In 2012, over half of the American population believe marijuana should be legalized, and 70% think medical marijuana should be decriminalized. In states with effective medical marijuana laws, there are over a million users getting pain relief every day. Despite trying numerous other medicines, many with life-threatening conditions, such as Cancer or AIDS, can only find relief with marijuana. Still, our federal government labels these individuals criminals.
A marijuana arrest occurs every 42 seconds. Marijuana remains a Schedule 1 drug, alongside heroin and LSD, while cocaine and morphine are Schedule 2 drugs. This sends a message to our children that these drugs are less harmful than marijuana. And yet, no one has ever died directly frommarijuana use. This cannot be said even for alcohol and tobacco, both of which are legal and regulated under the federal government.
In addition to the medical benefits for many sufferers, legalization would substantially affect our economy. By not having to enforce prohibition, we would save $7.7 billion annually, much of which are tax dollars. In addition, the government would make an additional $6 billion annually, if marijuana were taxed similarly to tobacco and alcohol. This totals approximately $13.7 billion yearly.
This information design project shows the states that have begun to take a legal stand in favor of marijuana and also the medical conditions which are approved for use. This piece also illustrates the money now being spent in every state on prohibition enforcement, as well as the contrasting revenue gains in states that have recognized the immense medical and economic benefits that legalization spark.
