Prohibition of Marijuana

This past week while researching the website PollingReport.com I came across an article with great statistics concerning the use of illegal drugs and Americans opinions. What I took away was the amount of growing Americans who would be in favor of the legalization of marijuana if a tax was implemented on it. Still, a solid 55% oppose the overall legalization of the drugs. With the argument of legalizing marijuana brings the argument of punishment if one if found in possession of the drug. 32% of those polled feel that if marijuana was in fact legalized it would reduce the amount of current crime. This can be compared to when alcohol was made illegal during Prohibition (1920-1933) the amount of criminal activity skyrocketed. Street gangs and bootleggers became extremely wealth all because of the crazy idea by the government to ban alcohol. It makes one think whether someday the same may be said about marijuana. With constant drug wars being fought in Mexico and the murder rate growing, something must be done in regards to this serious issue. Could the legalization of this "drug" potentially reduce crime and make America and the rest of the world a safer place? Time will tell.