Should marijuana be legalized in the USA?

While I don't smoke it, I just want to say that if you are for it and do...be careful what you wish for because the government will tax that too.

Many people think so, many for 'medicinal purposes'. Because of the potential for violence and exploitation, especially against children and desperately poor people, because of cases where other deadly drugs have been used to taint it, often very addictive drugs and because of the risk of date-rape drugs all being in that culture, I don't think the government will legalize it.

I think there have been enough reports that illicit drugs fund terrorism, which supports warfare that its overall 'benefits' so negatively impact society, it should stay permanently banned. Of course, not everyone agrees I think primarily because they hate the USA.

It is tragic what it does to kids; that in itself, is a good enough reason to "just say no!"

People can put anything in their foolish bodies.  Marijuana is typically not fabricated; it's natural.  People have to have discernment.  What not to put in their bodies!

What are we accomplishing by keeping it illegal? We lock up productive otherwise law abiding citizens by the hundreds of millions, most for simple possession, deny tens or even hundreds of billions in tax revenue, spend billions on maintaining the war on marijuana, allow a black market to run wild that with no legal means to settle disputes must turn to violence to expand or defend turf, and thousands a year are being murdered in Mexico in drug war violence.
 You would think with sacrifices like these there must be some benefit to marijuana beingillegal, but I challenge you to specifically prove what that is. Kids can get pot easier thancigarettes, and more US citizens smoke now then ever. 
Plain and simple Prohibition is a failed policy. It was with alcohol and it is now. It's not a matter of if marijuana will be legal again, it's just a matter of how long it will take for those it Washington to admit they were wrong.

Vegan - all you did is cite every reason it is illegal - from violent competition (obviously indicative it makes people productive, peaceful and 'otherwise law-abiding citizens', who just happen to murder others and push their ideas of normalicy on 'more and more kids than ever')

There is no logic in comparing it prohibition because for such a 'natural' substance it is more tainted with other drugs and prone to be in today's world than alcohol ever was misused.

But, I'm sure you don't agree with me. What would happen if the government usurped the production (by consequence the income) of drug dealers to make it legal? You think there would be more or less violence, considering some people kill store clerks to rob stores for cigarettes? Do you think the illegality of it would stop to avoid taxation on it or do you think it would continue to make it accessible (and push the pushing) on desperately poor people?

Do you think people who know it's illegal and are involved with it, deserve to by-pass the legal system because you think they are harmless people with the productivity to eat 10x more than they smoke? That all leads to health problems that fall on the taxpayer to pay for so more and more people can kill others to repeat the same mistake.

Very peaceful culture run by people who are obviously thinking clearer because of it.

"Vegan - all you did is cite every reason it is illegal - from violent competition (obviously indicative it makes people productive, peaceful and 'otherwise law-abiding citizens', who just happen to murder others and push their ideas of normalicy on 'more and more kids than ever')"

-My point was to say that the only reason the violence is present is because their is no legal means to settle disputes. Do you think company's within legal industry's don't have disagreements? Of course they do and that what courts are for. However when the law does not protect you, you must protect yourself. I'm not saying this is right, or acceptable. It was not during alcohol Prohibition and it is not now.   

"What would happen if the government usurped the production (by consequence the income) of drug dealers to make it legal? You think there would be more or less violence, considering some people kill store clerks to rob stores for cigarettes? Do you think the illegality of it would stop to avoid taxation on it or do you think it would continue to make it accessible (and push the pushing) on desperately poor people?"

-I'm not talking about legalizing all drugs, just marijuana. Yes I do think the violence would decrease. What can they do?  If marijuana production was put in the hands of the people as is alcohol, billions of dollars in power and influence would be gone from the black market. Many assume the dealers would just find demand for some other drug, but which is that? You cannot just conjure up some demand for your crack you know? If there is not big money in someting not too many people are going to want to kill or be killed over it. Not that large a percentage of people do hard drugs and marijuana being legal is not going to make them start. As far poor people go, who's pushing? I don't know about other drugs but I've never seen anyone "push" marijuana, period. simply there is no need. If one guy doesn't want it someone else will buy it, no problem, everyone is happy.

"Do you think people who know it's illegal and are involved with it, deserve to by-pass the legal system because you think they are harmless people with the productivity to eat 10x more than they smoke? That all leads to health problems that fall on the taxpayer to pay for so more and more people can kill others to repeat the same mistake."

-What? bypass the legal system? We want to be included in the legal system and we want to be taxed contribute our fair share and in return we only ask the same respect that is afforded to alcohol drinkers. Yes we are harmless people by and large, as much as any other group is a group of harmless people, we don't eat too much (well some of us do, but it's  a joke to think only the potheads are fat.) and I get up five days a week and go to work just like everyone else. 
Do some research, there is new studies on medical marijuana published almost every day. We all have been lied to so much about this plant. The truth may amaze you.

Good. The marijuana commuity wants to be taxed in retun for being left alone. We welcome the chance to contrbuite and think it's unfair we cannot now.

Vegan - if a person kills someone over drugs, the legalization of the drug won't make the person legal. You are talking about giving legal consideration to a plant about as natural and safe for human consumption as poison ivy.

And, yes, kids gets pushed to do it and sell it then can't undo the damage. It ruins their lives and society.

No other illegal substance/product is abscent of it because it mind-warps people, making them victims. Studies have verified one joint causes as much damage as a pack of cigarettes.

Just say "NO!" kids - you'll live better lives.

btw, medical marijuana is in pill form.