Benjamin Campbell

Mrs. Myslinski
English Language and Composition
11 December 2015
Legalization of Marijuana
In todays society, we have many illegal drugs around us. Heavy sanctions deter most
from using said drugs, but we all face the reality of their continued existence. Although use of
illegal drugs is a taboo to most Americans, one has become increasingly popular. Cannabis,
otherwise known as Marijuana, has made its way through legislation of many states, becoming
legal for personal use. However, few states have adopted these measures, making this drug
illegal in most states. North Carolina has decriminalized this drug, lessening the punishment of
those found guilty of possession. If more people support the legalization of Marijuana, it can
greatly benefit our culture, society, and most importantly, our economy.
Lawmakers in North Carolina have varying views on the legalization of Marijuana, but
most have all came to the same conclusion. Even people opposed to it see which way the
country is moving and the citizens of the state are moving said State representative Kelly
Alexander (Alexander). The increasing popularity of Marijuana will ultimately lead to its
legalization. Percentages of marijuana use in America have neither increased nor decreased
despite the many drug laws passed. Therefor, popular sovereignty should and will dictate the
legalization of Marijuana.
Prohibition of Marijuana not only affects our culture, but has staggering social costs as
well. Many Americans have been imprisoned for simple possession of Marijuana, while not

committing any other crimes. According to F.B.I. statistics, there were 658,000 arrests for
marijuana possession in 2012, more than all other drugs combined (Times). Enforcing
Marijuana laws in America has cost the US billions. This takes time out of police officers
schedules, who could more importantly be arresting those that commit much more serious
crimes. Most of those who have been convicted of Marijuana possession have not had any
previous felony charges.
In early 19th century America, a widespread debate prohibition had arose. The
constitutionality of states implementing prohibition laws on alcohol had been debated for
decades. After the ratification of multiple amendments, it was decided that states did not have
the right to ban alcohol from society. This decision was made using the basis that it was the
peoples decision whether or not to use alcohol. Their have also been debates on the prohibition
of tobacco, yet it remains legal as well. How does this relate to Marijuana? Over 500,000
Americans die per year do to alcohol and tobacco, while Marijuana does not cause death due to
its non-toxicity (NORML). Therefor, if the constitution allows for the use and distribution of
alcohol, this should be extended to non-lethal drugs as well.
With the US debt rising closer and closer to 20 billion dollars, we simply cannot afford to
have a prohibition of Marijuana. The impacts it has on our society have caused an uproar in
recent years, one that will not be silenced without a resolution. Let the people express their
freedoms and rights through popular sovereignty, to better our society.

Works Cited

Alexander, Kelly. "Legalizing Weed: 6 Quotes From Lawmakers After Pot Became
Decriminalized in North Carolina." Newsmax. Shannon Jones, 19 May 2015. Web. 11
Dec. 2015.
"NORML.org - Working to Reform Marijuana Laws." About Marijuana. NORML, n.d. Web. 16
Dec. 2015.
Times, New York. "6 Powerful Reasons to Legalize Marijuana, From the New York Times."
Alternet. Owen Poindexter, 31 July 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.