Will The US Legalize Marihuana?

The topic of marijuana legalization in the United States has been a hot button issue for many years. While some states have already legalized the use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal under federal law.

In recent years, there has been growing support for marijuana legalization at the federal level. A number of states, including California, Colorado, and Oregon, have already legalized marijuana for recreational use, while many others have legalized it for medical use. This trend is likely to continue as more states consider legalization measures.

One of the main arguments in favor of marijuana legalization is that it would bring in significant tax revenue for states. According to the Tax Foundation, legalizing marijuana in all 50 states could generate $28 billion in tax revenue annually. This revenue could be used to fund a variety of programs, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.

Another argument in favor of legalization is that it would reduce the number of people being incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), marijuana arrests account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States. Legalization would reduce the number of people being arrested and incarcerated for marijuana offenses, which would in turn reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.

On the other hand, there are also arguments against marijuana legalization. Some argue that legalization would increase the number of people using the drug, leading to more health problems and accidents. Others argue that legalization would make it more difficult to enforce laws against impaired driving, as there would be no reliable way to test for marijuana impairment.

Despite these arguments, there is a growing consensus among Americans that marijuana should be legalized. According to a 2019 Gallup poll, two-thirds of Americans support legalizing marijuana. This is a significant increase from the 12% who supported legalization in 1969.

In summary, marijuana legalization is a complex and controversial issue. However, with increasing support for legalization and the potential for significant tax revenue, it's likely that the United States will eventually legalize marijuana in the future. However, it's also important to consider the potential negative consequences of such move and mitigate them as much as possible.

It should be noted that the current administration has indicated they would take a hands-off approach to states that have legalized marijuana and that the future of marijuana legalization remains uncertain.