Legalize Marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Legalize Marijuana - Essay Example Marijuana use also falls within the limits of a personal choice for everyone, and by making the choice to use it criminally, the United States is infringing on a personal choice. In 1857, John Stuart Mill wrote in an essay, â€Å"Over himself†¦over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign†. Marijuana usage, especially in a private home or residence, is a personal choice, and by making it criminal, the government is taking away a choice and a personal liberty. In addition, the fact that the use of marijuana is criminal is only the tip of the iceberg; in doing so, the government has forced thousands of businesses and services to institute drug-prevention programs and random testing procedures. While I do agree that some limits should probably be set to people working certain jobs if marijuana was made legal, these drug programs would not be taking money away from the business.Fifteen states and the area of Washington D.C. have passed legislation making marijuana a legal substance for medicinal purposes. While there are some stipulations, such as in thirteen out of the fifteen states proof of residency is required, and further laws are put into place regarding the growing of marijuana as opposed to simply consuming it, the fact remains that it is a legal substance. These states did what they did because they saw the benefits of having marijuana as a legal alternative to those that were in extreme pain or already suffering from a terminal illness in the first place.... Marijuana usage, especially in a private home or residence, is a personal choice, and by making it criminal, the government is taking away a choice and a personal liberty. In addition, the fact that the use of marijuana is criminal is only the tip of the iceberg; in doing so, the government has forced thousands of businesses and services to institute drug-prevention programs and random testing procedures (â€Å"American Civil Liberties Union†). While I do agree that some limits should probably be set to people working certain jobs (e.g. nuclear reactor operator, construction worker, etc.) if marijuana was made legal, these drug programs would not be taking money away from the business. Marijuana possession and usage is already legal throughout the United States, though not from shore to shore, for medicinal purposes. Fifteen states and the area of Washington D.C. have passed legislation making marijuana a legal substance for medicinal purposes (â€Å"Medical Marijuana†) . While there are some stipulations, such as in thirteen out of the fifteen states proof of residency is required, and further laws are put into place regarding the growing of marijuana as opposed to simply consuming it (â€Å"Medical Marijuana†), the fact remains that it is a legal substance. These states did what they did because they saw the benefits in having marijuana as a legal alternative to those that were in extreme pain or already suffering from a terminal illness in the first place. Even former Surgeon Generals in the government have weighed in, stating that there was overwhelming evidence that marijuana could take away the pain of an illness (â€Å"Medical Marijuana†). It is my opinion that usage and consumption