In this controversy, as strange as it may sound at first, both those people for the legalization of marijuana and those people against it are in effect arguing for the same thing. This is hard to see at first because each side takes a different approach to arguing. In reality, these two polarized groups are arguing in favor of the personal safety, security, and rights of citizens. Each group's arguments, however, leave gaps that significantly affect their resulting stances on drug laws. The current drug laws don't allow for patients to get medical marijuana that can alleviate their suffering. However, on the other end of the spectrum, proposed legalization of marijuana would make it easier to obtain a drug that, after long-term exposure, can cause serious health problems such as lung and heart diseases.

Neither side has an answer that can address all aspects of this controversy. Therefore, the issue of personal safety, rights, and security as provided and regulated by the government must be examined in order to make progress in this current war surrounding marijuana. To erradicate one side, as is usually done in war, would be to temporarily get rid of the problem, not solving it. The only way to move forward is to examine the underlying values and work hard at creating a universal understanding of human rights. Once this is clear, the issue of marijuana will fade until there is no longer any controversy.

This can only be accomplished by working to improve understanding of the situation rather than holding onto the current negative peace.

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