BY KEMI IJITIMEHIN – The legalization of Marijuana, the new age’s Prohibition or a fight for America’s morality? A proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution allowing the use of medical marijuana by those with debilitating, life threatening diseases sparked nationwide debate. Although the amendment fell short of the 60% needed for a constitutional amendment, many were surprised that Amendment 2 garnered 58% of the vote. [1]
In Florida, both proponents and opponents of Marijuana spent millions of dollars in a massively scaled attempt to influence voters for or against the medical marijuana provision. [2] Opponents of the provision deemed it the Drug Dealer Protection Act, stating that it would just allow drug dealers to legally sell marijuana to Florida citizens. Proponents of Amendment 2 insist that the benefits of medical marijuana to sick individuals outweigh the negative presumption of marijuana use.
The arguments here in Florida reflect the nationwide divide on the issue of medical marijuana. 23 states and Washington D.C. currently have medical marijuana provisions, however, Florida would have been the first southern state to approve a medical marijuana provision. Many are fearful of medical marijuana provisions because they view it as a step towards legalizing use for everyone, while others assert that marijuana is perhaps safer than alcohol. These propositions are even more riveting in light of legalization in several states and districts. After the 2014 election, marijuana is legal in Colorado, Washington D.C., Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Alaska. [3]
Legalization of marijuana raises concerns about how children will view drug use. Will legalization ensure that children view drugs in a more favorable light? Often thought of as a gateway drug, will legalization lead to a generation of chronic drug abuse? Even those who support legalization for those 18 and over express concern about how to ensure drugs do not fall into the hands of the under-aged. [4] However, those who support legalization insist that the benefits outweigh the risks, asserting that the risks of negative medical effects are minimal. [5] Additionally, increased economic revenue and a decrease in incarceration would help cash strapped states in the struggling economic climate. Proponents point to Colorado’s 6.17 million dollars in tax revenue (first two months of 2014) as evidence that the legalization of marijuana could reshape American economic climate and provide endless financial opportunities for struggling states. [6]
Regardless of where you may stand on the issue, it is important to acknowledge that there may be positive and negative effects of the legalization of marijuana. I challenge you to not rely on propaganda from proponents or opponents of legalization, thoroughly research the issue for yourself and figure out where you stand on the issue!
2—- http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl–marijuana-ad-war-launched-20140930-story.html
3— http://time.com/3557760/2014-midterm-elections-marijuana-pot/
4- http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Legalization-raises-concerns-about-marijuana-s-5414338.php
5 http://health.ucsd.edu/news/2003/06_27_grant.html
6- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/19/benefits-legalizing-weed-by-the-numbers_n_5173785.html
—
Kemi Ijitimehin is a 2016 Staff Editor of the Race and Social Justice Law Review.
For updates about our journal, visit our Facebook and our Twitter.
I think legalization of marijuana does not mean allowing children and just everybody else to use it as much as they want. Even if it is legalized, still, the use of this drug is mostly limited to medical areas, right? And, only those who have registry card can legally buy it. That way, these patients will enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana.