Marijuana, used by nearly 100 million Americans, is the third most popular recreational drug in America. The legalization of marijuana has been a controversial topic of discussion in the media, general popular culture, and government. The war on drugs, and specifically marijuana, is a fierce and ongoing battle for decades. The benefits of legalizing marijuana, such as economic and business gains, expanded medical marijuana research, and controversial recreational uses, outweigh the risk of addiction and other negative side effects. The government's measures, both for and against the legalization of marijuana, attempt to resolve the controversial use of this popular drug. People support the legalization of marijuana for its various benefits such as its medical uses, its recreational use, reducing the number of drug dealers and users in prison and on the streets, as well as more effective regulation of the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana has been used as a treatment for many illnesses and conditions, such as glaucoma, nausea, Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and even side effects of cancer. Research suggests that its therapeutic use has increased significantly in just twenty years. In 1992, approximately 93,000 people were treated with marijuana, while in 2010, 353,000 people were treated with medicinal marijuana (“Arguments for and Against the Legalization of Marijuana” 1). Those who choose to smoke marijuana for recreational pleasure are exercising free will. The effects of smoking marijuana include increased heart rate, altered state of mind, elevated mood, euphoria, and relaxation. (However, these side effects only last a few hours.) Legalizing marijuana would lead to...... middle of paper...... Legalizing marijuana is a smart fiscal move. " Theweek.com. Np, January 8, 2014. Web. March 28, 2014. legalizing marijuana is a smart tax move> Hawkins, John. "5 reasons why marijuana should remain illegal." Townhall.com, January 21, 2014. March 28, 2014.should-remain-illegal-n1782086/page/full>.Swift, Art. “For the first time, Americans support the legalization of marijuana.com”, October 22, 2013. 2014. time-americans -favor-legalizing-marijuana.aspx>. Szalavitz, Maia. “Marijuana as a Gateway Drug: The Myth That Will Not Die.” Healthland.time.com Time, October 29, 2010. Web. -will not die/>.