Marijuana is a mind-altering drug, and it is the most popular illegal drug in the United States. Marijuana comes from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). The ingredient in marijuana that gets you “high” is called THC. Some of the effects of marijuana are relaxation, highness, lack of attention, memory problems, some suffer from paranoia or others from euphoria. Many people use it in the United States. Statistics indicate that a third of Americans have used it at one time or another. Legalizing marijuana would benefit America in several ways, including increasing government revenue, creating jobs for Americans, and reducing the country's crime rate. If marijuana were legalized, it would be the same as tobacco or alcohol. This could create jobs in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture and distribution. Each marijuana franchise would create about 75 jobs. In Los Angeles alone, there are approximately 800 stores selling marijuana. The United States spends approximately $7.7 billion annually to enforce marijuana prohibition. If the plant were legalized, it would save the government money and it would help them make money if they taxed it. By taxing marijuana, it would raise an additional six billion dollars each year. Colorado made over $1 million the first day it was legalized. "State officials expect first-year revenue of $578 million, as well as $67 million in tax revenue, to be used to build schools and fund community efforts. regulation." - On the political side, some estimates speak of a range of ten billion dollars to $120 billion per year from marijuana sales if it were legalized nationwide. There are more than 60,000 people in prison for marijuana offenses. That alone costs the middle of paper......e to drink. There are 1.2 million emergency room visits each year due to excessive alcohol consumption, some requiring stomach pumping, while the number of annual deaths from marijuana is zero. How can alcohol and tobacco be legal with these statistics and marijuana not? There are a few states where marijuana is legalized. Thirteen states are awaiting legislation legalizing medical use only. Colorado itself made five million dollars in five days from the sale of marijuana. The only states where marijuana is legalized for recreational use are California, Colorado, and Washington. There are many reasons why marijuana should be legalized. This would help our government and our people. This could create a ton of jobs and bring in a lot of money to help the United States get out of its national debt. Marijuana is touted as a bad drug, but it can help people with all kinds of health problems..