The legalization of marijuana has come a long way in the past 78 years of cannabis prohibition. In fact, back in 1969 only 12% of Americans supported the legalization of marijuana, whereas today the majority of the population seems to for legalization. ("The next 11 States to   Legalize Marijuana." ) Although I stand as an advocate for marijuana both on the medical and recreational side. Despite this, I do not agree with the full legalization of marijuana. I propose that the best solution to this arbitrary prohibition of a natural growing product would be to decriminalize marijuana.  

Marijuana should be regulated on the market similar to that of alcohol, however I think the age to procure marijuana legally should be 18, rather than 21. Seeing how marijuana has multitudes of health benefits; and no known harmful effects, it shouldn’t be demonized as a schedule 1 drug. I agree that drivers shouldn’t be inebriated, nor should young children be indulging in recreational marijuana, however the punishment does not fit the crime.

Similar to gay marriage, just on a much slower scale, I believe marijuana legalization will be integrated into American society gradually. However, decriminalizing the product with be a much more swift and cleanly executed amendment to the current federal prohibition of marijuana.

Frohlich, Sam Stebbins Thomas C., and Michael B. Sauter, 24/7 Wall St. "The next 11 States to

                         Legalize Marijuana." USA Today. Gannett, 19 Aug. 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

Critique of "Bad Timing?"

A popular story here in Texas, fourteen year old Ahmed Mohamed, was convicted of making a "fake bomb" which was actually a clock. Well according to Fox news, Ahmed had made meeting with an aleged war criminal named Omar al-Bashir. Despite this evidence his invite to the White House has not been recanted, and research into his questionable visits have not been administered. Fox News does do a good job of citing previous evidence such as tweets from president Obama extending this invitation. Despite this evidence that continue to lack exstensive coverage of the boy’s trip to Sudan.Although they do provide a tweet of Ahmed where the boy states, “I am coming home, tell the world I am coming home #Sudan” which in my opinion tags a radical connotation to the boys attitude and who he is meeting in Sudan, his father’s home country. I think this article loses a little bit of credibility without further statements from Obama, or attempts to procure such information from the president in the least. This being said, I must admit it is awfully accusatory to say such slanderous things without substantial evidence to support this, but the boy’s visit to our Nations capital, and obvious terroist target, should in the very least be questioned after meeting with an arguable Islamic terrorist and internationally wanted war criminal.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/10/16/clock-ahead-white-house-visit-after-meeting-with-sudan/?intcmp=hpbt3

What a Time to be Alive: Weed and Work

                Its been a long and enervating battle when it comes to the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. As said by fox news, "Soon, more americans will be able to legally light a joint." ("New 2015 Laws Tackle Wages and Weed, Pet Tattoos and Tiger Selfies."Fox News. FOX News Network, 31 Dec. 2014. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.) 

                    As enlightening as this news may be, an as my position as a marijuana advocate at that, I don't think this is the best way to approach the situation. To quote our always entertaining professor, Professor Seago, "I'm all down for the smoking of weed, I just don't think a five year old should be in kindergarten puffing on a joint during recess."  This sentence alone paradigms my whole argument. Marijuana, as an advocate of it or not, must be recognized a drug that alters your mental state. However, given its beneficial properties, low risk consumption, and the overall readily availableness of this product, I'd say it'd be a wiser decision, as a nation, to decriminalize marijuana rather than fully exonerate it from the law. (Much like colorado did.) 

                 In other, "higher," news , "a number of cities and roughly 20 states are raising their minimum wage next year." ("New 2015 Laws Tackle Wages and Weed, Pet Tattoos and Tiger Selfies."Fox News. FOX News Network, 31 Dec. 2014. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.)  So if your mom is nagging you to "get your lazy ass off the couch, and find a job" then there hasn't been a better time before this.