The Positive and Negative Impacts of the Legalization of Marijuana
Levi Welshans
Composition
Professor Prince
June 6, 2012

Introduction
Marijuana has been the source of much debate in recent years. Many believe that this plant is special, and that this plant is less damaging than alcohol or tobacco. Some individuals believe it offers more than just physical and mental relief. They believe that it has the power to heal diseases. In the medical field, many have questioned where this evidence is. There have been studies of marijuana for decades. Most doctors would tell the general public that without a doubt this drug, like others, will have adverse effects in dealing with disease or pain management. For those who suffer with
Marijuana Around the World
Many countries have adapted to unique judicial systems that allow individuals to use marijuana. It is still illegal to sell it or to possess over certain weights. It is still classified as a drug by the United Nations and each of the states in the European Union (Possession of Cannabis for Personal Use , 2011) Each country in the European Union has different laws, and offers different fines and jail time for the sale or possession of marijuana. The Netherlands is very well known for its lack of interest in pursuing those who smoke in their coffee shops and established hashish houses. Many advocates for the legalization of marijuana consider Amsterdam to be a perfect example of how a beautiful city can balance the law and recreational use of marijuana. They also fail to take into account the increase in violence, robberies and the use of alcohol and drugs associated with minors (Stimson, Legalizing Marijuana: Why Citizens Should Just Say No, 2010). Even a place such as Amsterdam has realized that the effects of not monitoring the crime associated with marijuana has had a negative impact on the youth. The Netherlands and others in the European Union are currently reevaluating their drug policies and are working towards a stricter environment for drug dealers and offenders. What has started as an initiative that many believed had no chance of seeing the light of day has gathered am ever increasing