Thesis Statement: Marijuana is an increasingly hot topic in today’s society, and is one that will need to be dealt with in a more serious manner in the coming years. Over time, marijuana has become less taboo and more socially acceptable, but is America ready for legalization and the legal changes that would come with it? In this paper, I will explain my reasoning for my personal opinion that, yes, America is ready for legalization with proper regulation.

I: Introduction and Thesis Statement
	A. Background on topic
	B. Thesis Statement

II. Legality in other countries
	A. Legality in other countries
	B. Differences in levels of legality
	C. Enforcement of laws + Regulation

III. Legality in the U.S.
	A. Current legal status
	B. Possibility of legality

IV. Consequences
	A. Drug related crime rates in legal countries
	B. Non-drug related crime rates in legal countries
	C. Comparison to U.S. crime rates
	D. Predictions

V. Health Consequences
	A. Possibility of brain damage
	B. Harm done by smoke
	C. Comparison with legal drugs (Alcohol, Tobacco)

VI. U.S. Opinion of legalization
	A. Famous advocates for legalization
	B. Famous protesters of legalization
	C. Average U.S. citizen’s stance on legalization of marijuana

VII. Economic possibilities
	A. Exploring the possibility of opening jobs
	B. Marijuana as a cash crop
	C. Foreign trade

VIII. Regulation possibilities
	A. New laws for controlling drug use
	B. Age restrictions
	C. Public smoking

IX. Regulation and economic benefits in other countries
	A. How is marijuana handled in legal countries?
	B. How has marijuana helped/hurt the economy in legal countries?

X. Conclusion
	A. Summary of paper
	B. Summary of my own opinions
	C. Do I think marijuana legalization is a possibility?