I think that there will definitely be more states following the recent Arizona medical marijuana measure. We talked about diffusion of policy innovation in class. This means that the states, as a group, head in a common direction. While some states break away from the convoy, no state wants to fall too far behind.
I think that we will slowly, but surely, see many more states following in the footsteps of Arizona. I also think that this is the beginning process of the road to complete legalization to marijuana.
I definitely think there are more States to follow. Right now California is even trying to legalize marijuana for uses other than medical. The world is changing and it wont be long before the rest of the States hope on board. Our Country is in so much debt I think it's only a matter of time before they realize that they should be taxing a product that is already being sold and used nationally. The laws against Marijuana are a joke. Smoking Cigarettes is just as hazardous to your health if not more and it's only a matter of time before the Nation realizes that. Legalizing it for medical use is just the first step.
I also believe that the recent medical marijuana measure enacted by Arizona will be followed by other states. As we have all seen in the news within the recent years, marijuana is becoming more and more accepted as not only a medicine, but also something that is not nearly as harmful or detrimental as propaganda in U.S. history has made it seem. Also, as far as regarding this issue to the national budget, along with a substitute for many prescription medications that society as a whole knows are extremely dangerous, marijuana may be the new, cheaper, and safer way to go about numerous ailments. I have been interested in this issue since high school, reporting on it even for a final paper, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the future with the acceptance and use of marijuana.
I think that medical marijuana is a great idea. Not only does this natural drug help some many people but this additive free pant can make some much money for this country and government. By making medical cannabis legal for medical use in Arizona would make millions of dollars. As medical marijuana is becoming more and more accepted around the country this will allow other states to follow in their foot steps. Eventually this harmless plant will be legal for everyone for consumer use. With this in mind and with the status of our countries debt why not make it legal.
I think that medical marijuana is one of the best things that could happen for the country. I believe its a necessary treatment and a beneficial one. Also, I think it will spark the legalization of marijuana. Studies have shown that with an age limit and taxation it will bring money back into the economy.
I agree with John about the medical marijuana issue. i too believe that this harmless plant can be beneficial to people all around the country. This plant which is grown from free sunlight can get this country out of debt. I think that if this were to be made legal this harmless plant would show us people that its merely just a plant instead of what the government labeled it.
I think that everyone had made some valid points. I to see this as being a start in more states following the legalization of medical marijuana. There has been no reported deaths or overdoses with this drug, as alcohol and other explicit drugs have. Although, if we legalize this drug for medical reason and then it becomes legal indefinitely then how do we stop all other drugs from not becoming legal? Also, we were discussing this topic in my PS 201 public policy that legalizing marijuana and taxing it would not give that much state revenue, it would simply balance the budget. Overall, I would not be against the legalizing for medical uses, but at the same time with this issue I find there to be two sides.
More and more states will legalize both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. Wisconsin was close last year in passing medical marijuana and probably will this coming year. It is only a matter of time before the anti-marijuana propaganda wall is broken and marijuana is legalized nation-wide.
I agree Aaron. With more and more old school, stick to the script politicians becoming old and decrepit, along with a younger, more open-minded generation filling the gaps, I also believe it is only a matter of time before people realize that such propaganda was faulty at best. I believe this is not only a benefit for generating revenue from the recreational standpoint, but also a far better alternative for medical patients rather than taking such substances as Oxycontin or other pharmaceuticals that everyone knows is extremely detrimental.
I will have to play a the devils advocate on this issue of medical marijuana though. If we legalize marijuana we would have in issue of more harder drugs being trafficked in. Also, I think a lot of this issue from pharmaceutical companies not being able to control it. We have the medications to help addicts get clean but pharmaceutical companies cant solely control the government will continue to use less effective ways.
I agree with everyone who said that there will be more states to follow. I think that allowing medical marijuana is a sensible step in the right direction. Unfortunately the DEA has stated that it wants to step up its enforcement of marijuana laws for everyone else in AZ. The supposed war on drugs is a failure; we've known this for a long time and need to end it. In response to John, I do not think that legalization will increase the trafficking of harder drugs. More drugs are coming in because of our prohibition laws. On a side note, if you didn't know, the government has been dealing drugs in this country for a long time, flooding inner cities with cocaine. This goes to the highest levels of government. For example, when Bill Clinton was governor, he was directly involved in bringing cocaine into Arkansas and laundering money (Hilary helped too). Look up the film, "Clinton Chronicles". Bush Sr. also has many skeletons in his closet, along with many others. For more information look up Mike Ruppert who is a former LA narcotics officer, and has done an excellent job researching these issues.
