Marijuana Should Remain Illegal

Marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States and around the World. As of 2010, Marijuana was the leading cause of substance dependence other than alcohol in the U.S. In 2008, marijuana use accounted for 4.2 million of the 7 million people aged 12 or older classified with dependence on or abuse of an illicit drug. This means that about two thirds of Americans suffering from any substance use disorder are suffering from marijuana abuse or marijuana dependence. If the U.S. were to legalize marijuana, the number of marijuana users would increase. In 2010 there were 15.2 million marijuana users in comparison to 129 million alcohol users and 70.9 million tobacco users. Though the number of marijuana users might not quickly climb to the current numbers for alcohol and tobacco, if marijuana was legalized, the increase in users would be both large and rapid with subsequent increases in addiction.

Resources:
Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana