Includes index.

"Marijuana has been illegal throughout the United States for nearly a hundred years, and it remains prohibited by the federal government under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. However, since the 1990s a growing number of states and jurisdictions have passed laws that conflict with the federal prohibition on marijuana use. These laws allow marijuana to be used as a medical treatment for certain conditions. A few states even allow it for recreational use. This book explores the heated debate currently raging over the benefits to society of legalizing marijuana. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue"--Back cover.