"According to the CDC, prescriptions for opioids have quadrupled from 1999-2010 despite no change in the overall amount of pain that Americans are reporting. Recommendations include better prescription practices. However, marijuana has been shown to be effective for pain-management and is not addictive. Wider legalization would reduce incidence of opioid abuse, reducing deaths of Americans."

"For its population, Louisiana imprisons more of its citizens than any other state, or Russia, or China. The main crime is drug possession, predominantly marijuana. At an average cost of $23,000 per prisoner per year, this is an expense that the state and the country cannot tolerate for a stigmatized offense. Again, legalization would reduce the burden on the government and, with adequate taxation, even increase revenues." Link