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Marijuana legalization would offer an important advantage over decriminalization in that it would allow for legal distribution and taxation of cannabis as well as decrease costly enforcement and incarceration expenses. Despite these costly enforcement efforts, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in America. According to a survey done in 2008 by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 42% of 12th graders in the United States have used marijuana at some point in their life. High demands for marijuana likely indicate that legalization of the drug would have an enormous effect on the American economy. In a time of economic recession and government debt of record proportions, it is extremely beneficial to look into the possible advantages and disadvantages of such legislation. By comparing different studies done by various organizations and departments as well as analyzing areas that have already legalized marijuana, such as the Netherlands, I was able to determine approximately how the economy would be affected on several different issues. Some figures that would be affected are: employment, the demand for marijuana, taxation rates and potential government revenue, incarceration and enforcement costs, and social issues such as rehabilitation programs. According to my research, the United States government would experience an increase of $25,963,686,520 towards their budget. |
