Much debate was waged on Capitol Hill regarding the legalization of marijuana. By analyzing the history, data, and health effects of marijuana it becomes clear that the debate for legalizing marijuana should be taken seriously and brought to Congress as an issue that can stimulate the economy and bring together a divided nation. This problem, along with many others, will not be a reality until Congress takes action and directly addresses the issue. Conflicting opinions emerge when so much time and money is spent on drug elimination. America's “War on Drugs” was an intense operation aimed at getting narcotics off the streets and often catching criminal distribution before it even reached the public. Citizens of the United States have petitioned for the legalization of marijuana since its origins, but progress has been minimal and the plant's illegal existence remains. Congress has faced countless times voting to legalize marijuana, while the majority of politicians are in favor of banning the substance, however there are some politically charged individuals who have and continue to vote for its legalization. America's emphasis and concern over the use, distribution, and growth of marijuana is exceptional, with arrests reaching nearly 5.9 million since 1990. A great deal of time, money, and manpower has been used in marijuana substance control operations. marijuana in society and many people oppose this. Until marijuana is legalized, the debate and fight for its legalization will undoubtedly continue by the millions of people who use the herbal substance in this country alone. The argument against legalizing marijuana is pretty cut and dry, main… …center of the paper……products” (“What is Hemp” 2). With this incredible expertise in mind, the unemployment rate in the United States would decrease as every industry and market will want to jump into hemp cultivation. Marijuana, as a recreational drug, if taxed would also strengthen our economy. Its taxation would generate “$6.2 billion a year in revenue” without any of the crushing costs that alcohol and tobacco entail (Moffatt 1). The most dramatic effect on the economy would be its decriminalization. Its decriminalization would save $8.7 billion per year, “$1 billion on the incarceration of marijuana offenders,” and another “$7.7 billion” in prohibition spending (Moffatt 1). Ultimately, marijuana should be legalized because its effects on the economy would steadily reduce the national cost of the United States. debt and unemployment through job creation, taxation and decriminalization.