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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.

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, however, despite its availability, marijuana use in the Netherlands is lower than the European average. The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime.

Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>

Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>