Legalization of Marijuana

With our economy struggling, we are in dire need of a major change that could get our country out of this "rut". I honestly think that the legalization of Marijuana could be the answer.

No matter what anyone believes, lets be serious...legal or not, people will always find ways to sell and use Marijuana. As long as Marijuana is illegal, people will depend on dealers to supply them with their weed. This means that all of the money put into buying Marijuana is going in the hands of drug dealers across the country. However, the legalization of this drug would allow the money to be put into our economy. We could also tax Marijuana and make even more of a profit. In addition, we could save tons of money that we spend on prisons and arresting individuals on Marijuana charges. One website I came across puts this into perspective...

http://www.artipot.com/articles/365232/marijuana-arrests-feed-insatiable-u-s-prison-system.htm

Marijuana Arrests Feed Insatiable U.S. Prison System By Gregg Hall

"The website of the Marijuana Policy Project notes that: "Federal government figures indicate there are more than 41,000 Americans in state or federal prison on marijuana charges right now, not including those in county jails. That's more than the number imprisoned on all charges combined in eight individual European Union countries.""

Another reason I am all for legalizing Marijuana is that it will reduce violence on the streets. It is proven that the drug markets cause violence, often when people refuse or are unable to pay for the drugs they are given. Taking Marijuana off the streets could definitely create a safer environment for everyone.

The highly debated topic of whether or not Marijuana should be legalized remains controversial. While I do realize there are positives and negatives to this idea, as there are for any idea, I believe the pros significantly outweigh the cons.

College Life

"So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be." (The Perks of Being A Wallflower; Pg 2)

I came across this quote while reading The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and it really struck me. This one sentence pretty much sums up my college experience so far. Making the transition from high school to college has been a roller coaster ride. I love being independent and taking care of myself, but I often find myself reminiscing on old times and missing friends and family. I miss my bed, my dog and having my parents there whenever I need something. I miss being able to come home from school and take naps until my parents came home and made a nice dinner. Living on my own has been bittersweet. It hit me the most this past week when I got sick. I no longer had my mom there to make me breakfast, get me medicine, or take me to the doctor. It was up to me to get on the bus and go to the doctor. I no longer heard my moms voice telling me I would be okay--instead I read these words in a text message. It definitely didn't feel the same.

Playing a sport in college has also had its ups and downs. I love playing soccer for UVA. It feels great to be on the field in front of a huge crowd, having people cheer for you and signing autographs for little kids after the game. But I frequently find myself exhausted from practicing everyday on top of school. It has been a struggle getting accustomed to everything. When asked how I like college and UVA, I often don't know how to respond. I am hoping that once the semester winds down and I am more used to everything that I begin to enjoy college more, but as for now I definitely have mixed feelings about everything.