Legalize MarijuanaMarijuana is a very controversial and intrusive issue in our society today. Although many have made snide comments about it in the past, and even in the present, the truth and benefits of marijuana are finally reemerging. Unfortunately, our society has become very critical of the legalization of marijuana due to the stereotypical view of the type of people considered "pot smokers." This twisted perception of a lazy and unmotivated America is the logic behind keeping marijuana unattainable for our citizens. Although carefully examined by many people around the world, the benefits of using marijuana easily outweigh the disadvantages of the plant. While many argue that it can lead to further drug use, the plant has shown nothing but a leverage effect on people suffering from serious illnesses and chronic pain. Legalizing marijuana would be extremely beneficial to all types of people in America. The medical purpose of marijuana is not a recent discovery. Its use dates back more than 5,000 years. By the late 18th century, early editions of American medical journals recommended hemp seeds and roots for the treatment of inflamed skin, incontinence, and venereal disease (Stack). Today, thousands of patients can use marijuana as an effective method of treating the symptoms of certain disorders. This is possible because fourteen state governments in our country have recognized the effective healing properties of the plant and have legalized its consumption for medicinal purposes with the consent of a licensed doctor. However, these patients are at the mercy of the federal government and its authority. While it has been noted that marijuana is effective for... middle of paper... others who have similar medical reasons should be considered in this debate. If marijuana could keep one of your family members from suffering, why wouldn't you want them to take it? Works Cited Armentano, Paul. “Health and Social Costs of Marijuana Compared to Alcohol and Tobacco.” Alternet, org. Alter Net, March 30, 2012. Web. October 19, 2013.Gupta, Sanjay. “Why I Changed My Mind About Weed” CNN.com. Cable News Network, August 18, 2013. Network. October 19, 2013. Stack, Patrick. "A Brief History of Medical Marijuana." Content.time.com. Time Inc, October 21, 2009.Web. October 19, 2013.Wilson, Jacque. “Highs and Lows of Marijuana Use.” CNN.com. Cable News Network, November 12, 2012. Network. October 19, 2013.Zolfagharifard, Ellie. “Teens who smoke cannabis damage their brains for life and may be more likely to develop schizophrenia.” Dailymail.co.uk. Daily Mail, 25 July 2013. Web. 19 October. 2013.