Several states including California, Washington, and Colorado, have legalized marijuana. The legalization followed a series of controversial debates concerning the health, political, social, and financial consequences of this decision. The legalization was prompted by numerous factors including the perception that it would eradicate criminal activities associated with the drug. The legalization was intended to help law enforcers focus on other crimes instead of concentrating on marijuana use in the community. Proponents also argued that punishing marijuana users violated the liberty of adults. Policymakers also noted that marijuana laws are disproportionately enforced, whereby minorities are subject to more harsh treatment for possession than mainstream communities.
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