Marijuana Legalization Opinion Piece

When proposition 19 debuted I was jumping for joy at the thought of legal marijuana. I thought it was sure to passed but, it was ultimately defeated with 53.5% voting against it. However, this defeated bill is evidence that marijuana legalization is now being taken  seriously. Now it is just a matter of time till the prohibition on marijuana ends.Following the jump is my opinion piece about the issue.

Marijuana Legalization

Today illegal drugs are just as accessible as they were prior to President Richard Nixon’s “War on drugs”. Due to our current drug policies “Small-time users were still being saddled with prison records that made them unemployable and sent many back to using or selling drugs” (Banks, 2010). This cycle converts many harmless recreational drug users into hardened criminals by the time they leave prison. As opposed to receiving rehabilitation therapy, drug users are sent to rot alongside murderers, thieves and, rapists. Funding the drug war is costing money that is quickly occupied by drug cartels. That is why it is imperative that we must take action and push for more bills like California’s proposition 19.

The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 did not pass but it was a noble attempt at legalizing marijuana. The proposition would allow for the regulation and taxation of marijuana for adults 21 and over, kind of how alcohol is regulated today. “Marijuana legalization is the most effective and expedient way to reduce the exorbitant costs the United States currently spends fighting the war on drugs and the crime it creates” (Johnson, 2010). There is much money to be made in the marijuana industry. We are missing out on a “$36 billion-a-year industry” (Johnson, 2010). Numerous drug cartels are eager to sell marijuana and reap in the massive profits. Stripping the drug cartels out of their primary cash crop would cause a profound loss in revenue. Without the financial support of the illegal drug trade, cartels would quickly collapse.

Bills like proposition 19 are a step in the right direction towards the full legalization of Marijuana. Despite its extreme boldness, proposition 19 gained a lot of support and awareness since it was conceived. However, proposition 19 is “full of worrisome loopholes and ambiguities that would create a chaotic nightmare for law enforcement, local governments and businesses” (Kuykendall, 2010). We need to make another bill like proposition 19 for the 2012 elections. Luckily, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform (CCPR) announced they would file another Proposition 19-style initiative. We need to write to our city officials to make the push towards legalization when the opportunity presents itself.

Marijuana has played a dramatic role in the way law enforcement has developed since the “War on drugs” began.  A recent study shows “Last year, half of all federal prisoners in the U.S. were serving sentences for drug offenses” (A.P., 2010). Having to arrest these users for their victimless crimes puts a lot of strain on law enforcement officers. If cops no longer pursued drug users they would be more capable of pursuing violent criminals that deserve their attention. Having fewer criminals to feed, support, and confine would result in less of the federal budget being allocated towards prisons. Instead of incarceration drug addicts can get the help they need to end their dependency.

Courtesy of www.californiapropositions.org

 It’s time that we begin to openly speak about drugs and address this problem as a health issue and stop imprisoning nonviolent criminals. While there may not be a definite solution to this entire nation’s problems, decriminalizing drug users could benefit the society as a whole. The "Current policy is not having an effect of reducing drug use … but it's costing the public a fortune."(A.P., 2010). Leading the legalization movement is NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) their website http://norml.org/ keeps you informed on the latest marijuana movements. This site gives you contact information and policies so you can write to the representatives in charge of the marijuana laws. If more support for marijuana legalization continues it will only be a matter of time till the prohibition of marijuana ends.

References

Associated Press. (2010). War on drugs unsuccessful, drug czar says. CBS News, Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/13/politics/main6480889.shtml

Banks, S. (2010). The crack epidemic's toxic legacy. Los Angeles Times, Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/07/local/la-me-banks-20100807

Johnson, G. (2010). Legalize pot to cut crime, fill coffers . The Sacremento Bee, Retrieved from http://www.sacbee.com/2010/06/22/2838900/legalize-pot-to-cut-crime-fill.html

Kuykendall, D. (2010). Want legal pot? prop. 19 isn't the way. The Sacremento Bee, Retrieved from http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2010/10/04/1596169/our-view-want-legal-pot-prop-19.html#storylink=misearch