Speech on legalization of recreational marijuana 1. Introduction a. b. I stand in affirmation for the legalization of recreational marijuana for the following two reasons: a boost for our economy and extremely beneficial for medicinal reasons. 2. Body
First, legalization of recreational marijuana will be a positive choice for America and our economy. Our country has had marijuana illegal for over half a century and all it has done is cause more and more taxes. As we still come out of our recession, at $16.4 trillion right now (Treasury Direct, 2/4/2013) the government is scrambling for ways to boost our economy to get the ball back rolling. By legalizing recreational use of marijuana, so much money would be saved that is spent throwing people into jail who commit crimes far less detrimental than smoking weed. The government keeps funneling all of our hard-paid money into taxes to put these people away for such a minor offense. “With taxed and regulated marijuana, federal and state governments would suddenly free up $26 billion spent annually on the failed drug war.” (Carl Gibson 2012) A whole new line of products could be introduced into our economy that we can tax on, opening up new businesses and creating job opportunities.
Secondly, legalization can provide medical uses for people who do not have the resources or qualifications to file and receive a medical marijuana card. 80% of people who apply for a medical marijuana card do not meet the “credentials” for one and are turned away. (Patrick Kennedy 1/8/13) If legalized for