Decriminalization of marijuana is a controversial topic and movement for removal of criminal penalties for possession of this drug started few decades ago. In the 1970s, this movement gained momentum as 11 states reduced penalties associated with possession of marijuana in small amount but nothing significant came out of this drive. While the public opinion remained sharply divided on the issue of decriminalization, this movement helped open a new window through which policy makers could see the other side of criminalization debate. Over the years, this debate has gained prominence as more and more Americans began advocating decriminalization of marijuana. According to Nadelmann (2004): .

             "Seventy-two percent say that for simple marijuana possession, people should not be incarcerated but fined: the generally accepted definition of "decriminalization.".Support for broader legalization ranges between 25 and 42 percent, depending on how one asks the question. Two of every five Americans--according to a 2003 Zogby poll--say "the government should treat marijuana more or less the same way it treats alcohol: It should regulate it, control it, tax it, and only make it illegal for children." Close to 100 million Americans--including more than half of those between the ages of 18 and 50--have tried marijuana at least once.".

             Like every controversial issue, decriminalization of marijuana has also attracted its fair share of pro and con arguments. Marijuana is believed to trigger dangerous chemical reaction in the brain that might result in users losing conscious control over their bodies and minds during the state of elation and this often leads to improper behavior. Marijuana laws in the United States are very strict but some are of the view that it is more because of political reasons that actual harmful effects of this drug. But the truth of the matter is that marijuana does alter brain chemistry in its users, which can often force them to indulge in uncharacteristic behavior.