Legalization of marijuana

The legalization of marijuana has been debated for years now. However, one big factor about this argument is that we live in a democracy. How is something considered "illegal" if the government is for the people/ by the people? The definition of a democracy is: Noun 1. A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. On the site http://civilliberty.about.com... the 7 reasons why marijuana is illegal are listed like so: 1. It is perceived as an addictive. 2. It has "no accepted medical use". 3. It has been historically linked with narcotics, such as heroin. 4. It is associated with unfashionable lifestyles. 5. It was once associated with oppressed ethnic groups. 6. Inertia is a powerful force in public policy. 7. Advocates for marijuana legalization rarely present an appealing case. All of these reasons may be true, but they are solely opinions, as well. If someone wants to put this substance into their body, they should be able to without the governemnt controlling their intake. Approximately 8,400 state prison inmates were serving time for marijuana possession (any amount), and fewer than half of them were first time offenders. These people can receive one year in prison to ten years in prison, plus they are required to pay a fine typically. The sentence depends on whether it was a misdemeanor or felony possession. For drugs? You will sentence someone and take part of thier life away for drugs? In my opinion, that is ridiculous. The drugs will continue to be sold, used, and abused whether you fine and sentence the users and dealers or not. However, based on the foundation of our governemnt, the United States of America is a free country. Therefore, why aren't we allowed to take drugs? Because it harms our body? Really? Well, "the American Medical Association argued against marijuana prohibition in the 1930s, citing its therapeutic potential. But the bureau made its case that marijuana was "dangerous for the mind and the body," and the federal government outlawed its use in 1937. It wasn't until the 1970s that a campaign began to restore marijuana's therapeutic reputation, and in 1996 California became the first state to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. Psychiatrist Tod Mikuriya, a founding father in the medical marijuana movement, claimed that cannabis has none of the adverse side effects of opiates. 'In fact,' he said, 'it really enhances both quality of life and rehabilitation.'" Typical people fighting against marijuana have never used the drug. Therefore, their opinion is irreleveant. There is no proof that users become "a fiend with savage or 'caveman' tendencies. His sex desires are aroused, and some of the most horrible crimes result." If people were walking around being cannibals, we'd have a problem. But guess what? They aren't. According to NIDA's 2011 Monitoring the Future study, about 7.2 percent of 8th graders, 17.6 percent of 10th graders, and 22.6 percent of 12th graders had used marijuana in the month before the survey. In fact, marijuana use declined from the late 1990s through 2007, with a decrease in past-year use of more than 20 percent in all three grades combined from 2000 to 2007. Unfortunately, this trend appears to be reversing. Since 2006, annual, monthly, and daily marijuana use increased among 10th and 12th graders. In 2011, 6.6 percent of 12th graders reported using marijuana daily, compared to 5.0 percent in 2006. Are all these kids reckless and exhibiting such canibal-like behavior? No. Marijuana should be legal for the simple reason that we live in a free country, and if someone chooses to intake a drug, they should be able to without the governemnt making decisions for them. Alcohol is legal. Sex is legal. Cigarettes are legal. Why aren't drugs? This is a free country. Your opinions do not matter because if a percentage of the population disagrees, then it should be legal anyway. FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE. The rest of the population that is against the usage can just not use it. Why jeopardize everyone else's lives and decisions? The government should not be this involved in our lives. We decide things for ourselves. This is not a dictatorship. This is a democracy. If you like being controlled by the governemnt, by all means, move to Libya! Sources: http://mobile.getsmartaboutdrugs.com... https://www.google.com... http://www.mahalo.com... http://teens.drugabuse.gov...