The debate to legalize marijuana has gone on for some time. Today I will add my two cents to the debate.

There are several reasons to consider the legalization of marijuana. People will argue that it's better for you than tobacco, and cigarettes are legal. It has legitimate health uses for certain people. If it were legal it would reduce drug related crime such as drug deals going wrong.

My two cents to add to those arguments is taxes. It's a huge business, if it were legal it could be taxed. Also it could be taxed heavily. It would probably take a big chunk out of the deficit.

With those benefits, why should it not be legalized? There are several reasons it should remain illegal. It's still a drug and effects health and judgment. Marijuana is a gateway drug and leads to other harder drugs and criminal activity. Remaining illegal will help prevent the harder drugs from being used as well.

My two cents on remain illegal is the fact that it does kill brain cells. The United States is starting to lag behind in education. Generally other countries are becoming more intelligent. In this day and age it's all about information and technology. We need the country to be as intelligent as possible. Stopping marijuana use will help.

In conclusion, I am in favor of marijuana continuing to be illegal despite the possible tax revenue that could be generated.