Marijuana should not be legalized because it will increase health problems, its use will increase rather than decrease, and taxation will result in economic failure. In recent years, however, society has become very moderate, which is why society's opinions can be influenced by the benefits of legalization. Nowadays, legalizing marijuana is not as big of a deal as it was in the 1960s and 1970s, when hippies and pacifist organizations advocated marijuana use. However, if marijuana were legalized, it has been said that it could be the gateway drug to the legalization of all illegal drugs. According to Dr. Robert DuPont, marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States and around the world. Legalizing marijuana is a liberal position that will provide many benefits to those who already consume it, and if marijuana is ever legalized, then “the rights of individuals will outweigh the needs of society” (Feder). Individual rights are also important to the country, but legalization should benefit the entire country, not just individuals who already freely use marijuana as an escape from the problems of everyday life. Many supporters of marijuana will say that it is not harmful because it is therefore organic. Marijuana is believed to be less harmful than other chemicals such as cocaine and heroin. However, “marijuana has been shown to impair perception, speed of movement and accuracy in tasks” (Giannasio). Furthermore, “marijuana is listed in Schedule 1, reserved for drugs that have no recognized medical use and are considered highly dangerous and addictive, and as a Schedule drug, marijuana cannot be legally possessed, prescribed, or distributed.” (Marshall). Despite the fact that marijuana is good for your health...... middle of paper ......04. Print.Giannasio, Charles V. “Marijuana is Addictive, Destructive, and Dangerous.” CNBC Mobile Home. 20 April 2010. Web. 01 February 2011. .Katel, Peter. "Legalize marijuana." CQ Researcher June 12, 2009: 525-48. Web January 28, 2011.Marshall, Patrick. “Marijuana Laws” CQ Researcher 11 February 2005: 125-48. Web January 28, 2011. Szalavitz, Maia. “A complex link between marijuana and schizophrenia – TIME.” Latest News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Videos, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. July 21, 2010. Web. February 1, 2011. .Zimmer, Lynn "Q: Is the government's war on marijuana justified as public policy? No: This costly battle is a waste of public money and human capital." Symposium. Insight (12-19 January 1998)