What could the United States do with an extra $7.7 billion? What could the State of Michigan do with $5.3 billion? How is it possible that the nation receives so much money in one year? Legalizing marijuana would bring in such revenue. Replacing “marijuana prohibition with a legal regulatory system would save approximately $7.7 billion in government expenditures on prohibition enforcement – ​​$2.4 billion at the federal level and $5.3 billion at the state level and local” (Miron, “Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibitions in the United States). The money generated from this could be used for many needs of the nation. For example, an immediate use could be to help restore bridge and road infrastructure. The United States economy is currently suffering and the simple act of legalizing marijuana would help stimulate the economy. This act will also help many sick citizens with debilitating conditions reduce their suffering. There are numerous benefits to legalizing marijuana, including eliminating some of the wasteful war on drugs, stimulating the U.S. economy, and helping many patients ease their pain. To truly understand the benefits of marijuana legalization, you need to discuss why it was made illegal in the first place. In 1914, the Harrison Act “represented the first time drug use was defined as a crime” (Goodwin 42). This law set the precedent for twenty-seven states making marijuana illegal. These states made marijuana illegal because they were wary of incoming Mexican immigrants who brought marijuana with them (Goodwin 42-43). Therefore, these laws were not enacted for safety or health reasons, but simply out of racism. In 1937, the United States Congress proposed maki...... middle of paper ......not only boost the economy, but also help alleviate many ailments and diseases that doctors have been battling for generations. The many benefits of legalizing marijuana include saving taxpayers money from frivolous law enforcement, strengthening the flagging U.S. economy, and helping to reduce the pain of many medical conditions. Marijuana exists and is easy to obtain, according to 85% of high school students. Year after year these elders tell government survey participants how easy it is to obtain marijuana (Miron). Marijuana is already readily available throughout the United States, and the US government does not benefit from its availability; in fact he is suffering because marijuana is a black market item. If this illegal item became legal, it would boost the U.S. economy, reduce law enforcement costs, and help alleviate pain and suffering.