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Just as the legalization of alcohol in the 1920s resulted in decreased crime rates, improved product safety and quality, and higher tax revenue, the legalization of marijuana could produce comparable outcomes.
Background/History:
Marijuana was criminalized in 1937 with the "Marijuana Tax Act" influenced by Harry J. Anslinger's national propaganda campaign, leading to disparities in its legality across states. California passed Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing for medical marijuana use. Currently, 22 other states, along with D.C and Guam, have similar laws decriminalizing possession and/or legalizing medical marijuana.
1 What similarities exist between the prohibition era before and after?
Both the prohibition era and bans on alcohol and marijuana were nationwide bans with legal repercussions for sale, use, and possession.
The ban on alcohol was enforced due to grains being required for distillation during wartime, resulting in a permanent ban by the US Congress in December of 1917. Advocates of both prohibition measures believed that the country would experience enhancements in health, decreased crime rates, higher worker productivity, and overall economic growth.
It was claimed that the new alcohol would improve the nation's health, but this turned out to be untrue as illegally produced alcohol proved to be more harmful with a higher alcohol content.
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Crime rates rose due to the illegal manufacturing and distribution of this substance, leading to organized criminal activities such as murder and bribery. Worker productivity did not see an improvement and many people were imprisoned for minor violations of the ban, which was costly to enforce. The prohibition on alcohol was lifted in 1933, resulting in decreased crime rates and job growth within the liquor industry.
Medical Uses/Benefits: 3
Despite the Food and Drug Administration's lack of support for medical marijuana legalization, doctors and researchers have discovered that marijuana can offer relief for various medical conditions.
The American Cancer Society does not view smoked marijuana as medicine due to concerns about lung damage ("The FDA’s Opposition to Medical Marijuana Legalization is based on science" 1).
The opposition is indicated in the text.
National medical associations like the American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics do not support the use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes due to insufficient evidence of its effectiveness. Marijuana is classified as a schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse, no recognized medical benefits in the US, and lack of accepted safety when supervised by healthcare professionals. This classification poses challenges for researchers seeking to conduct clinical trials on possible uses as approval from federal agencies such as the FDA is required.
Researchers are urged to study the medical advantages of marijuana despite challenges. While some groups do not support the use of inhaled or smoked marijuana for medical purposes, they advocate for further research. Although there are ongoing debates about recreational marijuana use, there is increasing backing for its legalization specifically for medicinal reasons. Research indicates that CBD and THC, essential elements of marijuana, possess healing properties: CBD provides medical benefits without causing psychoactive effects, while THC is recognized for its pain-relieving qualities.
According to the National Eye Institute, marijuana is commonly utilized for treating glaucoma, a condition that causes elevated pressure in the eyeball and can result in vision loss by harming the optic nerve. Studies from the 1970s demonstrated that smoking marijuana can decrease intraocular pressure in people with normal pressure and those suffering from glaucoma, suggesting its ability to prevent disease progression and prevent blindness.
In 2012, Colorado and Washington passed bills that legalized marijuana possession, cultivation, use, and distribution licenses. Alaska and Oregon followed suit in 2014 but did not legalize sales. Additionally, 23 other states have either decriminalized or legalized medical cannabis. The revenue generated from legalization has demonstrated that regulating marijuana similar to alcohol can enhance its safety for consumption.
Despite its initial appearance, Colorado has undergone significant changes in data since the legalization of marijuana for adults. According to state reports, possession charges have decreased from 30,000 in 2010 to less than 2,500 in 2014. Regulations set by the Colorado Department of Revenue have led to over $40 million in tax revenue from marijuana sales. This underscores efforts to prevent youth consumption and support mental health initiatives. After legalization, traffic fatalities hit record lows and the state's economy is thriving with unemployment rates dropping to levels not seen since 2008 and well below the national average.
Conclusion:
Efforts to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes in the United States are on the rise, with hope that advancements in technology will lead to nationwide acceptance of medical marijuana as a viable treatment option. Legalization could potentially decrease crime rates, enhance treatment for various illnesses, and save up to 14 billion dollars annually in government enforcement costs. Continuing to invest billions in prohibition may not eradicate the market but could result in violence reminiscent of America's alcohol prohibition era.
Bibliography
1. "Marijuana Timeline." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
2. Inciardi, James A. "The War on Drugs: Heroin, Cocaine, Crime and Public Policy." Palo Alto: Mayfield, 1986.Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
3. "The Prohibition Era." The Prohibition Era.N.p., n.d.Web.11 Apr .2015.
4."What Is CBD?" Project CBD.N.p.,2015.Web12Apr .2015.
5.Loria,Jennifer Welsh and Kevin."23 Health Benefits Of Marijuana." Business Insider.Business Insider,Inc ,20 Apr .2014.Web12Apr .2015.
6."Legality of Cannabis by U.S.Jurisdiction." Wikipedia.Wikimedia
The Impact of Marijuana Legalization: A Historical Perspective. (2016, Sep 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/marijuana-legalization-research-outline-essay
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