Review The Videoask: Why I Care By J Fred Silva, Senior Poli

Review The Videoask Me Why I Care J Fred Silva Senior Policy Adviso

Review the video Ask Me Why I Care: J. Fred Silva, Senior Policy Advisor, California Forward available at the link below. Public Service Stories – Ask Me Why I Care. (2015, October 14). Ask me why I care: J. Fred Silva, senior policy advisor, California Forward [Video]. Retrieved from Transcript for Ask Me Why I Care Video Emphasizing the old days when community and civic leaders communicated on a regular basis, Fred Silva, Senior Policy Advisor, supporting California local government, also provides advice for students interested in public policy development. Based on the unit lesson and Mr. Silva’s advice on solving public policy challenges, select a local or national policy issue, then outline and specifically delineate each policy process variable(s). Your paper should include: an introductory paragraph identifying the public policy topic and background; Six comprehensive paragraphs – each paragraph heading will be listed as: Problem Definition and Analysis: In this paragraph, answer the questions of who, what, why, where, when, and how much. Drafting Policy Options: In this paragraph, identify policy options. Policy Decision Implications: In this paragraph, identify which stakeholders and what will be changed. Measuring Alternatives: In this paragraph, identify realistic and practical options. Ethical Implications: In this paragraph, identify what groups’ values or cultures may be affected. Desirable Conclusions: In this paragraph, describe the policy selected and why it was selected; and a summary. Conclude your remarks by illustrating why public policy option was selected, why it was the best option or not the best, and identify what lessons you learned from your research. Your assignment must be at least two pages in length, not including the title and reference pages. Be sure your paper is double-spaced and uses one-inch margins. Use your own words, and include citations and references as needed to avoid plagiarism. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and be cited per APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The public policy issue I have chosen to analyze is the legalization of recreational cannabis at the national level in the United States. This issue has garnered considerable attention over recent years, shaped by evolving societal attitudes, economic considerations, and legal debates. The movement toward legalization seeks to regulate and tax cannabis similarly to alcohol and tobacco, with goals to reduce criminal justice costs, generate tax revenue, and control the product’s safety and distribution. Historically, the debate has involved various stakeholders including policymakers, enforcement agencies, the cannabis industry, public health advocates, and communities affected by drug laws. The background framing this issue includes changes in state laws, shifting public opinion, and federal policy debates. As public awareness grows, understanding the complex policy process involved in such a reform becomes crucial to ensuring effective and equitable policy implementation.

Problem Definition and Analysis

The core problem revolves around whether federal legislation should legalize and regulate recreational cannabis. The key stakeholders include federal lawmakers, state governments, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and citizens. The primary question centers on addressing the legality, safety, and socio-economic impacts of legalization. Currently, various states have already legalized recreational use, but federal restrictions remain, creating a legal gray area that complicates commerce, enforcement, and public health initiatives. The "what" involves determining the scope and extent of legalization, including permissible sales and usage limits. The "why" encompasses concerns about criminal justice reform, economic benefits, and public health risks. The "where" spans the entire United States, with local nuances influencing state-level policies. The "when" reflects ongoing legislative debates, with some federal proposals moving forward, and the financial implications are projected to include millions in tax revenue and costs associated with regulation and public health.

Drafting Policy Options

Policy options for federal legalization include: (1) maintaining current prohibition; (2) full federal legalization with regulation; (3) legalization paired with strict federal controls; and (4) decriminalization without full legalization. The most comprehensive option involves federally legalizing cannabis while establishing regulatory agencies comparable to those overseeing alcohol and tobacco. Another option could be to legalize under federal guidelines but with restrictions to limit marketing, sales, and usage to mitigate public health concerns. A more conservative alternative is to decriminalize possession without regulating commercial sales. Each option varies in terms of governmental oversight, enforcement requirements, and public health safeguards, and each presents different financial and social implications.

