I would like to begin by clarifying a few things. I do not wear Birkenstock sandals. The only way you will ever get a tie-dye T-shirt on me is if you kill me, and I think hemp necklaces are about as cool as Ruckus is popular.

However, I do share something in common with many people who do enjoy these things: I believe that marijuana ought to be legalized.

According to the FBI’s Universal Crime Report for 2006, some 872,721 people were arrested for marijuana related offenses.

Almost 90 percent of those people were charged with simple possession.

In fact, in 2006 almost half of all drug-related arrests were for possession or sale of marijuana.

Given the fact that there are many groups that contend that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol, it seems a little ridiculous that so many private citizens are persecuted for enjoying an alternative form of inebriation.

Furthermore, the detrimental effects that marijuana is purported to have (i.e. reduced cognitive functioning), have never been scientifically proven in adults.

Some (in)famous marijuana users are known to be very successful individuals.

Barack Obama and Michael Phelps, possibly the two most extraordinary individuals of the decade, have recently received publicity for their propensity towards the ganj.

However, the most dangerous drugs, like crystal meth and crack cocaine, continue to run rampant throughout America’s poorest communities with no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Additionally, although marijuana-related arrests have increased substantially since 1965, there is no indication that marijuana use has been curbed, or has even stayed level for that matter.

On the contrary, many studies show trends of increased use.

The United States literally spends billions of dollars annually in the war on drugs attempting to persecute a victimless crime.

On top of the costs to enforce these senseless laws, the government also insists upon spending money on inaccurate advertisements and ineffective education programs like D.A.R.E. This needs to end immediately.

Adults should be able to make their own decisions regarding their choice of safe recreational use of mind-altering substances.

This is simply not a matter the government should be involved in.

If I am allowed to go to war and buy cigarettes when I am 18, activities that have a high probability of killing me, I ought to be able to sit on my couch and smoke a joint without fear of reproach.