Drugs are widely used throughout the world. However, it is important to understand and not undermine the variability in which medications are used. It is clear that some are intended for specific medical treatments and others are for recreational use. In the United States, marijuana has been and continues to be a very controversial drug. Some states have allowed the consumption of marijuana for medicinal purposes, while others have banned it completely. Those who oppose the legalization and regulation of marijuana believe that the economic and health risks associated with using the drug are too high. While legalizing marijuana carries risks, our country has already risked too much by banning it. As a result, the lives of many police officers and American citizens are at risk in the task force's attempt to control the black market. It has limited the possibilities of treating patients since marijuana can be prescribed for various diseases (Fisher, para. 1). The benefits of legalizing marijuana far outweigh the losses of continuing to keep it illegal. There are flaws on both ends of the spectrum, but it is clear that regulating and legalizing marijuana will provide the government with additional revenue through taxation, reduce law enforcement spending, and increase the availability of medicinal treatments (Single 10: 457). .Looking back at American history, alcohol was against the law at one point. Over time it became legal and fully regulated by the government. As this occurred, our nation witnessed the dangers and health problems resulting from alcohol use and abuse. For example, drunk driving kills many Americans every year. Compared to marijuana studies with...... half of the paper ...... ijuana 40:478). There are many positive effects that marijuana regulation can have on an economy; people need to be open-minded enough to at least recognize them. In conclusion, it appears that for various reasons marijuana has gained a negative image in America today. Whether this is due to smoking, the physical effects or the criminalist view of drugs, it doesn't matter. Americans must accept the facts instead of seemingly taking them with a grain of salt. If anything, the failure to legalize marijuana and the attempt to ban its use has caused more human suffering than simply legalizing marijuana. Furthermore, effective regulation of the drug would help stimulate the economy and eliminate crime. Americans have a choice and, as it turns out, it is only a matter of time before people recognize and accept the legalization and regulation of marijuana in America...