Legalization of Marijuana

Legalization of Marijuana

During the 1920's our country introduced something its citizens never thought they would have to experience. That "something" was the prohibition of alcohol. The country made an attempt to legislate morality in a way never before attempted. When it was all said and done prohibition gave rise to hustlers like Al Capone that could not be controlled. With this occurring all over the country prohibition had to come to an end. The massive failure of prohibition was a true testament to the fact that the legislation of morality, against the people's will, is simply not possible.

The major effect of the Eighteenth Amendment was to dramatically reduce beer drinking (and therefore total alcohol consumption). At the same time, prohibition increased consumption of hard liquor (especially among the middle class). The fashionableness of the martini and other mixed drinks among the middle class is in part a historical legacy of prohibition, when "criminalization," made hard liquors the most available form of beverage alcohol.

As bad as it was this attempt to prohibit alcohol only occurred in a few places. Since the advent of modern society, the prohibition of uncontrolled illegal substances has been taking place. For as long as we can remember it has been illegal to buy, sell, or use any uncontrolled narcotics. What people fail to realize however, is that by virtue of their illegality, this has always been a profitable industry. It is because of this fact that, despite what others may believe, "soft" narcotics should be legal.

You may be wondering how anyone could make such a bold statement without fear of the consequences. The reason I am able to make such a comment is because I have the facts to back it up. Let me first begin by saying that I am not advocating the legality of all uncontrolled illegal substances. My stance on the issue is to legalize those considered to be "soft drugs." These include marijuana, mushrooms, and ecstasy.

The legalization