Policy Decision Implications

The decision to federally legalize cannabis will significantly impact multiple stakeholders. Lawmakers will need to navigate the balance of public safety versus personal freedom, while law enforcement agencies will experience shifts in enforcement priorities. The cannabis industry stands to benefit economically through increased sales and taxation, which can support public programs. Public health organizations will need to adapt to new regulatory frameworks to address issues such as substance abuse and road safety. For affected communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by prior drug enforcement policies, this policy could shift socio-economic dynamics. Changes in federal law can also influence state policies, creating a ripple effect across jurisdictions, potentially reducing arrests and incarceration related to cannabis offenses.

Measuring Alternatives

Evaluating the effectiveness of each policy alternative involves examining measurable criteria such as public safety outcomes, tax revenues, public health indicators, and social equity. Realistic options include implementing a regulated market that controls sales, testing, and marketing, and then monitoring compliance and public health metrics. Alternative measures could include surveys to gauge public opinion, data on crime rates, and health statistics related to cannabis use. It is essential that these options are practical by establishing clear, achievable benchmarks for success, such as reductions in illegal sales, increased tax revenue, or improved health outcomes among vulnerable populations.

Ethical Implications

The ethical considerations involve assessing how legalization affects various cultural and social groups. For instance, decriminalization and legalization may align with values emphasizing individual autonomy and harm reduction. Conversely, concerns about increased substance abuse and effects on youth could raise ethical questions for communities emphasizing health and morality. Indigenous groups and minority communities, historically disproportionately targeted by drug law enforcement, may view legalization as an opportunity for social justice or a threat to cultural integrity. Ensuring equitable access to the economic benefits of legalization and addressing potential public health disparities are critical ethical issues that need balancing in the policy formulation process.

Desirable Conclusions

The policy I advocate for is the full federal legalization of recreational cannabis, paired with comprehensive regulation to ensure product safety, equitable economic participation, and public health safeguards. This option was chosen because it offers the greatest potential benefits—economic growth, criminal justice reform, and public health control—while addressing safety concerns through strict regulation. The policy was selected after weighing its capacity to reduce illegal markets and promote social equity, especially for marginalized communities historically affected by prohibition. The conclusion emphasizes that such a policy could serve as a model for responsible drug regulation, reducing harm while respecting individual freedoms. The lessons learned from this analysis underscore that effective policy must balance economic opportunities with social responsibility, and that stakeholder engagement is fundamental to sustainable reform.

In closing, the public policy option of federal legalization with regulation appears to be the most promising approach considering its potential to harmonize legal frameworks, maximize public benefits, and minimize harms. While not without challenges, especially regarding public health and ethical considerations, it represents a comprehensive strategy aligned with evolving societal values. This exploration has highlighted the importance of thorough analysis, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making in policy development. The lessons learned reinforce the necessity of addressing diverse stakeholder interests and implementing policies that are adaptable to emerging data and societal feedback, ultimately fostering a more just and effective approach to drug regulation.

References

• Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., MacCoun, R. J., & Reuter, P. (2015). Public health and safety challenges of cannabis legalization. International Journal of Drug Policy, 26(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.011
• Hall, W., & Weier, M. (2015). Assessing the public health impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use in the United States. Public Health Reviews, 38, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40985-015-0014-6
• Kilmer, B., & Pacula, R. L. (2017). Understanding and learning from the diversity of cannabis liberalization policies. Addiction, 112(7), 1125–1133. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13626
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Is marijuana safe and effective? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
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• Room, R., & Rehm, J. (2020). Cannabis legalization—Implications for policy, health, and public safety. International Journal of Drug Policy, 84, 102920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102920
• Smart, R., & Pacula, R. L. (2019). Cannabis use and consequences in Colorado: An examination of state and youth trends. Addiction, 114(4), 722–732. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14483
• Wilkinson, S. T., & D’Souza, D. C. (2017). Medicinal cannabis and health. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(8), 55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0812-8
• Pacula, R. L., & Kilmer, B. (2016). Understanding and learning from the diversity of cannabis policy approaches in the United States. Addiction, 111(8), 1324–1332. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13224
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.