Legalizing marijuana

Monday, April 20 marked the most joyous day on the calendar for pot smokers everywhere - and legislators took notice. The legalization and decriminalization of marijuana has already begun in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts respectively. The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years. It was used for the treatment of disease and poor memory for thousands of years before it was deemed an illegal substance in 1914. Those in support of the legalization of marijuana argue that it is good for you and actually has more benefits than it does risks. Those who are opposed to marijuana's legalization argue that it impairs judgment, kills brain cells and can serve as a gateway drug.

Roberta Adams, sophomore, said, "The main support for marijuana's legalization comes from the already widespread use. Many people already use marijuana and making it legal would allow police to focus efforts on other crimes."

The medicinal purposes of marijuana are part of the argument for legalization. In Pennsylvania, legislators are signing an important medical advance- the legalization of medical marijuana. People have begun to understand that marijuana can ease the symptoms and suffering of patients who are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. Already, 13 states have legalized medical marijuana, and others are considering it.

However, State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen of Minnesota says that the bill to legalize medical marijuana is a "law enforcement nightmare." In Massachusetts, Whitney Taylor, chairwoman of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy argues for the decriminalization of the drug.

"The government wants to focus our limited law enforcement resources on serious and violent crimes," Taylor said to The New World Order. "They recognize that under the new law that the punishment will fit the offense."

The Massachusetts policy will make those that are caught with less than 1 oz. of pot punishable by a civil fine of $100, and those under the age of 18 will have to complete a drug awareness program and partake in community service. The fine would increase to as much as $1000 for those who fail to complete the program. While this seems like a good idea, those that are opposed feel that legalizing marijuana will promote drug use and benefit the drug dealers thus making crime rates higher and making the streets dangerous and unfriendly.