“Millions of people have died from cigarettes, and yet they are sold freely in stores. Alcohol is the cause of countless deaths… but it is still possible to buy it. Every 19 minutes, someone in the United States dies from a drug overdose. Who died from marijuana? Nobody." (Archer) The legalization of marijuana is one of the most controversial topics of debate today. The idea that marijuana should be legalized is a smart idea. It can help medical patients, reduce the crime rates and help the economy. Humans have been using marijuana for thousands of years. At first it was used for fabric and food. , in the 1840s it was used as medicine and sold in pharmacies. In 1913, marijuana prohibition began. Although it was a profitable crop and a useful health product, it was illegal. took place. Innocent people were criminalized. The Prohibition Act should be overturned and marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana has less harmful side effects than two popular legal drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Caffeine abuse, found in many carbonated drinks, can have an even more negative effect on the human body. About fifty thousand people die every year from alcohol. Tobacco kills around 400,000 people each year. Yet no deaths from marijuana have been recorded. ("Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Decriminalizing Marijuana and Marijuana Use") In fact, marijuana has side effects that are more helpful than harmful. In a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association, smoking marijuana can increase lung capacity. (Archer) Additionally, certain chemicals found in marijuana, such as cannabidol, may help prevent cancer. (Muthyam) Cannabis also helps people going through... middle of paper... use of the drug itself; and where they are, they should be changed. Nowhere is this clearer than in the laws prohibiting the possession of marijuana in private for personal use…” Marijuana legalization is a necessity for the United States. Legalization would have major health benefits, decriminalization of otherwise normal citizens, and billions of dollars. Some people might ask: why should I care? Well, if a family member develops AIDS or cancer, there is a new alternative that has been proven to help fight this disease. We will also be taxed less due to reduced government spending on marijuana convictions. We will be decriminalized and we will grant the same freedoms with marijuana as those granted with alcohol or tobacco. Ultimately, our government will manage to get out of debt by taxing the factory. Legalizing marijuana could greatly improve our country as a whole.