who got long and unfair sentences for possession of the drug. Part of the attraction of pot is that it is illegal. An example of this is what happened with alcohol in the 1920’s.
Before it was criminalized, young people didn’t take an interest in it. After, it became “cool” to drink. Also, those who drank before suddenly were criminals. If alcohol and tobacco and cigarettes, which are so much worse for you, are legal, then why isn’t pot?
Another reason to make marijuana legal is because a major part of organized crime would disappear. This would reduce crime on the Mexican border, because the Mexican drug lords would no longer profit from drug sales. It would allow is to downsize jails as well. Currently, many of our tax dollars are going to jails to pay for people who are there for having marijuana. Not only are these people locked away for a ridiculous amount of time, away from their families and friends, but also many times, they are victims of circumstance. It is known that there are many people in the world that sell and grow marijuana. Under the Drug Act this is illegal and fines and even prison time can occur. Why is it professional athletes and other famous people in the media get away with murder (as well as drug possession) but if anyone else has any amount of marijuana in their possession they
The first benefit to the legalization of marijuana would be the decreased spending on law enforcement. Many of America’s jails are filled to the brim with people who got long and unfair sentences for possession of the drug. Part of the attraction of pot is that it is illegal. An example of this is what happened with alcohol in the 1920’s.
Before it was criminalized, young people didn’t take an interest in it. After, it became “cool” to drink. Also, those who drank before suddenly were criminals. If alcohol and tobacco and cigarettes, which are so much worse for you, are legal, then why isn’t pot?
Another reason to make marijuana legal is because a major part of organized crime would disappear. This would reduce crime on the Mexican border, because the Mexican drug lords would no longer profit from drug sales. It would allow is to downsize jails as well. Currently, many of our tax dollars are going to jails to pay for people who are there for having marijuana. Not only are these people locked away for a ridiculous amount of time, away from their families and friends, but also many times, they are victims of circumstance. It is known that there are many people in the world that sell and grow marijuana. Under the Drug Act this is illegal and fines and even prison time can occur. Why is it professional athletes and other famous people in the media get away with murder (as well as drug possession) but if anyone else has any amount of marijuana in their possession they