Does marijuana kill us as much as carcinogens such as, alcohol, or tobacco? How is marijuana not fully legal yet? Why are people in trouble for doing marijuana? According to the World Health Organization, 2.5 million people died from alcohol use and 2.5 million people from use of tobacco each year worldwide. While these carcinogens are legal, there is no adverse public health impact in mortality from using marijuana (DeNoo). Currently, in the U.S 24 states have passed laws to allow marijuana, also known as cannabis, to be used for a variety of medical conditions, but still it is an offense under federal law (Controlled Substance Act). To increase our positive externalities, we must propose a bill to legalize recreational marijuana use into a law.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
During the 1920’s, the emergence of marijuana was brought about by Prohibition. Marijuana clubs, called tea pads, erupted in every major city. These establishments were tolerated by the authorities because marijuana was not illegal and consumers showed no evidence of disturbing the community. At the time, marijuana was not considered a social threat. In addition, cannabis was prescribed for various conditions, including, nausea, labor pains, and rheumatism by the United States Pharmacopeia
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Federal Bureau of Narcotics, it portrays marijuana as a powerful, addicting substance that would lead users into narcotics addiction. During the 1960s, marijuana was used by “hippies” and college students and it became a symbol of rebellion against authority. Afterward, the CSA classified marijuana as a schedule 1 drug. Under the “zero tolerance” climate of the Bush and Reagan administration, there are strict laws and mandatory sentences for possession of marijuana. For this reason, we are paying unnecessary taxes in order to keep prisoners jail, there are less regulations on marijuana. and economic losses occurring because marijuana is illegal