Today, it is not uncommon to watch television and come across an advertisement promoting the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Both substances are harmful to health and have no medical value, but they are legal for anyone of legal age. For cancer or AIDS patients seeking relief from marijuana, these ads must be difficult to stomach. Peter McWilliams said, “Marijuana is the best anti-nausea medicine known to science, and our leaders have consistently lied about it. (Arresting people for) medical marijuana is the most hideous example of government interference in individual privacy. “Outrage within indignation within indignation.” Many people do not realize the benefits of marijuana and hemp due to conservative views and misconceptions. Marijuana, or hemp, has been used since the beginning of history. It has been used for recreational, medical and. for industrial purposes. On August 2, 1937, marijuana was made illegal. The cause was based on discrimination and racism, notably by Harry J. Anslinger, director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. insults and statements such as "There are 100,000 marijuana smokers in the United States, and most are blacks, Hispanics, Filipinos, and artists." Their satanic music, jazz and swing are the result of marijuana consumption. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, artists and others.” After a series of statements like this, Congress passed the bill and marijuana officially became illegal. This was hard to believe since less than a decade before, the government was encouraging the cultivation of hemp due to its many uses. The main reason marijuana is still illegal is mainly due to misconceptions about the drug and conservatives not condoning it…. Until they are diagnosed with glaucoma, cancer or AIDS; This might change the view a bit. Many people don't even know the benefits of the hemp plant. It can be used for fuel, food, oil, housing, paper, textiles and medicinal purposes. People who undergo chemotherapy experience nausea and lose all sense of hunger; marijuana is the perfect antidote. It’s a role, and contact our elected officials regularly. There is no reason why America should be denied this God-given plant. Its uses are endless unlike drugs like cigarettes and alcohol. Whether you hate or love the ideal of marijuana decriminalization, America is about freedom, and if you want to use marijuana for medical purposes, you should have freedom of choice. Works Cited www.ThinkExist.com Marijuana and Health, May 24, 2014 www.Norml. comWhy is marijuana illegal? December 22, 2014 www.blogs.salon.comAnslinger sees a demon. www.drug-culture.com/historyHemp could save America. February 2, 2014 www.RENSE.com EPSCOhostPaul, Pamela Attitudes toward marijuana. American Demographics June 2014 p18 2p EPSCOhostSheramata, Davis. The rehabilitation of hemp Newsmagazine August 8, 2014 p14 2p EPSCOhostKlein, David. Marijuana during adolescents Medical Journal November 2014 p976 EPSCOhost