Social Impact of Decriminalizing Marijuana

There have also been many studies that have found out that decriminalization of marijuana will not create an increase in its use. The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine said in its study "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base," that, "In sum, there is little evidence that decriminalization of marijuana use necessarily leads to a substantial increase in marijuana use." (www.norml.org). The study helped to the argument that the legalization of marijuana will cause an increase in the usage of the drug. The California State Office of Narcotics and Drug Abuse stated in its report "A First Report on the Impact of California's New Marijuana Law," in 1977 that, "The reduction in penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use does not appear to have been a factor in people's decision to use or not use the drug." (www.norml.org).…