The drug marijuana was recently legalized by referendum in the states of Colorado and Washington. Users of the drug rejoiced in what seems to be the coming of the day when the herb is legal across the country. Many compare the legalization to the end of prohibition.
In fact, many supporters feel the herb doesn’t just not do bad, but it does good. It was already available for purchase at medical dispenseries prior to the referendum, but now it is has been de-crimininalized for recreational use.
Is decriminalization a good idea? States would gain the tax revenues on the legal product. Maybe use of the drug would initially spike, but then drop. Use could drop because the glamor of using an forbidden product would be gone.
However, it could pose an interesting situation for addicted users. The use of rehabilitation facilities for addiction to the drug would be affected. People enrolled in substance abuse treatment programs would increase.
One quote used in this article gives a startling statistic:
Americans currently use marijuana at three times the global average. With legalization and the accompanying marketing efforts of big corporations, that use will increase three fold again (according to NPR).
Then there is the question of how the federal government will react to the legalization in Colorado and Washington. Use and sale of marijuana are still illegal under federal law. Will the feds enforce the law, or turn a blind eye?
Some believe the right course of action is to repeal the federal law, respect the referendum votes of Colorado and Washington, and let other states decide individually.
Whatever the outcome, action will from federal government will likely be taken soon, once the *ahem* smoke clears.
April Garon 