Opinion: Marijuana Back in Political Discourse

Marijuana is entering the agenda of politicians again. Ever since its legalization in Colorado and Washington back in November it has been a hot topic, especially on college campuses. Rand Paul (R-KY) commentated on having some support for the decriminalization of marijuana.Chris Wallace asked Rand Paul about the issue. Paul responded, “I don't want to promote that but I also don't want to put people in jail who make a mistake. There are a lot of young people who do this and then later on in their twenties they grow up and get married and they quit doing things like this. I don't want to put them in jail and ruin their lives."Paul’s reasoning is something that no politician has ever publicly considered. Most of the reasoning behind not legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana is health related. Politicians place a stigma on drugs like marijuana, saying that it is deadly or a detriment to society. What these politicians do not seem to understand is that there is a huge economic benefit to legalization or decriminalization.If the federal government were to legalize the use of marijuana, the government would have the power to tax it. The government could put a large tax on it and it would increase tax revenue. With more tax revenue, the government has the opportunity to decrease the national debt and deficit. The lower the debt and deficit, the happier the average American.On the health side of things, marijuana is a natural herb that grows out of the ground. It is not a synthetic drug, e.g. crystal meth, LSD, etc. It is natural, which means it is much safer to use than any synthetic drug.  If the government would legalize any drug, it might as well be something natural.However, most people argue that this decision should be left to the states. Paul commentated, "I want things to be decided more at a local basis, with more compassion. I think it would make us as Republicans different." That is the perfect approach to the issue of marijuana. Not everyone wants marijuana legalized; in certain states, those people are the majority.The issue of marijuana should be discussed on the federal level. However, the decision should be left to the states. There are a large amount of benefits that come with the legalization of marijuana. However, if the majority is not for the legalization of marijuana in one state, the people should respect it. It allows for the people to be actually represented and have their opinion matter. Let the states decide.