Marijuana is mostly seen as an introduction to more dangerous substances or as a gateway drug. However, the drug has no harmful effects after use compared to more dangerous drugs such as cocaine. The drug is used for recreational use by adolescents. So much so that the United States has legalized the substance in 28 different states. In 8 of the 28 states marijuana is legalized for recreational use, in the other 20 for medicinal use. “German health authorities allowed seven seriously ill patients to purchase marijuana in pharmacies for medicinal purposes” (Stafford). Marijuana can help relieve the pain of some diseases and disorders. “The main users of medicinal marijuana would be patients with chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Tourette syndrome,” he said. Additionally, cancer and HIV patients who have poor appetites could benefit from medical marijuana, which in some cases triggers hunger” (Stafford). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayMarijuana is used for many different ailments. Cannabis is also a growing market, especially in the states of California and Oregon. The state's economies were boosted thanks to drugs. “Several tax schemes are presented to offer estimates of revenue if the drug were legalized; These findings suggest that marijuana may contribute modestly to total state revenue, but the most cost-effective aspect of legalization may come from criminal justice savings” (Crawford). The legalization of marijuana created profit. The majority is committed to saving US citizens taxpayer money by not sentencing marijuana users and sellers to prison. First of all, illegal sellers of the drug have the ability to make alarming profits. Marijuana is a booming market especially in states like California. Professor Seth S. Crawford of Oregon State University, a specialist in environmental sociology, said that former Wall Street Journal reporter Gina Chon wrote: "The composition of distribution networks suggests that the informal marijuana economy is a 'robust market'". network'” (Crawford). Marijuana when under government control can generate abundant revenue. “'The money spent fighting marijuana could be put to better use,' says Reed, 'if the purpose of the war on drugs is harm reduction, then medical marijuana should be legalized because it has never hurt anyone. Furthermore, it is obvious that we will not win the war on drugs anyway'” (Chon). The war on marijuana is a waste of resources and a waste of time to arrest a user considering the minimal harm the drug has. Additionally, states that legalize medical marijuana have a larger net increase than those that do not (Crawford). The average marijuana user consumes approximately 4.5 ounces of marijuana per year. Spends about $177 for an ounce. This means that the average smoker spends about $800 a year on marijuana alone. That money could help fund new roads and better bridges. Instead of going to an illegal seller, the money could help the community or state. Every year a single farmer can earn $10,000 for his product (Crawford). Coastal Carolina Chronic Disease and Medical Sociology Professor Craig Boylstein said: “Previous marijuana research on marijuana growers in the United States has focused primarily on those who have been incarcerated for this activity. These cultivators.