Medical Marijuana: The American PlantThe use of marijuana, for medical and recreational purposes, has long been a subject of controversy. Consuming marijuana is considered morally wrong by many, but for others it is considered a plant with major health benefits. From the first introduction to the subject, it seems difficult to understand why this plant causes so much controversy. The answer is deeply rooted in America's history and still affects many aspects of Americans' daily lives today. Marijuana policy affects Americans economically and health-wise. However, the U.S. government must also address other areas influenced by marijuana, such as the costs of legislation and regulation. Marijuana legislation is a topic that both pro-marijuana and anti-marijuana debate constantly. Over the years, thanks to propaganda and yellow journalism, this debate has been further complicated by false facts and accusations. To truly understand the marijuana debate, one must understand each side's reasoning and take a look back in history to understand how the country got to this point in the marijuana feud. Finding exactly where marijuana became the controversial issue it is today is no easy task. easy task. The reason is that marijuana has been around since the very beginning. Marijuana plants were grown in America before the arrival of the Mayflower. Marijuana was introduced to the “New World” by settlers in one of America’s first permanent colonies, Jamestown. “Jamestown settlers introduced the marijuana plant, commonly known as hemp, to North America in 1611, and throughout the colonial period, hemp fiber was an important export. Indeed, in 1762, “Virginia granted bounties for the cultivation and manufacture of hemp,...... middle of paper .......d. Internet. May 7, 2014.3. Block, Bruce A. “Why Marijuana Became Illegal – The Basic Facts.” Bruce Alan Block, attorney. Np, and Web. May 4, 2014.4. “Historical Timeline – Medical Marijuana – ProCon.org.” ProConorg Titles. Np, August 13, 2013. Internet. May 4, 2014.5. “Marijuana as Medicine: Consider the Pros and Cons.” » MayoClinic.com Health Library -. Np, and Web. May 06, 2014.6. “Pros and Cons of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana.”Drug Rehab. Np, and Web. May 5, 2014.7. “Top 10 Pros and Cons – Medical Marijuana – ProCon.org.” ProConorg Titles. Np, and Web. May 7, 2014.8. "21 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org." ProConorg Titles. Np, and Web. May 06 2014.