ECONOMIC TROUBLES? MARIJUANA TO THE RESCUE

When addressing the media, then-U.S. Representative Dan Quayle said,
"Congress should definitely consider decriminalizing possession of
marijuana. We should concentrate on prosecuting the rapists and burglars
who are a menace to society."

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that can be consumed in many ways. Humans
have used marijuana since prehistory for religious, spiritual, or medical
purposes. In the early 20th century, the possession, use, or sale of
marijuana became illegal in most parts of the world.

I believe the benefits of legalizing marijuana could have an incredible
effect on our country. Prisons would be less congested, economies could
climb out of debt, and people could fulfill their medical needs.

In our current economic crisis, the decriminalization of marijuana can
potentially become a billion dollar industry and boost economies.

In 2008, state and federal governments received over $20 billion from
taxpayers on alcohol and tobacco taxes.

It's estimated that annual revenues for marijuana could approach $14
billion, which translates into roughly $1.4 billion in taxes. If marijuana
were to be legalized, regulated, and taxed, it would significantly help
the local and national economies.

In spite of all the benefits that come with legalization, there is no
doubt that marijuana is bad for the brain.

Researchers agree that the chemical in marijuana, THC, affects areas in
the brain associated with thinking, memory, concentration, sensation, time
perception, and emotions.

It is still up for debate whether marijuana is linked to anxiety,
depression, or psychotic thinking, but researchers are confident that
heavy use of weed will lead to long-term brain damage. Not only does
marijuana affect the brain, but it also affects the heart and sperm.
Marijuana is a serious respiratory irritant and can be more harmful than
tobacco.

These daunting specifics are part of the reason why a compromise has yet
to be reached between the two opposing sides.

So, when Dan Quayle said that we should concentrate on arresting murderers
and less on drug offenders, he might not have known how true his
sentiments would be 30 years later. A way to appease both sides of the
opposition is to allow for dispensaries (stores that sell medical
marijuana) to be federally legal. Currently, dispensaries are legal by
state law in California, but the federal government still sees it as
illegal.

In my opinion, the legalization of dispensaries would be an effective tool
for helping our country climb out of its current economic state.