Should Marijuana Be Recreational Essay

Should Marijuana be legalized for Recreational Use? Marijuana has been on the earth for millions of years. It is also the most controversial plant in the history of mankind, as once again the question of medicinal and recreational purpose comes to light. The term marijuana refers to the entire makeup of the plant itself, including the leaves, stems, flowers, seeds and its high inducing component known as THC. According to ancient Chinese literature, its use to achieve a recreational high dates back as far as 6000 B.C., and by 600 A.D. had reached widespread usage throughout Europe and Asia. Marijuana is known by many names including pot, chronic, blunt, weed, reefer and herb. Marijuana is most commonly consumed by rolling cigarettes known as joints or smoked in a pipe. There has even been speculation that marijuana was smoked by the Indians in their peace pipes; hence the name ’peace’ pipes as the high obtained …show more content…
The current cost for one ounce of marijuana averages $200 with a 20% surcharge included. In addition, the state sales tax in Colorado for any retail purchase is currently 10% but an extra 2.39% is added to any retail purchase of the drug, making the sales tax on a purchase 12.39%. The fact that the product is available legally is justifiable and has not deterred buyers from paying the extra taxes and levies. Colorado retail stores have seen sales of the drug exceed $70 million. Medical clinics have posted sales even higher, achieving numbers totaling more than $132 million dollars for the first 6 months of 2014 alone. The combined totals are well over $202 million dollars. Taxes collected are in abundance as well, as the amounts top $17 million dollars, representing 1/8 of the states total budgetary needs for the year. The combined totals from both recreational and medical purchases have lawmakers and other countries taking