The current classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance does extreme harm to our society, crowding our prisons with non-violent offenders, diverting police resources away from combatting violent crime, adding to the United States of America's tax burden, preventing serious medical research into the risks and benefits of the use of cannabis, and weakening individual and states' rights.
In 1972 the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug abuse recommending the decriminalization of cannabis. It is time this nation adopt that recommendation.