The idea of U.S. marijuana legalization is a concept that has ruffled a lot of feathers. Those who support the initiative embrace the idea and those who know very little about marijuana tend to be afraid of the unknown.

As the possibility of marijuana legalization across the U.S. starts to become greater, more and more information about marijuana has begun to surface. The question is – how do you know what is true and what is not? The unfortunate truth is there are a lot of lies involving U.S. marijuana legalization. Some of the lies may be an attempt to keep legalization from happening and others are just people afraid of what they know nothing about.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the lies surrounding U.S. marijuana legalization.

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Crime Will Increase

To date, concerns of U.S. marijuana legalization increasing crime has been fruitless. Per MSNBC, crime rates have gone down in areas were marijuana has been legalized. It was noted that this finding extended beyond Raw Story speculates U.S. marijuana legalization in some states has freed up law enforcement to focus their efforts on more serious crimes.

It Will Cost Tax Payers Money

Naturally, some people are concerned that regulating the marijuana industry will cost tax payers a lot more money than it did to regulate marijuana when it was illegal. Law enforcement will need to put new systems and laws in place. Police will need to be trained on how to deal with the new rules and regulations. Naturally, this is all things that require money.

This is another fruitless concern as law enforcement costs do fall any time they do not have to regulate or worry about the black market. Furthermore, per Huffington Post, prohibition of marijuana has cost the U.S. $20 billion annually. Long-term, regulating is going to save the U.S. a lot of money.

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Teen Use of Marijuana Will Increase

“Think of the children” is one of many arguments individuals have used in an attempt to fight off U.S. marijuana legalization. Per Cheat Sheet, while the concern may have some merit, U.S. marijuana legalization has had the opposite effect on the teenage population. Statistically, less teenagers are now using marijuana in states where it is legal and available. Is it possible that U.S. marijuana legalization actually makes consuming marijuana less appealing to teenagers?

The Public Health Will Suffer

Another common concern expressed any time U.S. marijuana legalization is discussed is how badly it will damage the public health. While there has not been enough research done to conclude what kind of long-term effects using marijuana can have, it has yet to cause any sort of public health problem. In fact, marijuana is known to be a safer alternative to both alcohol and tobacco (as well as harder drugs on the street).

Exactly what kind of impact marijuana will have on public health long-term, however, is something that will require additional research. Unfortunately, it is a little difficult for researchers to study the long-term effects when it is still illegal across so much of the U.S.

Driving While Stoned Is Dangerous

People driving while under the influence of marijuana has always been a concern in the U.S. The legalization of marijuana is going to increase that concern because it becomes more available to anyone who wants it. Currently, police are still working towards developing technology and effective methods for determining whether or not someone is stoned while driving. However, per the Washington Post, the legalization of marijuana does not appear to have made the roads more dangerous in the state of Colorado.

How do you feel about the legalization of marijuana in the U.S.? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section found below.

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