Call it what you will--cannabis, grass, pot, Mary Jane, weed, or
any other of its dozen nicknames-marijuana is making headlines these
days and not just because its use by our kids is said to be outpacing
their use of alcohol.
Back in 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize its use, but it was not until 1996 that California became the first in the nation to allow doctor-recommended medical marijuana use. Now fast forward to 2012 when voters made Washington the first to legalize its recreational use as of December 6th. Folks in Colorado voted similarly, with Governor John Hickenlooper signing Amendment 64 into law on December 10th.
In those states, as a result, adults 21 and older are able to possess an ounce of weed, made available only in state-licensed stores. Coloradans, though, will also be allowed to grow up to six plants. Public consumption, however, remains illegal.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island and Maine are apparently soon to follow down this same path, while thirteen states now allow regulated medical marijuana use. In addition, another 17 and D.C. now recognize its medicinal value but offer no protection from federal prosecution. You see, pot is still illegal under federal law-at least for now-causing Governor Hickenlooper to say, "Don't break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly."
And speaking of the government, a recent Gallop Poll found that 64% of those surveyed are against the federal government moving to enforce its anti-marijuana laws in states where recreational use is legal-for now just Washington and Colorado. In 2005, about 33% favored legalization; in 1969, just 12% did.
Meanwhile, that same poll found that 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds favor legalization, with 48% of those 30 to 64 doing so, along with 36% of those 65 and older.
The political picture is note-worthy, too, with just 33% of Republicans favoring legalization, 50% of Independents, and 61% of Democrats.
So, is this progress or have we opened a Pandora's Box, further complicating the work of parents, schools, employers, and law enforcement and further endangering public safety. You decide, keeping the facts in mind.
Back in 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize its use, but it was not until 1996 that California became the first in the nation to allow doctor-recommended medical marijuana use. Now fast forward to 2012 when voters made Washington the first to legalize its recreational use as of December 6th. Folks in Colorado voted similarly, with Governor John Hickenlooper signing Amendment 64 into law on December 10th.
In those states, as a result, adults 21 and older are able to possess an ounce of weed, made available only in state-licensed stores. Coloradans, though, will also be allowed to grow up to six plants. Public consumption, however, remains illegal.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island and Maine are apparently soon to follow down this same path, while thirteen states now allow regulated medical marijuana use. In addition, another 17 and D.C. now recognize its medicinal value but offer no protection from federal prosecution. You see, pot is still illegal under federal law-at least for now-causing Governor Hickenlooper to say, "Don't break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly."
And speaking of the government, a recent Gallop Poll found that 64% of those surveyed are against the federal government moving to enforce its anti-marijuana laws in states where recreational use is legal-for now just Washington and Colorado. In 2005, about 33% favored legalization; in 1969, just 12% did.
Meanwhile, that same poll found that 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds favor legalization, with 48% of those 30 to 64 doing so, along with 36% of those 65 and older.
The political picture is note-worthy, too, with just 33% of Republicans favoring legalization, 50% of Independents, and 61% of Democrats.
So, is this progress or have we opened a Pandora's Box, further complicating the work of parents, schools, employers, and law enforcement and further endangering public safety. You decide, keeping the facts in mind.
