I say that marijuana, especially medicinal marijuana and its dispensaries, should be legalized and these businesses should be able to continue to remain open to help their patients. In doing so, it might help alleviate some of the economic woes California is currently facing.

Sure, marijuana is considered to be a dangerous drug that is harmful to our health, but what about other legal drugs like alcohol and cigarettes? Too many drinks could lead to alcohol poisoning and do major damage to the brain, liver and can even lead to a coma. Cigarettes contain hundreds of chemicals. According to the American Cancer Society website, after many years of consumption, tobacco use can lead to emphysema, cardiovascular disease and many types of cancers.

On the other hand, there isn't any concrete proof or facts that marijuana can cause more damage than the drugs mentioned above. Just like any other substance, moderation is the key. Users should be educated about the pros and cons of smoking marijuana and then make an informed decision as to how much should be consumed.

For people who suffer from chronic pain, nausea, anxiety and arthritis, medicinal marijuana is proven to be a life-saving substance helping to alleviate their pain. A Washington Post article cites that research conducted over the course of five days at a San Francisco hospital ward tested AIDS patients, all whom suffered from some sort of nerve pain. The patients were allowed to smoke three marijuana cigarettes per day.

After those five days, more than half the patients noticed a decrease of the pain they were feeling before they smoked the marijuana.

With thorough evaluations from doctors in order to obtain a medical marijuana card and providing strict security for dispensaries to keep their businesses open and safe, I believe this will help the patients who otherwise might not have a better alternative to treat their illness.

In November, the ballot measure that would legalize the possession and sales of marijuana
(Proposition 19) will be on California's ballot.

If passed, taxing marijuana may alleviate the state's budget, which has been in trouble for the past few years and is not getting any better. So why not approve the ballot and be the first state with the guts to make a change and see where it leads us?