Legalizing Marijuana

Legalizing Marijuana Several states including California, Washington, and Colorado, have legalized marijuana. The legalization followed a series of controversial debates concerning the health, political, social, and financial consequences of this decision. Factors Prompted its Legalization The legalization was prompted by numerous factors including the perception that it would eradicate criminal activities associated with the drug (Pacula & Smart, 2017). The legalization was intended to help law enforcers focus on other crimes instead of concentrating on marijuana use in the community. Proponents also argued that punishing marijuana users violated the liberty of adults. Policymakers also noted that marijuana laws are disproportionately enforced, whereby minorities are subject to more harsh treatment for possession than mainstream communities (Pacula & Smart, 2017). Negative Consequences Marijuana legalization has greatly impacted society. This drug is now readily available to users. The lower prices and greater social acceptance imply that more young people including adolescents, can now access marijuana (SAMHSA, 2022). Increased marijuana use is associated with the simultaneous use of other drugs such as alcohol, cocaine and heroin. This behavior implies that individuals, families, and communities face new psychological health threats linked to untamed drug use (SAMHSA, 2022). Positive Outcomes Marijuana legalization benefits individuals and the community through increased tax revenues, investment opportunities, and job growth (Nystedt, 2021). This policy could reduce the huge enforcement burden and allow police resources to be used in controlling other criminal

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Legalizing Marijuana

Published on Dec 6, 2022

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Several states including California, Washington, and Colorado, have legalized marijuana. The legalization followed a series of controversial debates concerning the health, political, social, and financial consequences of this decision. The legalization was prompted by numerous factors including the perception that it would eradicate criminal activities associated with the drug. The legalization was intended to help law enforcers focus on other crimes instead of concentrating on marijuana use in the community. Proponents also argued that punishing marijuana users violated the liberty of adults. Policymakers also noted that marijuana laws are disproportionately enforced, whereby minorities are subject to more harsh treatment for possession than mainstream communities.