Decriminalisation or Legalisation?

Here we compare the legalisation of marijuana against decriminalisation of marijuana.

The legalisation of marijuana would most likely involve...

- More government taxes. The tax implication on the legalisation of marijuana would probably be as strict or stricter than the tax on tobacco cigarettes.

- Age restrictions would be placed on buying and smoking legalized marijuana similar to those on cigarettes (or alcohol).

Decriminalisation, on the other hand is perhaps preferred over the legalisation of marijuana. If marijuana were decriminalized then it would be considered a herb and not a drug, much like parsley, sage, marjoram, and oregano.

The legalisation of marijuana is a topic of heated debate the world over. As of this writing, there are NO places left where the legalisation of marijauna is in effect. Though tolerated, It is even illegal in Holland.

Where other than Holland is it tolerated? One of the most celebrated places is Amsterdam and though the legalisation of marijuana hasn't happened as yet, places like Australia, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Morocco and others do show greater tolerance. In the U.S., California is very laid back about it, especially San Francisco.

Several countries including the UK, Portugal and Belgium have decriminalised marijuana possession and use of cannabis. In fact, in most of Western Europe, as long as you don't have a large quantity you are only likely to get your stash confiscated or be levied a small fine. Of course selling cannabis is still considered very illegal.

A lot of people want the legalisation of marijuana to pass as a bill without fully understanding the implications of government involvement. It appears as if the legalisation of marijuana may not be in our near future despite many groups who advocate and hold demonstrations to that end.