I think I have a crush on a plant.

IN THE NUMBERS:

A 2008 study by Harvard economist Jeffrey A. Miron has estimated that legalizing drugs would inject $76.8 billion a year into the U.S. economy — $44.1 billion from law enforcement savings, and at least $32.7 billion in tax revenue ($6.7 billion from marijuana, $22.5 billion from cocaine and heroin, remainder from other drugs).

While I will not advocate for the legalization of all drugs - though the argument behind this is strong, it doesn't quite gel with my beliefs - I do believe the time has come to legalize marijuana.


BENEFITS:

Tax revenue. (The estimated 6.7 billion almost seems conservative.)

Law enforcement savings. (Check out the wikipedia article for the war on drugs.)

Job creation. (Some job loss seems likely for the DEA but think of how many jobs could be created if these tax revenues were invested in drug rehab clinics, drug education/awareness programs, and health care in general.)

Human cost. (The amount of human life lost in the name of the drug war is sickening.)

Relief of overcrowded prisons.


WHY NOT?:
Health effects. (Yes, much like there are health effects of tobacco and alcohol usage. Take your tax revenues and treat these effects.)

Gateway drug. (Yes, much like the gateway possibility of tobacco and alcohol usage. Again, take your tax revenues and educate about this possibility.)


WIll IT HAPPEN?:
Probably just pipe dreams for now. BUT, I am hopeful that by the time today's 20 somethings become 50 somethings that the legalization of marijuana will be a very real possibility.