Drugs have been taboo for many centuries in the United States due to their exotic nature. Most other countries have already legalized the use of the drug or have never banned it at all. The United States could legalize drugs and bring many benefits. Over the past two years, legalization has become a major issue across the country. Colorado and Washington were the first to legalize marijuana and both have benefited greatly from it. If the United States legalized drug use, the economy would grow, the crime rate would decrease, and people would be smarter about drug use. History of Marijuana The United States has not always had strict laws regarding the use of marijuana. In 1906 the Pure Food and Drug Act preventing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors, and to regulate traffic therein, and for other purposes (library government. Web). This act required marijuana to be labeled as “poison” (Cardinal). Many rumors began to circulate across the nation regarding marijuana that could cause people to do so. Depression hit soon after, and with Speculations that marijuana would incite violent behavior, lead to insanity, addiction and drug abuse, and even drive some to commit sex crimes, were fueled by the 25 percent unemployment rate, increasing animosity towards anyone perceived as causing a struggling economy. (Cardinal)In 1931 the government linked heinous crimes committed by non-white communities to the use of marijuana. In 1932, twenty-nine states banned the use of marijuana, and Congress passed the Uniform State Narcotic Act, which gave the government control and prevention of the distribution and use of narcotics. In 1936 the… medium of paper… to CHP data, and law enforcement places much of the blame on the rapid growth of medical marijuana use over the past decade. Deaths in traffic accidents where drugs were the primary cause and alcohol was not involved increased 55 percent in the 10 years ending in 2009. (Vartebjan) This is a serious situation because marijuana could harm more than just the user. Drunk driving kills more and more people every year, but it is still legal. If the United States legalizes marijuana, it will have to crack down on driving under the influence of drugs. Conclusion Marijuana legalization will be an ongoing battle for many years to come. The battle will begin with medical marijuana and then continue with full legalization. The United States could make money, lower the crime rate and support the sick. Europe has already made this change and has benefited greatly from it. The United States will soon follow?