The debate over the legalization of marijuana and the use of medical marijuana has been strongly argued throughout the history of the United States and is still a very controversial issue. There are many strong arguments for the legalization of marijuana and the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The government has the opportunity to reap the benefits of legalizing marijuana, such as the ability to tax the product and the ability to control the distribution of the product. The use of medical marijuana can help cure the symptoms and side effects of many diseases and treatments. Marijuana has been proven to help patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer, and glaucoma.
             The efforts to prohibit the use of marijuana have failed and it is now time for the government to take charge. Marijuana is widely and easily distributed in America despite anti-drug laws, and there is no clear way to stop it. Marijuana is less addicting than alcohol or cigarettes, yet both alcohol and cigarettes are legal. Studies done by the political group NORML, National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws, have shown that alcohol has a greater effect on health than marijuana; alcohol can cause liver disease, severe mental and physical addiction, and depression. Marijuana is only psychologically addictive and does not create the physical withdrawal that someone would experience with alcohol abuse. There also have never been any recorded deaths caused by the use of marijuana, whereas alcohol has been blamed for countless amounts of deaths (Medical Marijuana).
             If marijuana were to be legalized for use by the public, an age limit would have to be set up, similar to that for alcohol or tobacco products. With this in place, the government would have more control over the product. The government would regulate the distribution and sale of the product and therefore have greater control over the use of marijuana. Marijuana could be taxed to bring in hu...