More Americans think the use of Marijuana should be legalized amid efforts by the US lawmakers across many states to decriminalize the medical use of the substance.
A recent Gallup poll indicates that more than 4 in ever 10 Americans – around 44 percent maintain that marijuana should be legalized. The figure is up from 36 percent in 2005 and 31 percent in 2000.
"The war on drugs has failed and we feel marijuana should be taxed and regulated like alcohol, so it will be a much safer process," Kurt Gardinier from Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), which is lobbying lawmakers to make marijuana legal in the US, told Press TV's Rhonda Pence.
The MPP says around 100 million Americans smoke marijuana and 15 million smoke it on a monthly basis.
The US Federal law prohibits using Marijuana, but under the administration of President Barack Obama, steps have been taken to ease the use of medical marijuana.
Considering the growing interest in the medical benefits of marijuana (cannabis), many studies have reported the compound to be effective in treating appetite loss, glaucoma, nausea and vomiting, pain and weight loss. Its active chemicals are also reported to be effective in reducing the size of various types of tumors particularly prostate malignancies.
Opponents of medical marijuana, however, stress on the short- and long-term side effects of the compound including memory and learning problems, distorted perceptions, trouble thinking, loss of coordination and increased heart rate. Similar to smokers, marijuana users are at a greater risk of developing respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing and lung infections.
Some lawmakers say marijuana could be sold in state liquor stores and customers who buy it could be taxed.
Analysts say marijuana could bring in a sum of 7-to-25 billion dollars to state and federal treasuries.
However, opponents maintain that there are strong reasons for the drug not to be legalized.
Ron Brooks, president of the National Narcotics Officers' Associations' Coalition says while we have already families collapsed by the use of addictive substances like tobacco and alcohol due to chronic diseases or abuse, "Why would we legalize another powerful, addicting and controlling drug?"
News Hawk- Weedpipe 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Press TV
Contact: Press TV
Copyright: 2009 Press TV
Website:More Americans favor marijuana legalization
A recent Gallup poll indicates that more than 4 in ever 10 Americans – around 44 percent maintain that marijuana should be legalized. The figure is up from 36 percent in 2005 and 31 percent in 2000.
"The war on drugs has failed and we feel marijuana should be taxed and regulated like alcohol, so it will be a much safer process," Kurt Gardinier from Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), which is lobbying lawmakers to make marijuana legal in the US, told Press TV's Rhonda Pence.
The MPP says around 100 million Americans smoke marijuana and 15 million smoke it on a monthly basis.
The US Federal law prohibits using Marijuana, but under the administration of President Barack Obama, steps have been taken to ease the use of medical marijuana.
Considering the growing interest in the medical benefits of marijuana (cannabis), many studies have reported the compound to be effective in treating appetite loss, glaucoma, nausea and vomiting, pain and weight loss. Its active chemicals are also reported to be effective in reducing the size of various types of tumors particularly prostate malignancies.
Opponents of medical marijuana, however, stress on the short- and long-term side effects of the compound including memory and learning problems, distorted perceptions, trouble thinking, loss of coordination and increased heart rate. Similar to smokers, marijuana users are at a greater risk of developing respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing and lung infections.
Some lawmakers say marijuana could be sold in state liquor stores and customers who buy it could be taxed.
Analysts say marijuana could bring in a sum of 7-to-25 billion dollars to state and federal treasuries.
However, opponents maintain that there are strong reasons for the drug not to be legalized.
Ron Brooks, president of the National Narcotics Officers' Associations' Coalition says while we have already families collapsed by the use of addictive substances like tobacco and alcohol due to chronic diseases or abuse, "Why would we legalize another powerful, addicting and controlling drug?"
News Hawk- Weedpipe 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Press TV
Contact: Press TV
Copyright: 2009 Press TV
Website:More Americans favor marijuana legalization
