Legalize it | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Legalize it

Saving money and prison space through legal recreational use of marijuana.

23
Legalize it
Herb

Patricia Spottedcrow, and Oklahoma mother of four, sold $31 of pot and landed 12 years prison because of it. In her first two years of incarceration, she completed her GED and other self-improvement programs, but only got to see her children twice. This woman is a perfect example of how a small-time bust can completely redirect a harmless citizen’s life. This example and many others lead me to believe that the recreational use of marijuana in the US should be legal for citizens 18 and older because the tax revenue would be beneficial to the economy and to government spending, and it would open up jails and prisons to more serious offenders.

It is projected that legalizing the possession of marijuana would save the US government about $2.4 billion per year and state and local governments a total of $5.3 billion per year. This conclusion was reached through analyzing the costs of police, the judiciary, and correctional facilities. In addition, Jeffrey Miron, a professor of economics at Harvard University, found that under the standard sales tax rate, marijuana taxes would generate $2.4 billion, and would generate $6.2 billion under current alcohol and tobacco tax rates. There is so much good that could come from 6.2 billion dollars if it was not used in marijuana regulation, but illegal marijuana is detracting from what could be.

As shown by the revenue loss of illegal marijuana, the “war on drugs” has been a complete waste in tax dollars and in resources. The US has spent more than 1 trillion dollars combatting drug use in the past four decades. If regulating drug use is such a big issue, then the tax revenue gained from marijuana could be put back into the criminal justice system to help combat other Schedule I drugs with more pressing medical issues, like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.

Legalization would also open up the justice system to more serious offenders. According to the FBI, more than 786,000 people were arrested in the US for violating anti-marijuana laws. Of this number, 696,000 were charged with possession and 90,000 were charged with intent to sell or marijuana manufacture. If recreational use of marijuana was legal, there would be a massive impact on prison funds saved. The average yearly cost for a minimum security inmate is $21,000. If all anti-marijuana law offenders were released, the US prison systems would save 16.5 billion dollars a year—a heavy price for a petty crime, don’t you think? I can not speak for everyone, but I suspect tax payers would rather the money go towards more serious issues than the incarceration of marijuana offenders.

If 53 percent of Americans are in favor of legalization and if 14 million reported using the drug despite restrictive laws, then why not tax it and keep the 786,000 prisoners out of the system?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

21591
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9074
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6571
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5662
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments