Why should such a harmless weed be seen as a dangerous drug when it could one day save your life? After all, the cannabis plant was used for hundreds of years in America before and after its legalization in 1937. Marijuana dates back to the early colonies of the 17th century, where the plant's hemp was used. Hemp is a product derived from the cannabis plant and was a major cash crop of the time. Hemp was used in many forms. Hemp was used to make clothing, fuel, paper, and building materials. Centuries later, America produced hemp as a cash crop, pushed by the government through tax revenue generation. As you can see, marijuana has had a positive impact on American history. Today the legalization of marijuana has proven that society is a failure in terms of time and money. In fact, the legalization of the substance has been a burden to our government more than a help. Enforcing laws to stop the use and sale of marijuana costs $12 to $15 billion a year. With the amount of money the government spends to repel marijuana from entering the country, poverty could be eliminated in America. A marijuana-related arrest occurs every 42 seconds, adding to the 210,000 people in prison due to a marijuana-related crime. The cost of feeding and housing these prisoners amounts to $39 billion per year. Legalizing the substance would increase tax revenues, as happened many centuries ago, and would also decrease crime. The legalization of the plant would also open new doors in the medical field, but instead America loves to waste money. Many people believe that legalization and the war on marijuana are a good thing so far and that it has worked. With all these laws in place... middle of paper... a society but also a thriving business. The category of plants as a scheduled drug was invented. The government allows access to select groups of people who have proven illnesses that only medical marijuana can cure. The government, which costs billions of dollars a year, has not yet stopped the underground industry, but has only made a small dent in the thriving market. Legalization has actually increased the volume of cannabis grown in the country more than ever. Marijuana prohibition has increased the number of violent crimes since it was legalized. Laws have prohibited critically ill patients from achieving effective care. Not only will it generate billions in tax revenue, but it will save thousands of lives. Most importantly, ending marijuana laws will put an end to violent crimes associated with marijuana and offer sick patients a revolutionary yet ancient cure..