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The topic of legalizing marijuana has taken me in several directions but I believe I am going to support it in writing my position paper. the majority of my sources, with the exception of the article from the Drug Policy Administration, have remained relatively neutral while discussing the topic. This has allowed me to from my own opinion without experiences random authors opinions in and out of my ears. I have discovered that, in a recent poll, roughly 58% of Americans are in favor of legalization. There are several reasons why people chose this position. One reason is for medical purposes, because cannabis stimulates the brain and nervous system in a manner that relaxes you and makes you feel peaceful. Also, it is often said that marijuana has less of an affect on the body than alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, and from research I have conducted from reading an article by CNN correspondent David Nathan, I have found this to be true. Although there are positive overall receptions to legalization, there are many common misconceptions regarding the legalization of marijuana as well. Many people assume that marijuana legalization will cause crime rates to increase, but this is contrary when looking at Denver statistics. Violent crime rate and homicide, as well as motor vehicle theft, have all significantly decreased since the full legalization in Colorado on January 1st, 2014. You would think that because an illegal substance is becoming legalized, crime rates in general would increase but in fact the opposite is occurring. This is only one of the major benefits of legalizing marijuana. Another significant benefit to legalization is the enormous tax revenue states get. In 2014, Colorado is predicted to reach over 30 million dollars in weed tax revenue alone, according to rt.com. Conventional wisdom has it that marijuana legalization is negative for our nation and society as a whole, but most of the research I have done so far has only included, in my eyes, positive results and perspectives.