After more than 80 years of being banned for medication and recreation, marijuana has now been legalized among several states in the U.S. However, 11 states still stand firm on their opinion that this substance, in spite of cannabis popularity, should not be legalized. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming.
In 2013, 58 percent of the American population supported the prohibition of the use of marijuana or cannabis, also known as "pot." There were about 8.2 million local arrests made due to the selling and use of the said drug between 2001 and 2010, according to USA Today.
Despite this, more than 20 states have legalized the medical use of marijuana in just two decades. More recently, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska allowed the use of the substance among people who are 21 years of age and above. The tax revenues are expected to help fund for local law enforcement, education, and more.
On the other hand, the remaining 11 states are still adamant to marijuana legalization, even after hearing the rebuttals of those who have allowed its use. In these states, there still remain the harsh laws about its use, low substance usage, high arrests, and the lack of desire to do otherwise.
However, the head of Marijuana Policy Project, Rob Kampia, thinks that the prohibition of marijuana among the remaining states will soon be turned over. Other known states such as California and Nevada are debating on marijuana legalization after the voters voiced out their opinions.
There will be another debate on the Controlled Substances Act pertinent to the drug's legal consumption. This is according to President Barack Obama, if enough states plan to decriminalize its use.
These predictions can make other federal states to reconsider and rethink of their current position as cannabis popularity becomes increasingly evident in recent years. Yet as of now, their respective federal governments have little efforts of legalizing marijuana.
