Along with the very important, presidential election we had this past week, another critical issue was voted on, that has the capacity to change the way we view our government, as well as our culture. Two states, Colorado and Washington, approved an amendment that would allow for the recreational use of marijuana, as well as allowing any person to grow up to six plants for personal use.This means that any person over the age of 21 would be allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, without being prosecuted by any state officer. Notice, though, that I wrote "state officer." This is important because although the state governments of Colorado and Washington have allowed the use of the plant, federal law still exists that classifies marijuana as a schedule 1 drug, which means it is considered one of the most forbidden drugs by the federal government. This would imply that any federal agency could still have the authority to prosecute anyone in possession of marijuana, even if they are within their respective state's boundaries.
Many other states, 16 to be exact, also have laws allowing the use of marijuana, but in these states the plant is only allowed to be used medicinally. The federal government is also having the same problem with these states, as it is with Colorado and Washington.
Many people are now asking, "What Now?" Will the government be passive with these new laws, allowing the possible eventual end to the prohibition of marijuana, or will the government find a way to counteract the laws? Some experts suggest that to attempt to null these laws, the government could withhold certain types of federal funding, such as highway monies. At this point no one is certain what will happen with the laws enacted, although in due time, some kind of effect will appear.
Personally, I feel like the legalization of marijuana is long past due. Not only is marijuana less harmful than alcohol, but it has even been proved to have health benefits as well. The strict conservatives, as well as the federal government, who are opposing the legalization of the plant need to open their eyes. Not only will the legalization help the government gain more trust from the citizens, especially the younger citizens, but it will also reduce the number of people in jails significantly. Also, as a result of these new laws, the illegal cartel industry, which is mostly in Mexico, will lose billions of dollars, and that money will instead be in the hands of the state governments.
