With the increased polarization in the political stage, social issues are naturally also becoming more and more polarizing. One of the biggest modern social issues surrounded with contention is the legalization of marijuana. There is currently a toxic stigma surrounding weed use as it is often associated with degenerates and seen as dirty. This stigma and the criminalization of the possession of weed disproportionately harm young people and people of color. Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana would reduce the targets in communities of people of color and result in economic growth.
History of the Cannabis Ban
The initial ban of marijuana usage in the United States was the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 based on the claim that the drug made men of color violent and harass women (Burnett). While this act effectively prevented the use of marijuana, it was ruled unconstitutional but was replaced with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This act created categories, called Schedules, for drugs to rank them based on risk associated with danger and addiction. Eventually, in 1996, California approved the use of marijuana for medical reasons, as it is historically a therapeutic substance with other medicinal qualities.
Various Uses
As cannabis has been researched more thoroughly to prove its functionality at a medical level, doctors and researchers have discovered its efficacy to cure chronic pains, kill cancerous cells, treat glaucoma, and even help to reduce and control seizures (Salerno). On a more general scale, marijuana has also been shown to improve lung function and mood. One of the main issues with the criminalization of marijuana is that it perpetuates the stigma that the use of weed is for degenerates. Even if someone may benefit from the medicinal properties of marijuana, they may avoid it because of the harmful stigma. Despite the research that has shown how many benefits cannabis has to offer, some people still associate the drug with a negative connotation because of the economic concerns of a future with legalized weed use.
There is a belief from those who oppose the legalization of weed that young people will become addicted and unemployed. However, the increase of legal access to marijuana would discourage addiction as the drug would always be readily available and regulated. Additionally, the legalization of marijuana would create jobs and lead to decreased rates of unemployment. The resources being used to fund law enforcement could be put to better use, tracking threatening drug-related crime. From the side of the consumer, the regulation of cannabis would be much safer than buying from a hidden, independent grower.
Recent Regulations
Some recent legislation regarding the regulation of marijuana comes from New Mexico and New York. New Mexico passed the Cannabis Regulation Act in March 2021, which included the reevaluation of those who were currently imprisoned for cannabis possession charges (Drug Policy Alliance). The Cannabis Regulation Act decriminalizes the substance and prevents families from being separated because of cannabis use. This act also allowed those with prior convictions related to the possession of cannabis to work and be licensed. A similar law was passed in New York also in March 2021, called the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). This act focuses more on integrating the production of cannabis into the economy by protecting users from discrimination and establishing a system where small businesses and farmers can acquire a license to grow.
Ultimately, legalizing marijuana would only help the economy of the United States by reducing the negative stigma of cannabis use being an illegal activity. By creating licensed and regulated jobs for the marijuana business, the economy can grow and protect consumers. The acceptance of cannabis use in society would also promote proper education regarding the substance, further encouraging consumer safety and a smooth integration of the industry into society.