I couldn't agree with Brian's post anymore. If marijuana were to be legalized, it would increase people's use of marijuana. Likewise, with more people using marijuana, there is a decreased incentive to use other illicit drugs that are absolutely terrible for your body, drugs like heroin, cocaine, morphine, oxycotin, and any other prescription drug. Marijuana has been proven to be an anti-oxidant (http://christiansagainstprohibition.org/US_Government_Patent_6630507__Cannabinoids_as_Antioxidants_and_Neuroprotectants), meaning that pot promotes neuron growth, the only drug to do so. So people would smoke more marijuana, something that you can't overdose on, and people who use less hard drugs like heroin, etc. Sounds like a good idea to me.
Although I agree that the upside of both medicinal and recreational legalization stands, I think that most estimates of the true economic upside are grossly overstated.
One of the reasons that marijuana is still illegal is the ease with which it can be farmed in comparison to other drugs, the black market will continue to thrive and tons of untaxed transactions will continue to take place.
I agree with the previous statements as well. The legalization of marijuana would only help states, not hinder. We could tax the plant and make money off of it. Also, there would no longer be people going to jail for using marijuana for recreation. This means less money going towards corrections. Ultimately, the states would be making money off of the legalization of a plant that many already use, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Medical Marijuana has a lot of benefits and the United States is beginning to see some of these. But there is a few problems with the way we are going about it. First, they have began to legalize this natural illegal plant without considering the laws that prohibit it. For example, legally employers have the right to refuse any candidate a job due to the fact the candidate uses medical marijuana. Second, all of the reason people are getting medical marijuana is way to broad and won't be able to control and regulate the use of this medical marijuana. For example drug dealers applying for medical marijuana could possibly end the progress activist has gained by abusing this great gift the activist and researchers have given American citizens. Also, I don't see how the united states can control medical marijuana, when citizens that have their card can grow their own marijuana. This will make a lot of people express doubt about the seriousness and importance of medical marijuana. Since if anyone can grow, the quality will vary, the method of consumption will vary (smoking it could be outlawed) and regulation of interstate commerce (via taxation) could be very hard and proved to be more work then the government. Finally, under the 10th amendment (The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people,) which clearly states that the federal government has final say. Right now under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and 1988 clearly states that marijuana is prohibited to be used, sold or grown in the US for the purpose of consumption. With this, all states allowing medical marijuana is slapping the federal government in the face. We need to start thinking ahead and stop butting heads with feds and get this passed by the federal government.
I think that there will definitely be more states following the recent Arizona medical marijuana measure. We talked about diffusion of policy innovation in class. This means that the states, as a group, head in a common direction. While some states break away from the convoy, no state wants to fall too far behind.
ReplyDeleteI think that we will slowly, but surely, see many more states following in the footsteps of Arizona. I also think that this is the beginning process of the road to complete legalization to marijuana.
I definitely think there are more States to follow. Right now California is even trying to legalize marijuana for uses other than medical. The world is changing and it wont be long before the rest of the States hope on board.
ReplyDeleteOur Country is in so much debt I think it's only a matter of time before they realize that they should be taxing a product that is already being sold and used nationally. The laws against Marijuana are a joke. Smoking Cigarettes is just as hazardous to your health if not more and it's only a matter of time before the Nation realizes that. Legalizing it for medical use is just the first step.
I also believe that the recent medical marijuana measure enacted by Arizona will be followed by other states. As we have all seen in the news within the recent years, marijuana is becoming more and more accepted as not only a medicine, but also something that is not nearly as harmful or detrimental as propaganda in U.S. history has made it seem. Also, as far as regarding this issue to the national budget, along with a substitute for many prescription medications that society as a whole knows are extremely dangerous, marijuana may be the new, cheaper, and safer way to go about numerous ailments. I have been interested in this issue since high school, reporting on it even for a final paper, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the future with the acceptance and use of marijuana.
ReplyDeleteI think that medical marijuana is a great idea. Not only does this natural drug help some many people but this additive free pant can make some much money for this country and government. By making medical cannabis legal for medical use in Arizona would make millions of dollars. As medical marijuana is becoming more and more accepted around the country this will allow other states to follow in their foot steps. Eventually this harmless plant will be legal for everyone for consumer use. With this in mind and with the status of our countries debt why not make it legal.
ReplyDeleteI think that medical marijuana is one of the best things that could happen for the country. I believe its a necessary treatment and a beneficial one. Also, I think it will spark the legalization of marijuana. Studies have shown that with an age limit and taxation it will bring money back into the economy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with John about the medical marijuana issue. i too believe that this harmless plant can be beneficial to people all around the country. This plant which is grown from free sunlight can get this country out of debt. I think that if this were to be made legal this harmless plant would show us people that its merely just a plant instead of what the government labeled it.
