Smoke in the AirMarijuana is probably the most controversial plant in history. It has been around for millennia in various forms and uses. However, it is best known as a drug. In the Americas, its beginnings date back almost 456 years, when the Spanish introduced it with them in 1545 (Levinthal). Cannabis sativa or marijuana, as it is commonly known, has commercial value in the production of hemp rope, raw fabrics, twine, shoes, sailcloth and containers (Levinthal, Keese). Notably, marijuana can also be used in the development of medications to alleviate a number of modern-day disorders. In ancient times, it was considered a cash crop. In the 20th century, however, marijuana was considered more of a narcotic than a plant with commercial potential. The beginnings of marijuana politics in American history date back to 1915, when marijuana prohibition began locally and nationally. level, mainly due to anti-Mexican sentiments (Bonnie 1). From 1932 to 1937, national awareness of marijuana was sparked by federally funded anti-marijuana campaigns in support of the Uniform Narcotics Act (Bonnie 1). This resulted in the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act. From that point on, the hysteria around marijuana intensified. The government imposed harsh penalties for most marijuana offenses, even for simple possession (Bonnie 1). Possession of marijuana became a felony in most states until 1973, when Oregon became the first state to decriminalize marijuana. Since then, the government has begun to take a non-criminal approach to discouraging marijuana use (Bonnie 1). The increase in marijuana use and its penetration into all levels of society has forced every state to modify its penalties in one way or another (Bonnie 1). Today, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and Washington have joined Oregon in decriminalizing marijuana (Central News Network). Those who opposed marijuana in the past have faced fierce resistance from supporters of its decriminalization. The debate quickly becomes political. The importance of marijuana as a medicine is no longer an issue. The current question is whether marijuana sanctions are socially and economically viable. As Richard J. Bonnie, author of Marijuana Use and Criminal Sanctions, puts it, "lawmakers must somehow 'weigh' the 'benefits' of criminal sanctions against their 'costs'" (16). . Marijuana should be decriminalized to minimize the social, legal, and economic impacts to the American public. Marijuana Sanctions Affect the American Public in Three Ways..