Legalization of Marijuana

" Because of this propaganda, a law was introduced in 1937 to criminalize marijuana.
             In the 1970's, marijuana usage became mainstream with larger segments of society partaking. A number of states recognized this and decriminalized the possession of small amounts. However, this was short lived. Under President Reagan, the nation took a strong shift to the right and responded with harsher penalties for drug offenses. This continued through the Clinton administration with massive federal funding for the war on drugs.
             There are arguments for and against legalization. I believe the legalization of marijuana could help solve many problems we face in society.
             Marijuana has a medicinal purpose. The best established usage is to reduce nausea for cancer chemotherapy. In fact, studies prove that marijuana smoking is far more effective for reducing nausea than prescription medications at a greatly reduced cost. It has also shown effectiveness as an anti-spasmatic in conditions such as MS, epilepsy and paraplegia as well as a pain reliever and appetite stimulant for people with H.I.V., AIDS and cancer. .
             Billions of dollars are spent annually on prescription drugs used to lift our spirits or calm our nerves. Harmful or highly addictive chemicals with dangerous side effects are sold to the public under widely marketed names such as Prozac, Valium, Zoloft, Xanax and Paxil. .
             Our society suffers from anxiety, tragedies, depressions, suicides and unhappiness. Why can't we recognize the innocuous yet beneficial aspects of marijuana as a mood elevator and try to enhance life for the population? Marijuana may well fulfill such needs for society. .
             Between 1978 and 1996, legislatures in 34 states passed laws recognizing marijuana's therapeutic value and there are currently bills in Congress to allow physicians to legally recommend or prescribe marijuana to patients where state law permits. In fact, .
             the United States Supreme Court upheld a ruling this week that the federal government may not revoke the licenses of doctors who recommend marijuana to their patients.