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone had made some valid points. I to see this as being a start in more states following the legalization of medical marijuana. There has been no reported deaths or overdoses with this drug, as alcohol and other explicit drugs have. Although, if we legalize this drug for medical reason and then it becomes legal indefinitely then how do we stop all other drugs from not becoming legal? Also, we were discussing this topic in my PS 201 public policy that legalizing marijuana and taxing it would not give that much state revenue, it would simply balance the budget. Overall, I would not be against the legalizing for medical uses, but at the same time with this issue I find there to be two sides.
ReplyDeleteMore and more states will legalize both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. Wisconsin was close last year in passing medical marijuana and probably will this coming year. It is only a matter of time before the anti-marijuana propaganda wall is broken and marijuana is legalized nation-wide.
ReplyDeleteI agree Aaron. With more and more old school, stick to the script politicians becoming old and decrepit, along with a younger, more open-minded generation filling the gaps, I also believe it is only a matter of time before people realize that such propaganda was faulty at best. I believe this is not only a benefit for generating revenue from the recreational standpoint, but also a far better alternative for medical patients rather than taking such substances as Oxycontin or other pharmaceuticals that everyone knows is extremely detrimental.
ReplyDeleteI will have to play a the devils advocate on this issue of medical marijuana though. If we legalize marijuana we would have in issue of more harder drugs being trafficked in. Also, I think a lot of this issue from pharmaceutical companies not being able to control it. We have the medications to help addicts get clean but pharmaceutical companies cant solely control the government will continue to use less effective ways.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone who said that there will be more states to follow. I think that allowing medical marijuana is a sensible step in the right direction. Unfortunately the DEA has stated that it wants to step up its enforcement of marijuana laws for everyone else in AZ. The supposed war on drugs is a failure; we've known this for a long time and need to end it. In response to John, I do not think that legalization will increase the trafficking of harder drugs. More drugs are coming in because of our prohibition laws. On a side note, if you didn't know, the government has been dealing drugs in this country for a long time, flooding inner cities with cocaine. This goes to the highest levels of government. For example, when Bill Clinton was governor, he was directly involved in bringing cocaine into Arkansas and laundering money (Hilary helped too). Look up the film, "Clinton Chronicles". Bush Sr. also has many skeletons in his closet, along with many others. For more information look up Mike Ruppert who is a former LA narcotics officer, and has done an excellent job researching these issues.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with Brian's post anymore. If marijuana were to be legalized, it would increase people's use of marijuana. Likewise, with more people using marijuana, there is a decreased incentive to use other illicit drugs that are absolutely terrible for your body, drugs like heroin, cocaine, morphine, oxycotin, and any other prescription drug. Marijuana has been proven to be an anti-oxidant (http://christiansagainstprohibition.org/US_Government_Patent_6630507__Cannabinoids_as_Antioxidants_and_Neuroprotectants), meaning that pot promotes neuron growth, the only drug to do so. So people would smoke more marijuana, something that you can't overdose on, and people who use less hard drugs like heroin, etc. Sounds like a good idea to me.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree that the upside of both medicinal and recreational legalization stands, I think that most estimates of the true economic upside are grossly overstated.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons that marijuana is still illegal is the ease with which it can be farmed in comparison to other drugs, the black market will continue to thrive and tons of untaxed transactions will continue to take place.
I agree with the previous statements as well. The legalization of marijuana would only help states, not hinder. We could tax the plant and make money off of it. Also, there would no longer be people going to jail for using marijuana for recreation. This means less money going towards corrections. Ultimately, the states would be making money off of the legalization of a plant that many already use, and there's nothing wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. The sale of the plant could be heavily taxed. This could potentially prove to be a large source of revenue for the government.
ReplyDeleteMedical Marijuana has a lot of benefits and the United States is beginning to see some of these. But there is a few problems with the way we are going about it. First, they have began to legalize this natural illegal plant without considering the laws that prohibit it. For example, legally employers have the right to refuse any candidate a job due to the fact the candidate uses medical marijuana. Second, all of the reason people are getting medical marijuana is way to broad and won't be able to control and regulate the use of this medical marijuana. For example drug dealers applying for medical marijuana could possibly end the progress activist has gained by abusing this great gift the activist and researchers have given American citizens. Also, I don't see how the united states can control medical marijuana, when citizens that have their card can grow their own marijuana. This will make a lot of people express doubt about the seriousness and importance of medical marijuana. Since if anyone can grow, the quality will vary, the method of consumption will vary (smoking it could be outlawed) and regulation of interstate commerce (via taxation) could be very hard and proved to be more work then the government. Finally, under the 10th amendment (The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people,) which clearly states that the federal government has final say. Right now under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and 1988 clearly states that marijuana is prohibited to be used, sold or grown in the US for the purpose of consumption. With this, all states allowing medical marijuana is slapping the federal government in the face. We need to start thinking ahead and stop butting heads with feds and get this passed by the federal government.
ReplyDelete