How would the legalization of drugs affect the economy?
Drug legalization may increase the number of drug addicts by 25 percent, but the current dollar volume of the drug trade is estimated at approximately $100 billion a year and reducing the economic profit of drug dealing is necessary. Arguments against drug legalization are noted and countered.
What are the pros of legalizing weed?
Legalizing marijuana would end the costly enforcement of marijuana laws and free up police resources. Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, which are already legal. Taxes collected from the legal sale of marijuana support important public programs. Legalizing marijuana creates thousands of needed jobs.
How does weed help the environment?
Cannabis, the plant from which marijuana and hemp is derived, grows quickly without the need for excessive amounts of fertilizer or pesticide (it's a “weed” after all) and absorbs carbon dioxide like any plant engaged in photosynthesis.
What are the benefits of legalizing drugs?
Drug legalization would benefit the United States in several ways: save Federal, State, and local governments billions of dollars a year; lead to reduced crime and safer neighborhoods; and enhance public health.
Is weed taxed in America?
Although prohibited under federal law, marijuana sales are legal and taxed in nine states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Marijuana is legal in Maine and Vermont but neither state has established its tax system yet.
What are the PROs and CONs of legalizing drugs?
PROHIBITIONPROs: Decreases accessibility to the drug.CONs: Increases criminality, incarceration, & black markets.PROs: Decreases criminality, incarceration, & black markets.CONs: Does not eliminate the cartels and criminal activity associated with the drug's manufacture, distribution, and sales.More items...
What are the effects of weed on the teenage brain?
Studies have shown that the use of marijuana is associated with reduced cognitive function in teens. One study found that teens who regularly use marijuana lose an average of 5.8 IQ points by the time they reach adulthood.
What country legalized all drugs?
PortugalPortugal. In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to abolish all criminal penalties for personal drug possession, under Law 30/2000.