This nation has been divided among many things. Slavery, prohibition, woman’s suffrage and many other issues. Now, the legalization of marijuana is proving to be the next cause dividing the states.

California will be deciding the fate of the matter on the next ballot when voters will decided to either legalize marijuana or keep the current law in place. Many people are still deciding on whether or not the herbal substance should be legalized.

While some are hesitant because of religious matters, many are caught on moral issues or the unknown.

Marijuana has been proven by the National Academy of Sciences to aide patients who are suffering from diseases like cancer, AIDS, and glaucoma; even patients who are going through chemotherapy are given the herb to assist with pain.

The substance has also been theorized to be a “gateway drug” to other illegal substances like cocaine and heroin. Secondhand smoke from the use of marijuana increases the chances of others suffering the damage by inhaling the smoke.

Marijuana, like alcohol, cigarettes and sex, is one of life’s little pleasures for some people, something that makes life worth living. People may get pleasure from coffee, donuts and pizzas, but even they can be harmful if not taken in moderate quantities.

Under the initiative that is placed on the ballot for the November elections, any person over the age of 21 will be able to possess, share, and transport an ounce of the Cannabis for personal use.

The ability to grow up to 25 square feet per residence or parcel is also part of the initiative.

All too soon, voters, not only in California but nationwide, will have to decide on the legalization regarding marijuana. When this happens another piece of history will be made, no matter the result.