Since marijuana was made illegal there has been the creation of many different organizations to try to decriminalize marijuana. One major organization known as NORML, The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, “supports the removal of all penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including cultivation for personal use, and casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts” (NORML). This policy is known as decriminalization. If marijuana were decriminalized it would mean that the marijuana smoker could

Today in Missouri, if caught in possession with thirty-five grams or less of marijuana it is considered a misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to one thousand dollars. Possession of greater than thirty-five grams of marijuana it is considered a felony and is punishable up to seven years in prison and a fine up to five thousand dollars. Possession of greater than thirty kilograms is considered trafficking and the penalty is five to fifteen years in prison and a fine up to twenty thousand dollars. Possession of one hundred kilograms or more carries a penalty of ten years to life in prison and a fine up to twenty thousand dollars. In Missouri if caught selling marijuana, even if the transaction consisted of only one gram, it is a felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine up to five thousand dollars. If caught selling or manufacturing one hundred kilograms or more is punishable by ten years to life in prison with no parole or probation (Terkel).

I feel that marijuana should be decriminalized under certain circumstances. First and foremost, the United States government should regulate marijuana. The “consumer” should use marijuana responsibly. Marijuana smokers should be limited to adults only, no persons under the age of eighteen should be allowed to purchase

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