Changes

==Legal Status==

==Legal Status==

Marijuana is a [[Schedule I]] [[Controlled Substance]] in the United States of America, meaning that it is an illegal substance under the law of the United States.  In a few countries, particularly in the most [[liberal]] countries of [[Western Europe]], it is legal, though several other countries impose more harsh penalties than the Untied States.

Marijuana is a [[Schedule I]] [[Controlled Substance]] in the United States of America, meaning that it is an illegal substance under the law of the United States.  In a few countries, particularly in the most [[liberal]] countries of [[Western Europe]], it is legal, though several other countries impose more harsh penalties than the United States.

The [[Netherlands]] decriminalized the use of marijuana in 1976. As a result, marijuana use among the 18-25 age group doubled, while the rate of [[heroin]] addiction tripled.<ref>[http://www.justice.gov/dea/demand/speakout/09so.htm Europe’s More Liberal Drug Policies Are Not the Right Model for America]</ref> The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime.

The [[Netherlands]] decriminalized the use of marijuana in 1976. As a result, marijuana use among the 18-25 age group doubled, while the rate of [[heroin]] addiction tripled.<ref>[http://www.justice.gov/dea/demand/speakout/09so.htm Europe’s More Liberal Drug Policies Are Not the Right Model for America]</ref> The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime.