The Wait for Weed is (Maybe Close to) Over
via flickr user PabloEvans
Julian Brookes of Rolling Stone magazine has a densely-packed, crystal-clear message for readers in his article titled, Pot Legalization is Coming. Not like Godot or lunar habitations are coming; full-on smoke as you will freedom is nigh upon us. This just means a few unprecedented federal amendments, miles and miles of red tape and a host of drug-warrior politicians stand in the way. In other words: the usual.
Before you reject the premise outright, realize that legalization is now the majority stance on marijuana in this country and that nearly one out of ten Americans smoke, according to Brookes. Also realize that legalization just makes social and economic sense.
Brookes reports that illegal drug trafficking is a $30 billion business that relies heavily on overcharging marijuana buyers. Removing an industry’s backbone seems a logical way to begin tearing it down. Legalization takes a huge burden off of state governments paying exorbitantly for petty possession incarcerations. State governments could use millions of dollars of saved money.
But this information has been around for a decade. What’s different this time is that momentum has swung in favor of legalization as the crucial first steps, the trend-setting pieces of legislation, are being taken.
In November, Colorado, Washington and Oregon will vote for or against the end of marijuana prohibition. Colorado is suggesting the alcohol model which would mirror exactly familiar alcohol restrictions. This may prevent young people from accessing it even more than fear of being “caught” does today. Think of 1920s speakeasies and the 21st amendment.
So is legalization a panacea for marijuana woes? It is, of course, not, but America has spoken and the facts are there. No one can deny that logic of that.
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