Local and state governments in the U.S. began controlling the sale of marijuana in the 1800s. Many of the states regulated the drug further in 1906 by stamping it as a poison. Most states illegalized cannabis completely in the 1920s.
Some states are now authorizing the use of marijuana for verified medical reasons, however, for which advocates say the drug has many great advantages. There are pros and cons to consider on either side of the argument.
Supporters of marijuana legalization fight for the legalization of medical marijuana, rather than fighting for legalization for all consumers. Others say it should be taxed and controlled like alcohol and cigarettes, so anybody over a certain age would be able to obtain it legally. Here are a few of the arguments for marijuana authorization:
The challengers of cannabis legalization also have opinions to defend their stand, including:
There’s no refusing marijuana has some harmful side effects, which is why it was outlawed in the first place. The question still remains: Is that enough to make it illegal?