Decriminalizing vs Legalization

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Decriminalizing and legalizing are two completely different subjects when it comes to marijuana. Decriminalization is the process of making an action no longer a criminal act in the eyes of the law. Marijuana is currently decriminalized in 10 states, and is a constant pressing issue with legislature. According to Gallup's October Crime poll, “44% of Americans in favor of making marijuana legal and 54% opposed.” This comes at a time when our economy is already weakened, and with the issue becoming increasingly split, America is recognizing the positive benefits even decriminalization would have. If marijuana was decriminalized users would get a fine if found guilty of possession. It would be seen as a civil matter instead of a criminal matter, therefore saving state revenues. Prison populations would decrease, housing cost for those inmates would not exist, and the state would receive the revenue created from the fine laws. Decriminalization does not include access to the plant. Users would still be forces to illegally purchase the product, unless they had a medical prescription, and live in a state where marijuana is legal for medical purposes. Decriminalization would still allow criminal gangs to make all the profits. This also would not help with controlling drug related crime. Basically because “drug dealers” are making the profit, the drug related crime will continues. There are also no regulations for young people with only decriminalization. Users no matter what age can purchase the drug, it is illegal regardless. The question still remains, is decriminalizing enough to help our economy or would the legalization of Marijuana prove a larger impact? Many different factors play a role in the benefits of legalization. "The highest level of support for decriminalizing the use of marijuana today is seen with self-described liberals, among whom 78%

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