Marijuana in the United States
I. Introduction a. Revolution b. Three theories
II. What is a Hipster c. Stereotype d. Counter-culture
III. History of Prohibition e. Before 1900s f. 1910-30s g. Contemporary Prohibition
IV. Legalization h. Benefits i. Economic ii. Health i. Negative iii. Health
V. Conclusion
After being in college for three years, and attending three different universities, it is safe to say that I have done my personal hands on research dealing in the subject matter of the legalization of marijuana in the United States. The internet is full of facts and statistics of how many college students are really smoking the herb these days, but it’s hard to believe that a pot smoker would be willing to tell a statistician or doctor they are partaking in illegal activities. Time News claims that 42% surveyed claimed to had tried marijuana. I would argue this percentage is much higher, especially among the younger generations. If the number is in fact much higher, then why do Americans continue to be punished for smoking weed if so many people aren’t even following the laws?
On top of the obvious disregard of the general consensus, the government continues to throw “criminals” into jail cells for participating in these scandalous crimes. Instead of American tax dollars going toward after-school programs, we are paying for these petty crimes. If marijuana was legalized and regulated by the government, this cash crop alone could provide over $10 billion tax dollars to Americans annually. Not to mention the medicinal benefits it can provide to millions of sick people. There is no reason marijuana should be illegal any longer, and it is time for people to stand up for what they believe and know is fair.
Every revolution must begin somewhere. The word revolution comes from the Latin root
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