Marijuana is primarily considered an introduction to more dangerous substances or called a gateway drug. However, this drug does not have as harmful results after use as more dangerous drugs like cocaine. The drug is used recreationally by adolescents. So much so that the United States has legalized this substance in 28 different states. In 8 of the 28 states, marijuana is legalized for recreational use, the other 20 for medical use. “German health authorities have allowed seven seriously ill patients to purchase marijuana in pharmacies for medical purposes” (Stafford). Marijuana can help ease pain related to certain illnesses and disorders. “The main users of medicinal marijuana would be patients suffering from chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Tourette syndrome,” he said. Additionally, cancer or HIV patients who have little appetite may be eligible for medicinal marijuana, which in some cases triggers hunger” (Stafford). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Marijuana is used for many different disorders. Cannabis is also a growing market, particularly in the states of California and Oregon. The state's economies were boosted by drugs. “Several tax systems are presented to provide estimates of revenues if the drug were legalized; These results suggest that marijuana may contribute modestly to total state revenues, but that the most beneficial economic aspect of legalization may come from criminal justice savings” (Crawford). The legalization of marijuana created profit. The majority wants to save American taxpayers' money by not sentencing marijuana users and sellers to prison. First, illegal drug sellers have the ability to make alarming profits. Marijuana is a booming market, especially in states like California. Professor Seth S. Crawford of Oregon State University, who specializes in environmental sociology, said former Wall Street Journal reporter Gina Chon wrote: "The composition of distribution networks suggests that the informal marijuana economy is a “robust economy.” network'” (Crawford). Marijuana, when under government control, can generate abundant revenue. “'Money spent on fighting marijuana could be put to better use,' Reed says, 'if the goal of the war on drugs is to reduce harm, then medical marijuana should be legalized because it has never been harm anyone. Either way, it is obvious that we are not winning the war on drugs” (Chon). The war on marijuana is a waste of resources and a waste of time apprehending a user given the minimal harm the drug causes. Additionally, states that legalize medical marijuana have a larger net increase than those that do not (Crawford). The average marijuana user consumes about 4.5 ounces of marijuana per year. Spend about $177 for an ounce. That means the average smoker spends about $800 per year on marijuana alone. This money could help fund new roads and improved bridges. Instead of going to an illegal seller, the money could help the community or the state. Each year, a single producer can earn $10,000 from their product (Crawford). Professor Craig Boylstein of Coastal Carolina for.