Why Marijuana should be legal

Because cannabis increases heart rate, it could potentially increase risks of heart problems in those at risk of heart disease. One study found that cannabis use increased the risk of heart attack in men over 40, but its findings were weak and based on a very small number of individuals. In a large study of 65,000 individuals in California by Sidney et al in 1997, cannabis was not found to increase mortality rates among users under 50. (Rosin 161) Several studies have indicated that cannabis use (like many other strong psychoactives) can precipitate neuroses or psychoses in those who are already at risk. Studies have also shown that cannabis use does not appear to increase the risk of psychosis in otherwise healthy individuals. (Souder154-156).
             Marijuana does not have all negative effects; marijuana also supports ill and suffering people. Some positive effects of marijuana include mood lift, relaxation, stress reduction, creative philosophical or deep thinking, ideas flow more clearly, increased appreciation of music, higher awareness and deeper connection to music, increased awareness of eating, drinking, and smell. More positive effects include change of muscle fatigue, pleasant body feel, increased body and mind connectivity, pain relief, reduced headaches, cramps, and nausea. (Marijuana 1) One of the biggest positive effects is that it increases the appetite, which is used to medically cure ultra skinny people. Therefore, the legalization marijuana is a legitimate debate. (Glasser 135).
             Knowing all of the goods and evils of marijuana, it does not seem as bad as alcohol or cigarettes, which are both legal, so why not legalize marijuana? The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has been officially opposing marijuana prohibition since 1969. In the past 10 years, 10 million people have been arrested for marijuana offenses in the U.S., the vast majority of them for simple possession and use.