Discussion: Sample Article News Report On Legalization
Discussion 1 Samplearticlenews Reportthe Article How Legalized Pot
The article "How Legalized Pot Can Make Up for the Disastrous War on Drugs," written by David L. Ulin, describes how legalizing marijuana could help end the war on drugs in California. Ulin advocates for the broader decriminalization of all drugs, believing it could be even more beneficial. He argues that legalization and decriminalization could alleviate prison overcrowding and weaken the black market for illicit drugs, thereby reducing violent crime associated with drug trafficking. Additionally, the tax revenue generated from legal marijuana sales could fund medical services, education, and rehabilitation programs targeting drug abuse and addiction.
Furthermore, California's legislation aimed at legalizing marijuana emphasizes benefiting lower-income communities and individuals previously convicted of marijuana possession by enabling them to start licensed businesses related to marijuana cultivation and sales. Ulin (2017) emphasizes that such policies could foster economic opportunities for marginalized populations and rectify some of the injustices stemming from previous strict drug laws.
Legal Framework and Public Attitudes
The U.S. federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating that it has no accepted medical use and carries a high potential for abuse (Drug Enforcement Agency, n.d.). However, over half of the states have legalized medical marijuana, creating a confusing legal landscape for American citizens. While federal law maintains prohibition, individual states and local jurisdictions have enacted laws permitting recreational and medicinal use, leading to variability in legislation and enforcement practices (Central Intelligence Agency, 2017).
Public attitudes towards marijuana legalization appear increasingly favorable, driven by shifting perceptions of its safety and medicinal utility. Despite this trend, opposition persists among certain demographics, notably many Republicans who remain largely opposed to legalization. Data suggests that support for marijuana legalization is higher among whites and blacks, whereas opinions among Hispanics are more divided (Geiger, 2016). These differing perspectives highlight the complex social and political dynamics influencing drug policy debates in the U.S.
Demographic Factors and Race Disparities
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (2013), marijuana use rates are comparable among white and Black populations. Yet, Black Americans are disproportionately affected by drug enforcement policies, being nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites. These disparities underscore systemic racial biases embedded within law enforcement practices. Laws and enforcement strategies differ widely across states and localities, contributing to inconsistent criminal justice outcomes related to marijuana offenses (ACLU, 2013).
Prevalence and Social Trends
Research indicates that marijuana use among adolescents has been increasing over recent decades, particularly at the high school level (Johnston et al., 2017). Additionally, surveys reveal that about one-third of college students reported using marijuana in the past year, reflecting its widespread acceptance among young adults (Levinthal, 2016). Data also shows that approximately 9% of adults aged 26 and older used marijuana within the previous year, illustrating its pervasive presence across different age groups (Levinthal, 2016).
Impact on Violence and Crime
Marijuana consumption itself does not appear to be directly linked to pharmacologically induced violence, as users tend to exhibit passive and relaxed behaviors (Levinthal, 2016). However, the illegal status of marijuana fuels organized crime and violence within drug trafficking networks, as traffickers often resort to violent tactics to protect their supply chains from theft, law enforcement seizures, and rival gangs (Levinthal, 2016). Decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana could reduce such violence by undermining black market operations.
Personal Opinion and Policy Recommendations
I support the full decriminalization of marijuana, believing that criminalizing possession of a victimless offense is morally unjustifiable. Instead of harsh penalties, the focus should be on education and harm reduction strategies. The additional tax revenue from legalized marijuana could be invested in research to better understand its health effects and in educational initiatives aimed at reducing misuse. I also believe that personal freedom should extend to individuals' choices regarding their body and substances, provided they do not harm others.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that marijuana legalization can generate economic and social benefits, reduce criminal justice disparities, and diminish violence associated with illicit drug markets. Thoughtful policy reforms, coupled with public education, are essential to harness these benefits while minimizing potential risks.
References
- American Civil Liberties Union. (2013). Report: the war on marijuana in black and white. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/report-war-marijuana-black-and-white
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2017). Careers & internships. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/careers
- Drug Enforcement Agency. (n.d.). Drug schedules. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/drug-schedules
- Geiger, A. (2016, October 12). Support for marijuana legalization continues to rise. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com
- Johnston, L. D., O'Malley, P. M., Miech, R. A., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2017). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use: Overview, key findings on adolescent drug use. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
- Levinthal, C. F. (2016). Drugs, behavior, and modern society. Pearson Education Inc.
- Ulin, D. L. (2017, November 1). How legalized pot can make up for the disastrous war on drugs. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com