Marcos Placencia

Prof. Draegan
October 26, 2014
Eng. 101 CRN 11161
Instructor Draft: Argument Essay
Marijuana, although not fully legal nationwide; has the potential to bring in millions and
also generate other economic benefits. Marijuana has become a more profoundly accepted topic
of debate amongst the nation; also the debate of whether or not it should be legalized for
potential money gains, and economic prosperity. According to a Gallup poll conducted last fall,
a clear majority of Americans, (58 percent), favored legalizing marijuana, (Goral 14). These
polls show just what the publics stand on this topic. The people see the money potential that
Marijuana could generate and also see some of the benefits it can have on the economy overall.
On top of that the people also see what Marijuana could bring to the table in years to come.
Money seems to be a major issue for the country these last few years and it seems to only
go back and forth with time that passes by. Congress can create a new form of revenue from
legalizing Marijuana, which could become possible to help reduce taxes, while minimizing the
deficit (Brannon 16). With all of the recent wars and failed government plans and proposals,
money is scarce at the moment; unless the government and people all took a moment and looked
at the promise that the industry of Marijuana has to offer. Legalizing Marijuana is not all about
just something for the youth to get more involved in; it has the potential to give this country the

helping hand that it has needed for so long. Marijuana could very well be the futures most
successful industry.
Now I realize the question might be asked, where is the proof, the evidence that
Marijuana could actually be effective? The answer is although we have some strong evidence to
show the government, or whoever may question it. There are fact based charts, nationwide polls,
and graphs that chart the economic upbringing Marijuana can have for the country. I feel the
more of this hard evidence we have; the more appealing the idea of legalizing it may come to the
government and to the nation. To just give the chance of seeing what it could do for us in the
long run, might actually be the smartest idea we, as a nation have had in many years. Some
people will state that just because there is evidence to prove that it can be effective and
beneficial; its still a drug and its still illegal. That statement in particular is so out dated, this is
the future, and this could very well be what changes us as a nation for the better. It is what could
help make life in America so much easier.
The government is spending more money, and also more of taxpayers money to enforce
the prohibition of Marijuana (Brannon 16). Instead of turning this around and generating money,
the government just chooses to fight against it, which is in the long run costing them more
money than we can afford to use. In fact, its costing taxpayers millions right now, when in the
near future if no change or even mutual agreements can be made, it can start costing them
billions to fight against something that could only actually help us be better off. Surly, this is a
good issue to bring up, since there is more serious things we can use that money to fight against,
instead of Marijuana. If change was made, and Marijuana was looked at in a more positive
aspect, it has the possibility of being a win-win scenario for the nation.

The legalized-marijuana industry may have opposing viewpoints, but in many ways is it
any different from any other legitimate business, (Laird 24). Marijuana although may not be
seen in some eyes as a legit business that can make legitimate money; follows similar guidelines
to any other business out there. They growers, sellers; pay their taxes and follow regulations, yet
some state laws and politicians still wish to not let things run so smoothly. These legitimate
business people in this industry seek help from lawyers to help them get through the difficult
government and state regulations, yet these lawyers are actually not permitted to help them
because of the simple fact that Marijuana is still illegal, If the government and laws allowed for
the help and guidance, legitimate businesses could already start bringing revenue for the country.
This also brings up the question of how exactly this country is supposed to grow and prosper
more, if new forms of business such as Marijuana are being shot down. Its basically like
shooting down big money gains for judgmental and biased reasoning.
The main topic that is being stressed the most is the money involved in this business. The
government is sitting on a potential gold mine. Every year more money than can be accounted
for is being made illegally from the sale of Marijuana. The government could simply counter act
this, enforce some not so heavy regulations and laws, and then the money is starting to go in the
right places for the right reasons. It was stated that, the street value of an ounce of mediumquality Marijuana, averaged around 300 dollars at the time of this article being written,
(Malivert 455). That is simply street quality Marijuana, the value of it could become more
profitable if it was actually sold in a business, that would then get taxed by the government to
make money, the winning formula to helping this country economically. If the nation simply
took advantage and looked at the very factual, educational research of just how much amazing
benefits it can have, then I feel more action would be taken into consideration: more people

would have a better understanding of it; potentially would want it to become legalized; and that
would create enough buzz for the government to consider this to go into effect. The amount of
revenue that could be made off this industry is more than meets the eye.
Marijuana has pros and cons. In the situation of money and economic gain, Marijuana has
many pros; it can lead to financial stability, economic prosperity; more peace and happiness too
for the simple fact that the more money we have as a nation, the better off we will be in the
future to come. Marijuana is not just an industry thats here today and gone tomorrow. Marijuana
is simply one of those businesses and industries that will grow and thrive, which in response
would only mean we as a country can grow and thrive. Money is a tough issue, yet we have
potential answers in Marijuana that can have the effect of changes we need to make this nation
go in a complete 360 and for the better. We can make this truly happen as well; together as a
nation, we just need the motivation; the right research to help set the spark on a whole new idea
that is still up in the air.

Works Cited Page

Brannon, Ike. "Legalizing Marijuana: Money Over Minds." Regulation 36.3 (2013): 16.
Academic OneFile. Web. 26 Oct. 2014.
Goral, Tim. "Colorado's Pot Law Trumped on Campus by Federal Law." University Business
Mar. 2014: 14. Academic OneFile. Web. 26 Oct. 2014.
Malivert, Roland. "The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on Extralegal Marijuana Prices."
Atlantic Economic Journal Dec. 2013: 455. Academic OneFile. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.