Legalization of Marijuana in the USA Research Paper

Legalization of Marijuana in the USA - Research Paper Example Firstly, it is the drug’s therapeutic effect and a range of implications that make it so valuable. Using cannabis for medical purposes is nothing new. Indeed, the first written references of its medical usage date back more than five thousand years ago. THC in marijuana helps to relieve pain, reduce nausea and promote appetite. In 2010, the Congressional Research Service report indicated that marijuana has positive effects on patients with chronic diseases. In Michigan, for instance, cannabis is used in the treatment of glaucoma and hepatitis C, while in Rhode Island physicians prescribe it for patients with HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Medical marijuana is highly applicable to relieving various disease-related disorders such as muscle spasticity, nausea, anxiety, and chronic pain. Moreover, marijuana is not as addictive as one might believe. In fact, only 9% of marijuana users become addicted, compared to 15% alcohol drinkers and 32% smokers (Welsh). Secondly, ke eping marijuana illegal is expensive. It is hard to believe, but current marijuana policies cost taxpayers as much as 42 billion dollars per year (Hardy). For instance, Utah laws state that possession of an ounce of cannabis and less can lead to six months in jail. The laws also enforce taxpayers to cover expenses for every individual who is imprisoned for the use, possession, or distribution of marijuana. As it has been estimated in a Harvard study, nearly 7 billion dollars are spent annually on catching marijuana offenders (Miron). On the contrary, if cannabis were legalized and taxed like other commercial goods, the federal government would receive huge amounts of money that then could be used for other important social needs. Overall, the tax revenues drawn from marijuana would exceed 8 billion dollars annually if taxed like alcohol or tobacco (Fairchild). Furthermore, legalization of marijuana would boost the emergence of a highly lucrative industry and create job opportunities .