100 likes | 112 Views
Marijuana Legalization in the United States. Popular demand. Federalism vs. state rights.
E N D
Federalism vs. staterights • The legal status of medicalmarijuana in the United States is something of a paradox. On onehand, federalgovernment has placed a ban on the drug with noexceptions. On the otherhand, over one-third of the states have thatlegalizes the cultivation, distribution, and consumption of the drug for medical purposes.Will Congresscarveout an exemption from federalenforcement in statesthat have chosen to legalize the drug? This proposalwouldexhibitfederalrespect for state drug policy and reestablishthe system of “cooperativefederalism”.
Colorado is unusual • Frontrunner • Not likely to be a short term model for most otherstates. • Not only did the voters in CO decriminalize the drug – they made an industryproducing the drug legal. • Will the ”for-profit marijuanaindustry” marketthe drug to the most problematicusers. • CO as a long term model? • Followed by AL and OR • WA has chosenanother model.
Issues • Heavy usersare 80% of the market • Rise in dailyusers is likely • Should it be run by the government or wouldthat bring back a blackmarket • How to tax it? Based on strenght as alchohol? • Effect on otherstates. • Cost on treatment vs. Savings on lawinforcement • Drug tourism • Effect on other drugs