Policy Advocacy Speech

Introduction
Attention Device: Since 1990 Seventeen million people have been arrested for marijuana related crimes, Thats more than the entire population of Alaska.
Credibility: As a non-marijuana smoker I still feel, from past experiences and research, that the legalization of marijuana is very important.
Preview: Since the year 1970 we have been wasting tax payers money, as well as law enforcements time and effort to fight something that has the potential to help so many.
Body
Problem
Marijuana, also known as Cannabis, comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa. The main active ingredient is THC or tetrahydrocannibol. When cannabis is consumed for recreational purposes it creates a euphoric and relaxing high that according to "Medical News Today" has both physiological and psychoactive effects. Marijuana is hands down the the world's most popular drug. According to Attorney Bruce Block, "Marijuana use dates all the way back to 7,000 B.C. however widespread use of it recreationally didn't become popular until alcohol was banned during the Prohibition Era. In 1937 the government used fear, and false stories of violence to completely outlaw it. Since then, almost all of the theories used to ban marijuana have been proven false. By making marijuana a legal, taxed, and regulated product, it will result in a sharp decrease in drug related crime and a sharp increase in government income.
Solution
The Plan: My proposed solution is to model new laws in all states after Proposition 19, also known as the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act which is already in affect in California. These laws include things like: allowing adults 21 and up to possess up to an ounce, own up to 6 plants, no child marketing, growing and purchasing limits, and Regulations on how much THC products can contain
Solvency Evidence: If my plan were to go into action, there would be countless positive effects.
Most people are familiar with the health benefits of Marijuana, and it is now even accepted in the medical field. Although marijuana is available for medical use in 21 states there are still many people denied these benefits. Marijuana has been proven to help treat people with cancer, aids, m.s., pain and many other conditions.
Being denied medical benefits is not the only way the gov. prohibition of marijuana is ruining lives. This 2 year old named Alexandria Hill was murdered by her foster family after CPS removed her from her parents custody because her father admitted to smoking marijuana after she was asleep. Sadly this family is just one of the many whose lived have been ruined by this failed system.
One of the major benefits to come from legalizing marijuana would be the Revenue generated by the government through taxing. Forbes magazine says that Colorado is predicted to gain $130 Million dollars in 2014 since the passing of Amend. 64.
In Addition, legalization could mean less violence, and maybe even de-funding the Mexican cartel. Krysten Gwynne at [alternet.org] says that "U.S. officials estimate that 60% of cartels profits come from Marijuana." and according to the [Washington post] "Mexican Cartels will lose $1.4 billion from Colorado's legalization, and $1.3 billion from Washington."
Another major problem is the amount of money being wasted on Prison's, and court costs. Madeline Wolff at [sundial.edu] states that "one-sixth of our country's prisoners are in jail for marijuana related charges. Legalizing the drug would mean spending $11.3 billion less a year on prisons
As it stands now, the black market of Marijuana has made it easily available for teens. According to the [alcohol & drug institute] "Marijuana is the illicit drug most likely to be used by teens in the US. According to the Monitoring the Future Study, 45% of 12th graders reported using marijuana in their lifetime, and 22% reported use in the last 30 days." If marijuana is legalized all over the US the government will be able to educate children more on the effects of marijuana, much like they have done with tobacco and alcohol. [Detroit News] says there is "positive evidence surrounding the effects of education and a reduction in teen consumption of legal age-restricted substances." When compared to alcohol and tobacco there is proof that efforts have driven teen alcohol and tobacco use down to an all time low.
The hemp plant is a valuable natural resource. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate the confusion surrounding hemp and allow us to take advantage of hemp's agricultural and industrial uses such as fuel, textiles, paper food and many other things.
It seems outrageous when someone argues that marijuana is a dangerous drug, this is a chart of the number of deaths per year caused by recreational drug use. 406 thousand from tobacco, 116 thousand from alcohol, and 0 deaths caused by marijuana.
Common Disadvantages: With every change In laws their will be some disadvantages, with legalizing marijuana some obvious concerns are that
Long-term or abusive use of it can be harmful to a persons health or well-being.
Widespread use will increase the dangers of 2nd hand smoke-damage to bystanders. But it's obvious in this case that the good outweigh the bad and the problems created by this would be minimal.
Conclusion
Summary: I have provided you with information, facts, and statistical evidence that are all very clear points that prove legalizing marijuana would help us, because of the medical capabilities, economic relief, crime reduction, and free resources.
Closing Thought: Marijuana grows from the ground, making it natural, and making something natural illegal is just unnatural