Should it not be ones choice to be intoxicated or not, given they do not impose a problem? Marijuana is not as bad, as thought to be. In fact there are many positive things that come from marijuana use, and many negative things that come from it being illegal. Although marijuana is made up of a drug, THC, it should be legalized. Laws on marijuana put a burden on the United States. First, there are many more crimes being committed other than crimes evolving marijuana each year. According to Paul Rushman, more people are arrested for marijuana crimes than all violent crimes each year, imposing a major burden on U.S. law enforcement (2004). Legalizing marijuana would result in the ability of law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes than those of marijuana crimes. Secondly, the U.S. government must send a considerable amount of money to enforce marijuana laws. Since 1997 the government spends $7.5-$10 billion yearly as well as 2.4 million would allow law enforcement’s time to be better spent over all. Third, marijuana legalization would save billions of dollars each year, that could be better spent (Taylor, 2005). With the legalization of marijuana the $7.5 -$10 billion could be put toward education; public health, and other government projects. Legalizing marijuana would lessen the burden of both time and money marijuana has imposed on the U.S. The drug in marijuana, THC, has medicinal purposes. For instance, Victims of cancer and HIV have benefited from the use of marijuana. In cases such as AIDS and cancer the use of marijuana has increased the way of life and/or extended the life expectancy of the patients (Taylor, 2005). The legalization of marijuana would be able to help people who face terminally ill circumstances. Also, the help from marijuana extends to more than just the terminally ill. Researches suggests that marijuana helps in treating neuropathic pain, nausea, spasticity, Glaucoma, and many movement disorders (Corthan, 2005). The Legalizing of marijuana would help many people stop suffering from pain. Also, marijuana has the ability to help counteract the actions of other disorders. In fact, marijuana has shown to help decrease alcohol intake of alcoholics, thus treating Alcoholism (Mikurya,2010). Allowing the availability of marijuana would benefit people suffering from disorders. Marijuana legalization would make it possible for people to use it for their medical purposes. Although marijuana impairs judgment, other drugs and alcohol are far worse. For example “Marijuana is safer, less addictive, less subject to abuse, and less side effects than may legal pain relievers and prescription medication” (Taylor, 2005). In the case of legalization, it would provide better alternatives medically. Likewise, overdose is a big risk factor in drug and alcohol use. According to the “alcohol vs. Marijuana” which is Safer?” web page, marijuana is impossible to overdose on by either eating or smoking. It is very easy to take in enough alcohol to get alcohol poisoning (2009). As a result of legalization of marijuana, it would provide a somewhat healthier alternative to drinking alcohol and the use of their drugs for recreational purposes. Certainly, many drugs have a physically additive factor associated with them. Marijuana has somewhat of risk of physiological dependence, yet it has no risk of physical dependency. Yet other drugs such as narcotics, opiates, sedatives, stimulants, and alcohol, are all capable of being physically and psychologically dependent ( Weithen, 2007). With the ability to not be addicted to marijuana, legalizing it would result in the ability to consume a non-addictive drug. With given reasons, legalization of marijuana would give a chance to the use of safer mind altering substance. Marijuana should be legalized, yet it may not be because of common miss conceptions. The Use of marijuana leads to permanent mental illness. It is a myth there is no evidence nor proof that marijuana causes mental illness, all side effects are temporary (Marijuana: Facts, 2010). Also, marijuana use leads to crime. Many studies of organizations and government have found users mainly commit no crimes other than possession alone (Marijuana: Facts 2010). Marijuana although there is skepticism, has no risk of causing mental health issues nor does it lead to an increase in crime. Although marijuana is made u of a drug, THC, it should be legalized. The legalization of Marijuana will lift the burden on tax payers and police officer. As well, the legalization will provide an additional choice to those seeking medical help in a wide range of circumstances. Marijuana is also safer and healthier than alcohol and many legal and illegal drugs. Over all, marijuana is a misinterpreted substance that adults should be able to weigh the choice to use. Marijuana should become decriminalized to help people with medical conditions and to lessen the burden of enforcing the laws.

References
(2009, February 13). Alcohol vs. Marijuana: which is safer? Goaskalice.clumbia. Retrieved from http://goaskalice.columbia.edu /alcohol-vs-marijuana-which-safer (2010, February 23). Marijuana: Facts. Drug police Alliance Network. Retrieved from http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/10-facts-about-marijuana Buckey, W. (2005). Drug Legalization. New York, NY: Farmington Hills: Thomas Gale.
Cothran, H. (2005). National organization for the Reform of Marijuana laws. Raminton Hills: Thomas Gale.
Mikurya.(2011, October 1). Clinical Studies and Case Reports. International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines. Retrieved from http://www.cannabis-med.org/index.php?tpl=studylist&id=36&lng=en
Taylor, S. (2005). Drug Legalization. Raminton Hills: Thomas Gale. Weithen, W. (2007) Psychology: Themes and Variations, Seventh Edition. Belmont: Thomson wadsworth.