Annotated Bibliography In today's society the topic of the legalization of marijuana is a very controversial subject. There are many who believe that this substance should be made legal because the government could save money by taking the drug out of the hand of criminals and making more room in jail cells for more severe crimes. There are also strong supporters that believe that there are many harmful effects from chronic use of marijuana. There are many problems, social and physical, that are effects from using marijuana. Marijuana should be illegal because it will cause an increase in drug users and drug related crimes, the short term and long term effects of marijuana on the body, and the effect it will have on the country. Support 1: Health effects Elvidence: It effects on the lung, heart, and brain. Smoking marijuana, even infrequently, can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, and cause heavy coughing. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. Within a few minutes after smoking marijuana, the heart begins beating more rapidly and the blood pressure drops. Marijuana can cause the heart beat to increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute, and can increase even more if other drugs are used at the same time. Support 2: Finacial effects Evidence: Marijuana use among a family member can have a devastating effect financially on everyone in the household. The amount of money that is spent on the