End the Prohibition on Marijuana - 2096 Words

END THE PROHIBITION ON MARIJUANA AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP Outline Thesis Statement: Legalization of industrialized hemp and marijuana benefits our economy, decriminalizes a 35 billion dollar a year industry, creates jobs, and makes sense for the environment. I. Marijuana has been illegal in the United States since the Marihuana Stamp Tax Act was enacted by congress in 1937 A. A Brief History B. Marijuana Cash Crop II. The prohibition of marijuana contributes to a black market system, which increases violent crime, and contributes finances to the criminal element. A. Violent Crime B. Underground Drug Trade’s Negative Contributions C. The Marijuana Policy Project III. Marijuana prohibition is costing the Federal†¦show more content†¦The Marijuana Policy Project states: â€Å"Because of marijuana prohibition, America’s largest cash crop is grown exclusively by unregulated criminals, often in environmentally damaging locations such as national parks and wilderness areas. Such problems are virtually unknown with legal, regulated crops such as tobacco or wine grapes.† (Marijuana Prohibition Facts, 2008) Legalization’s Effect on The Economy The legalization of marijuana could possibly create annual tax revenue of 2.4 billion if taxed normally, and 6.2 billion if the government used similar tax rates that are currently used for alcohol and tobacco sales. (Miron, 2005) â€Å"Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report, released today. The arrest total is the second highest ever reported by the FBI.† (Armentano, 2010) This one statistic alone is absolute proof that current drug enforcement programs and policies are not effective. Marijuana is widely available to the masses, arrests are at an all-time high, and there is a potential to make billions of dollars through taxation. Marijuana is accepted all over the world, and is by far the most popular illegal drug. A recent Gallup poll showed that 50% of Americans favor the legalization of marijuana. (Newport, 2011) Through the legalization of marijuana tax revenue is increased, drug dealersShow MoreRelatedMarijuana Prohibition Is A Failure And A Waste Of Resources864 Words   |  4 PagesAbraham Lincoln once said Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man s appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes.† The prohibition of marijuana has proven to be a failure and a waste of resources. In addition, prohibition has hurt society more than it has helped. Also, marijuana can be used as a medicine to treat many life threatening illnesses. The legalization of marijuana will generate enormous tax revenue, reduce crimeRead MoreLegalizing Marijuana Speech Essay1350 Words   |  6 Pagesworld on weather or not to legalize marijuana. The prohibition of marijuana is holding up the improvement of social and economic developments. Introduction I. [Attention-Getter] Would you want the government limiting how much coffee you can drink or how much cheesecake you’re allowed to eat? According to Dr. Paul Phinney, president-elect of the California medical association has found these types of foods to be just as addictive if not more than marijuana. a. According to this sameRead MoreEssay on Marijuana528 Words   |  3 PagesMarijuana Marijuana is a drug that has been used for thousands of years. Marijuana was used in ancient China, as far back as 5000 B.C. The Incans and Mayans used marijuana in religious ceremonies. Marijuana also has roots in this country. The Indians of the plains used marijuana in their peace pipes as a sign of friendship and peace. After prohibition there was a sharp rise in the use of this drug in America, but after prohibition was repealed the use went down. 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While these people were â€Å"busted† for carrying marijuana and subsequently jailed for decadesRead MoreMarijuana Legalization Why is it the Best Choice for America?1306 Words   |  6 PagesMarijuana, the most abused drug in America, has had a lot of publicity recently. Marijuana has caused multiple economic problems within the U.S. A controversial question has arisen from the increased popularity and troubles of this drug. The question is whether or not the U.S. government should legalize marijuana possession and sale in the country. Many Americans believe that the drug should be legalized for various reasons; others, however, are against the legalization of the dangerous drug. WhileRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?900 Words   |  4 Pages In the debate to legalize Marijuana there are people for the legalization, and there are people who are against the legalization. Before I get too far into my own side and the opinions I have to go along with it, I’m going to give you some information to help you better decide your own side. The main thing going around right now to legalize Marijuana is Prohibition 48. Prohibition 48 is the amendment to the state constitution proposed by the people of Mississippi. In my research on the subject IRead More Marijuana Legalization Why is it the Best Choice for America?1375 Words   |  6 PagesMarijuana Legalization Why is it the Best Choice for America? Marijuana, the most abused drug in America, has had a lot of publicity recently. Marijuana has caused multiple economic problems within the U.S. A controversial question has arisen from the increased popularity and troubles of this drug. The question is whether or not the U.S. government should legalize marijuana possession and sale in the country. Many Americans believe that the drug should be legalized for various reasons; others,Read MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?949 Words   |  4 Pages In the debate to legalize Marijuana, there are people for the legalization and there are people who are against the legalization. Before I get too far into my own side and the opinions I have to go along with it, I’m going to give you some information to help you better decide your own side. The main thing going around right now to legalize Marijuana is Prohibition 48. Prohibition 48 is the amendment to the state constitution proposed by the people of Mississippi. In my research on th e subject I