Up in Smoke

For years a natural, miracle drug has been growing all over the world; but since its discovery, a raging battle between economists, the government, physicians, and the general public has ensued on the topic of legalization. Cannabis has been used by US physicians since the mid-19th century, and has been noted to be used globally since the early 19th century. However, the government has deemed it an illegal substance; possession of it can lead to imprisonment and fines. Today, the number of people going up in arms to join the crusade to legalize cannabis is substantially growing. So how long can the government ignore their deafening roar?
The biggest justification for legalizing cannabis would be the help it would bring to thousands of people suffering from various ailments; contributing the most benefits to those with AIDs undergoing chemotherapy, and those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis or MS. It also helps with lesser ailments such as depression, anxiety, and anorexia. However, the FDA is apprehensive about approving it as a viable form of medicine; stating there’s not enough research about it, and that it is a “gateway drug” that can lead to addiction. But how many soccer moms are driving to the pharmacy right now to get their monthly fix of legal pain killers? Moderation is not something we can force people to do, however we do have the means to educate and instill this value in them.
If the FDA did approve cannabis it would help out our nation financially as well. In a report conducted by Milton Friedman, author and economist, in 2005 it was estimated that “legalizing marijuana would save $7.7 billion per year in government expenditure on enforcement of prohibition. $5.3 billion of this savings would accrue to state and local governments; while $2.4 billion would accrue to the federal government... marijuana legalization would yield tax revenue of $2.4 billion annually if marijuana were taxed like all other goods and $6.2 billion annually if marijuana... [continues]

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