What Effects Would Legalized Marijuana have on Law Enforcement

Running head : LEGALIZED MARIJUANA

Legalized Marijuana and Law Enforcement

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Abstract

Marijuana was introduced in the United States as a recreational drug by Mexican immigrants in the early 20th century . Towards the end of the 20th century , marijuana became very common among the Americans . Today marijuana has evolved to be the most abused illegal drug in the United States . Due to its medical value and relative harmlessness , there has been a lot of debate pushing for legalization of marijuana especially medical marijuana

. This paper will discuss the legal history of marijuana in the United States , its medical effects on the user , debate over medical marijuana and the possible effects of legalization of marijuana on law enforcement

Introduction

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug all over the world including the United States . It is derived from the leaves , flowers , seeds and stem of cannabis sativa . THC , tetrahyrocannabinol is the main active component of marijuana . The drug can either be smoked or mixed with foods and beverages . In the streets , marijuana is commonly known as the herb , pot , ganja among other names . There are many side effects , both short term and long term effects associated with abuse of marijuana However , marijuana has also been used medically in hospitals Legalization of marijuana in the United States has always attracted a heated debate . It is important to note that marijuana was not discovered yesterday . For the centuries in which the herb has been used , it has been completely legal...