The discussion of whether marijuana should be legalized and taxed has been very present in the last month. That's why I will discuss the pros and cons of legalizing weed, as it is often called, in the following research paper. Marijuana is a drug produced from the cannabis plant, which is used to make several types of medications. An illegal substance is illegal under federal law, but some states have passed legislation allowing the use of medical marijuana. Some states like Colorado and Washington have gone further and legalized the sale and consumption of small amounts of weed. Marijuana is also legal in the Netherlands. There are several reasons why marijuana should not be legalized. First, the rate of consumption will increase significantly, as consumers who have not used marijuana until now because they did not want to break the law may begin to use it. Many experts fear that social costs will increase dramatically. This means that due to the higher rate of consumption, the number of health problems caused by marijuana consumption will increase. Furthermore, “there is clear evidence that drug-using employees are less productive and less healthy” (Walters, John P. “No Surrender: the Drug War Saves Lives”). Consequently, a higher consumption rate also has repercussions on schools. Experts fear it has “a negative effect on high school graduation, college enrollment, and youth employment rates” (Student Resource Center “Marijuana Legalization”). There are also public safety risks associated with legalizing marijuana. "Intoxicants deprive individuals of the ability to see a clear path" (Wright, GeorgeNewton, Heather."Counterpoint: There are no good reasons to legalize marijuana). This is ca... middle of paper... Edition. Network . March 18, 2014. Ingraham, Janet. “Lee, Martin A. Smoking Signals: A Social History of Marijuana: Medical, Recreational, and Scientific.” Library Journal 1 September 2012: 117. Student Edition .International Affairs, Times. "Will Legalization of Marijuana in the United States Help Destroy Mexican Drug Cartels?" International Business Times 08 November 2012: Viewpoint Reference Center. 20 March 2014. "Legalization of Marijuana ." Student Resource Center. Detroit: Gale, 2012. Discovery Collection. Gale. MINITEX. March 20, 2014Walters, John P. "No Surrender: The War on Drugs Saves Lives." National Review September 27, 2004: 41. Edition for Students Network. March 19, 2014.Wright, GeorgeNewton, Heather. “Counterpoint: There are no good reasons to legalize marijuana.” Viewpoints: Marijuana Legalization (2013): 2. Viewpoints Reference Center. Network. March 20. 2014