Washington Marijuana Legalization

The debate continues on the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. The truth is, the legalization of marijuana is good for Washington’s economy. If you look back in history, a variation of it was grown during colonial times to be used in making rope, paper, sails and fabric. On the other hand, during Harry J. Anslinger’s time as commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics during the 1930’s, he created wild stories to discourage the use of marijuana. In order to instill fear, he claimed that people that had used marijuana were killing their families. “Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the world; various forms of the drug have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal, social, and aesthetic effect” (Caulkins 3). For many people, marijuana usage can provide health benefits from: stress disorders, Hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, seizures, and chronic pain, just to name a few. Even patients going through chemotherapy can get some relief from the constant nausea with the use of marijuana. This alone proves to be a benefit to having marijuana legalized in Washington. “Cannabinoids will kill several types of cancer cells including those associated with brain cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma and was …show more content…
Growing, selling, or possession of marijuana meant an arrest and possible conviction. A conviction meant the loss of: jobs, housing, college loans, driver’s license, food stamps, and child custody. Another loss that criminals faced was a loss of constitutional rights such as the right to vote and the right to possess firearms or ammunition. Once convicted a person would always have a permanent, public, criminal record. This public record was available on background checks from employers, financial institutions, police departments, and