The legalization of marijuana has been one of the most discussed topics by politicians recently. Ever since 1937, when marijuana was criminalized, there have been many people who have become successful members of society and still smoked marijuana. These people risked going to jail and a tarnished personal record just to smoke marijuana, which could affect the rest of their life. Is that right? Someone who pays taxes and supports a family, should they have to risk going to jail for something that is less intoxicating than alcohol. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the United States medicinally, economically, and socially.
             The medicinal values of marijuana is one of the more talked about topics in the legalization of marijuana. The United States Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey said, "There's not a shred of scientific evidence that (says) marijuana is a useful medicine" (Weed Wars). But on the contrary, if you do research you can find a lot of scientific evidence. The benefits of medicinal marijuana in cases where patients have developed cancer or AIDS are that marijuana helps to stimulate the patients' appetite, relieve pain, nausea, and vomiting, which are all side effects of the treatment for cancer and AIDS (Cloud). When patients have glaucoma marijuana reduces intraocular pressure which stems the pain, and in some cases has been known to stop the advance of the disease all together. Marijuana has also been known to prevent seizures and reduce severity of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. In cases where people suffer from insomnia, which is rather common, marijuana gives sufferers a deep restful sleep without the morning grogginess commonly associated with sleeping pills (Medical).
             If marijuana was to be legalized the government would have a new "sin" tax (a tax on a consumable product that is considered morally or ethically illicit ie. cigarettes
             ...