Should the US federal government legalize marijuana and let states choose their own path? A progressive, realistic thinker would say yes. The possession and use of cannabis, both recreational and medical, must be legalized by the federal government. It must let the States decide whether they want it or not. Much of the modern marijuana problem arose after it was banned in 1937. Before then, a few people used marijuana recreationally. The federal government considers marijuana a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it has no medical use and poses a high risk of abuse. A lot of research has been done on marijuana and it shows many medical benefits and very few, if any, dangers. The states of Washington and Colorado have legalized the possession and recreational use of cannabis; economic operators are nevertheless subject to restrictions and are constantly threatened by federal agents who repress them. In a truly free society, substances like marijuana should not be illegal. Alcohol prohibition has shown that it is impossible to change people's habits and that instead of fighting against this practice, it is better to take advantage of it. Banning marijuana was a mistake based on racism and politics. Cannabis is also widely used in America and the country could greatly benefit from its legalization. therefore, the US federal government must legalize the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana. Marijuana is a widely used drug in America. 3.5 million U.S. citizens reported smoking marijuana daily, 5 million reported smoking it once a month, and more than 100 million have tried it at least once in their life (Holland 2). The scale of marijuana production and consumption is immense. Even though the federal government ruthlessly fights marijuana production, it has increased...... middle of paper ......hy The Irs Will Love Legal Pot. " NewsweekGlobal 162.2 (2014): 98-100. Business Source Elite. Web. April 3, 2014. Corcoran, Cheryl. “Mental Health Risks Associated with Cannabis Use.” Ed. Julie Holland. The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis. Rochester: Park Street Press, 2010. 178-186. “Statistics from the War on Drugs.” DPA, 2014. Web. Elliott, Steve. Marijuana: The Essential Guide to the World of Cannabis: Peter Pauper Press, 2011. Haney, Margaret and Ryan. “How Real is the Risk of Addiction?” cannabis. Rochester: Park Street Press, 2010. Print. Holland, Julie, ed. The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis: Park StreetPress, 2010. Print. fuels crime. MP, nd Web, April 30...2014.