Drug use among teenagers has doubled since the year 1992. Marijuana is undoubtedly the most popular; the quantity has risen, the price is cheaper, and more people are tempted to start. Illegal drug use and drug related crimes have killed 20,000 Americans yearly (Eldredge). Congress voted on the suggestion to legalize marijuana mainly for medical purposes and their votes concluded 310- 93 against the idea. Nevertheless, out of 100 Americans surveyed on that same concept, 93% of them were for legalization (Schmid). The argument over the legalization of pot for medical purposes or personal recreational use has been an ongoing controversy since 1972 (Nadelmann).Marijuana is currently the fastest growing in popularity amongst all illegal drugs. It was abused during the 1970- 80s, and is now becoming a bigger problem than before. Reportedly, 1/3 of Americans have admitted to trying marijuana on more than one occasion. Illegal drug production is a larger business than ever before. A big part of it is even produced right here in the United States (Nadelmann). Yet drug use is not necessarily drug abuse. Although it is not entirely safe, pot is one of the least dangerous psychoactive drugs. A judge from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) stated, “ Marijuana, in it’s natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active drugs known to man” (Eldredge).The government struggled with the decision of legalization and eventually decided to go against it (Schmid). Illegal drugs and drug related accidents kill tens of thousands yearly (Eldredge). Also the DEA estimates that Americans would be taxed greatly if marijuana were legalized, because legalization would cost up to $210 billion dollars in societal problems. Marijuana is responsible for destroying lives, tearing apart families, and communicational problems. 96% of youth arrested for crimes tested positive for marijuana. Drug users were 10 times more likely to c...
