1. To Bud or Not to Bud? Alicia Christ

2. The 20 states and DC who have legalized or decriminalized marijuana use

3. What does it mean to legalize or decriminalize marijuana? • Decriminalizing marijuana means to remove any criminal penalties for marijuana use or possession. However, there could still be a fine imposed. • Legalizing marijuana means to make it legal. There would be no criminal penalties nor fines if found using the drug. • All across America, states are choosing to legalize and decriminalize marijuana use for medical and even recreational purposes

4. Marijuana Facts • Marijuana is being used to help reduce or eliminate pain and nausea caused by chronic diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS • Marijuana has been recommended by thousands of licensed physicians in states with medical marijuana laws • Research suggests marijuana may be neuroprotective • Enforcing marijuana laws costs taxpayers $10 billion annually and results in more than 750,000 individuals being arrested each year. In 2010, more than 850,000 people were arrested on marijuana-related offences

5. Hemp • Hemp is the tough, course fiber of the cannabis plant • The hemp plant is currently harvested for commercial purposes in over 30 nations and can be used in the making of: • Clothes • Paints • Plastics • Animal feed • Cosmetics • So much more…

6. Reasons Against Marijuana • Marijuana is a “gateway drug” • Marijuana is an addictive substance • Marijuana causes anxiety, depression, and paranoia

7. Conclusion • Marijuana should be legalized because it is an affective medicine for patients with chronic illnesses. • The cannabis plant is considered to be a cash crop. • Marijuana has very little harmful affects—if any. • Be legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana, taxpayers could save $10 billion a year just on the enforcement of the law.

8. References • http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881#WAfee • http://www.marijuanadoctorsphoenix.com/phoenix-medical-marijuana-laws/ • http://norml.org/marijuana • http://www.rehabalcoholdrug.com/marijuana-addiction-treatment-in-florida • http://www.hempwa.com/Info/AboutHemp/tabid/115/Default.aspx • http://www.thcfinder.com/marijuana-blog/culture/2011/09/california-hemp-bill-awaits-governors-signature • http://bestbudspharm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Medical-Marijuana-Regina-Bed-buds-Regina.jpg