“Prohibition... goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes” - Abraham Lincoln.  When Lincoln made this quote, the United States had yet to deal with true ups and downs that come with prohibitions.  While the real context of this quote is unknown, it’s meaning has been significant in numerous instances since throughout American history.

Websters-Merriam defines prohibition as an order to restrain or stop.  Of course, as any government should,  there are many of things that should be condemned or prohibited.  Certain types of drugs and substances have in fact been detrimental to society and it’s members.  Although, within this category of items the United States government prohibits, there are many grey areas.  After the country lifted the prohibition on alcohol in the 1920s, the country received a few bumps of benefit.  Nonviolent and murder rates dropped significantly, jobs were created, and the people were simply happier.  Of course, with the legalization of alcohol sales came a few road bumps as well, in example drunk driving and violent crimes, but since the country lifted the prohibition, the benefits they have received have far outweighed the costs.  

Similar to how alcohol was handled in the 1920s, the marijuana industry is still currently federally condemned in the U.S. and has been since the early 1900s.  Since the early 1990s, several states have toyed because of it’s scientifically proven medical value, and since 2012, a few states have even legalized the use of recreational marijuana.  Since then, states like Colorado, Washington and Oregon have experienced economic booms stemming from increased tourism, job creation and tax revenues.  At the same time, these states have experienced an interesting trend that was not expected by many.  Crime rates as well as addiction complications have decreased as well.  

Because these states, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, have been able to manage the sales of recreational and medical marijuana so well, the United States should look at what these states are doing and make some fundamental changes to their current drug policies.  For example, look at Colorado.  According to USA Today, Colorado has consistently been considered one of the happiest states for more than 10 years now.  The best states list, compiled by McKinsey & Company, says that Colorado also boasts the country’s best economy.  

President Donald J. Trump based his presidential campaign off of the promise to “Make America Great Again”.  Since taking office in January, Trump has somewhat struggled to gain footing and come through with his promise.  If the current president really wants to deliver, all he has to do is change one simple policy within the foundation of our government.  If Donald Trump were to lift the federal prohibition on the use of marijuana, the quality of life in America would increase substantially.  Despite never being legalized in our country, he would be able to “Make America Great Again”.

When the country first established its policy on the use of marijuana, very little was actually known about the effects of the drug.  The country used propaganda and statements with no factual evidence to persuade people against the drug.  At the time, because so little was known about its effects, the American citizens went with it.  As the drug’s popularity and use spread throughout the country, more people began to question the decisions made by the government.  Citizens of the U.S. referenced marijuana things like “The Devil’s Harvest”  and “Assassin of Youth” and also believed that it would “turn people of color violent” and made women “whores” (Sorene).  These labels and claims heavily deterred people from having desire to use the drug and thus limited the use of the drug for several decades.  As research and commonality grows, the grey area within marijuana’s policy has only grown too.  Thanks in large part to proven medical benefits that come with regular use, the door has been swung open on whether or not the drug should be federally legalized. 

Currently, 28 states have legalized the use of medical marijuana.  Studies have proven that the effects of marijuana can be great benefits for people who suffer from parkinsons and other somewhat untreatable illnesses.  Cannabidiol to do a great job in combating nausea, pain and weight loss.  Due to those traits, marijuana has become a common measure to treat the side effects of chemotherapy.  When cancer patients go through the process, many of them are turning to cannabis over prescription drugs.  
