Leglization of Marijuana Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leglization of Marijuana - Research Paper Example Firstly, a comparison between alcohol and cigarettes shows that the use of marijuana has mild health risks and losses to the society. This is a great paradox since alcohol and cigarettes have not been banned despite their greater damage potential. This scenario further worsens owing to the ease of availability of the two products. On the contrary, to get marijuana, one must do it in secret so as not to arouse suspicion. Such hypocrisy and unfairness to marijuana users ought to end (Legalizationofmarijuana.com, 2010). Secondly, prohibiting marijuana has served to increase the black market that goes as far as to even corrupt the judicial system. There is massive bribing of judges that occurs to secure the release of rich marijuana dealers. Such arrests have led to America ending up as the largest jailor nation overcrowding jails, resulting in the release of more dangerous criminals such as murderers. On average, drug dealers are sentenced at a rate that is five times higher than the rate of those arrested for manslaughter. Such unfair severity in terms of punishment has led to the resignation of judges who do not wish to belong to a corrupt system (Legalizationofmarijuana.com, 2010). In addition, many farmers in America have turned to growing marijuana in their cornfields. This is because marijuana farming has become a lucrative venture with a bushel selling for up to 70,000 dollars. This is in stark contrast to that of corn, which rakes in a few dollars per bushel. Clearly, marijuana is fast substituting corn as the major cash crop in America. Failing to legalize marijuana is turning innocent farmers on whom the country‘s survival depends into criminals. Legislation of marijuana will work better than simply decriminalizing or medicalizing it. Decriminalisation serves to legalize the possession of little amounts of the drug although it does not put an end to the enormous black market or allow for simpler taxation.