To Criminalize or Decriminalize Marijuana
Marijuana, also known as cannabis is considered one of the most controversial topics of the last two centuries. Cannabis has remained on the banned substance list since the era of prohibition but has garnered support from marijuana users across the globe. According to the National Institute of Health, people have used cannabis for over 3,000 years to treat personal ailments (Railton). Surprisingly, not only does marijuana provide outstanding medical benefits, states that have legalized the so-called “illicit drug” have noticed a substantial boost to their economy. However, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, individuals can still be prosecuted under Federal law, even in states where it is legal to consume (Lusk Paul Wilson 3).
What is the big push to legalize marijuana? For starters, cannabis is known to alleviate chronic pain and illness. According to a Clinical Psychology Review published in 2017, it revealed that cannabis may help with alcoholism, drug addiction, cancer, depression, and PTSD (Railton). From an economic perspective, there was no way to regulate the sale of cannabis in the past. Additionally, there are federal laws in place that hinder research abilities. Currently, there are roughly 23 states that have legalized cannabis for medical purposes and have sought ways to tax newcomers investing in the cannabis business. The benefit of legalizing cannabis is that it’s less harmful than doctor-prescribed medication. More and more people are hospitalized every year from the harmful side effects of prescribed drugs. There are three additional ways that cannabis can have a positive impact on the economy: a decrease in crime due to a reduction in criminal activity, increased tax revenue, and law enforcement will spend less time enforcing archaic cannabis laws (Maier et al. 126).
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Medical cannabis has provided an avenue for individuals to have power over their own health by using a less-harmful drug. There are still concerns about the massive push to legalize cannabis. FDA has not amended or removed cannabis from the illegal substance list for recreational use altogether. Individuals with disabilities that are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders or have ailments that can be treated using cannabis, could pose a challenge to vocational rehabilitation counselors (Lusk et al. 4). The question remains: Why is there limited research pertaining to cannabis? According to WebMD, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) still considers cannabis a Schedule I drug, claiming it is similar to heroin, and lacks medical value (WebMD). Second, Goldenberg asserts that long-term use of cannabis affects the development of the brain, especially in young teenagers; hallucinations, temporary paranoia, depression, suicide, and schizophrenia (19). While the scheduling of the drug is correct, the other two claims cannot be supported due to a lack of proper research. Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller, substance abuse specialist at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, summarizes that researchers require a special license to study cannabis/cannabinoids (WebMD).
The cannabis industry is expected to surpass the pharmaceutical industry, as fewer people are taking to prescribed medication. Analysts and researchers alike claim that big pharma’s prices are just way too high and costly for the average patient. CBD extracts are effective, provide an unpatentable advantage, and will open a billion-dollar industry of profit (Miller Cannabis Investors). CBD extracts, from the cannabis flower, are said to retain all terpenes; compared to the CBD isolates big pharma use in their drugs. On a global scale, the cannabis industry is expected to reach over $20 billion in sales by 2020 (Weimert). Brilmayer claims that usually, federal law trumps state law in any case; however, state decriminalization law is pro-cannabis and federal law is anti-cannabis so where is the line drawn? (904). State laws that coincide with federal laws concerning cannabis are cut and dry and come with prosecution and penalties. The states whose laws are different undermine federal laws and are left to the discretion of the state. On the other hand, there are hundreds, if not thousands of studies, that found cannabis to be detrimental to one’s health. Mental health problems, testicular cancer, and respiratory disease are all tied to cannabis use, according to (Railton Medical News Today). Each individual has a unique tolerance level and cases are different. Negative views of marijuana use claim to see a rise in unemployment, homelessness, addiction, and even a gateway drug. There are claims that if cannabis users go through withdrawal, they could become irritable, leading to more violent behavior; however, there is not enough empirical data to prove this to be true (Maier et al. 128).
Conclusion.
As evidence point to both the health benefits and harmful effects of cannabis, it remains and is clear that more research is necessary to determine the implications of cannabis use. American Cancer Society, for instance, supports the need for further research on the use of cannabinoids in treating medical conditions (Railton, Medical News Today). To legalize cannabis, state and federal laws must be clear and concise while limiting confusion between law enforcement and regulations that govern illegal substances. While doctors can prescribe medical marijuana, they need to be mindful that cannabis affects each individual differently. Patients with a mental health history should consult a physician before partaking in the use of cannabis. Researchers at the University of Colorado found that %75 of teenagers were treated for marijuana misuse initially intended for adults (Goldenberg 23). Is it possible that teenagers miscalculate the recommended dosage for cannabis intake? Quite possible. This could be the same concept as alcohol, where the recommended age is 21. Researchers have tried to link cannabis use with crime but there is not enough evidence to support this claim; however, Denver and Washington, for instance, made cannabis use (recreationally/medically) available to their population in 2014 and saw a significant decrease in property crime and violent crime during 2010-2014 (Maier et al. 133).
Works Cited
- Brilmayer, Lea. “GENERAL THEORY OF PREEMPTION: WITH COMMENTS ON STATE DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA.” Boston College. Law School. Boston College Law Review, vol. 58, no. 3, Boston College School of Law, Jan. 2017, pp. 895–927, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1939215873/.
- Goldenberg, Sol. “Decriminalization of Marijuana: Gateway to Substance Abuse?” AMT Events, vol. 34, no. 1, American Medical Technologies, Mar. 2017, pp. 18–19,23, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1900031177/.
- Lusk, Stephanie, et al. “The Potential Impact of the Legalization and Decriminalization of Marijuana on the Vocational Rehabilitation Process. Why the Buzz?” Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, vol. 46, no. 2, National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, July 2015, pp. 3–12, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1689359204/.
- Maier, Shana L, et al. “The Implications of Marijuana Decriminalization and Legalization on Crime in the United States.” Contemporary Drug Problems, vol. 44, no. 2, Sage Publications Ltd., June 2017, pp. 125–46, doi:10.1177/0091450917708790.
- Miller, Greg. “Latest Research Proves CBD Extracts Massively Outperform Big Pharma's Solution.” NICI_Investors, National Institute of Cannabis Investors, 5 Feb. 2019, nicinvestors.com/2019/02/06/latest-research-proves-CBD-extracts-massively-outperform-big-pharma-solution/
- Railton, David. “What Are the Health Benefits and Risks of Cannabis?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2 Aug. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320984.php.
- Weimert, Kelly. “How Much Does It Really Cost to Open a Dispensary?” CannabisFN, TDM Financial, 28 Aug. 2017, www.cannabisfn.com/much-really-cost-open-dispensary/.
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