As Americans, the concepts of freedom and justice should always be on our minds. This country has come a long way in guaranteeing certain inalienable rights, but any responsible citizen must realize that there is plenty of room for progress.

The decriminalization of marijuana is no doubt a controversial issue, but it is the next logical step in our path towards freedom. There are numerous shocking statistics on the subject of cannabis, such as the U.S. prison population, the lost revenue due to the prohibition of hemp production, and the health effects of smoking marijuana. I encourage everyone to read about the subject from a variety of sources to become educated on the matter, as there is more than I can include here. After extensive research, I have come to believe that this country would be a safer and more pleasant place by lifting the prohibition on marijuana. There is no proof that marijuana has caused a single death. Meanwhile, money is spent towards the war on drugs, and the incarceration of peaceful users that could otherwise be spent improving our nation's schools.

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