What are the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana and hemp?

[dent81]

Assuming the law could be kept from being hijacked by pro-drug elements who always manage to reword the proposal at the last minute to legalize all drugs.

[said99]

Pros: a large portion of the government's law enforcement budget is spent on enforcement of the ban on marijuana dealing. If MJ is legalized, the gov will save money on enforcement and it would lessen prison overcrowding. Moreover, the gov would be able to tax MJ (and hemp) and derive large revenues. This will also destroy the criminal market for marijuana (see what prohibition did to alcohol).

Cons: there are not many "real" cons. Many people fear that MJ is a "gateway drug," i.e. that those who try MJ will inevitably try harder drugs. This has not been proven. Others fear that legalization will result in wider use (not proven) and that MJ use itself is harmful (also not proven).

This is a quick summary of some of the points. There is a LOT of good literature online about this subject.