Controversy over the legality of marijuana in American dates back several decades and is notably associated with the Nixon administration’s “War On Drugs” campaigns started in 1970s. For a brief history of the war on drugs up through the current administration, there is a great article on www.drugpolicy.org, which you can check out here.
However, recent events and research indicates a change of heart in America’s view of drug policy regarding the legalization and regulation of marijuana. According to a recent post on BuzzFeed, the majority of Americans now support marijuana legalization, as illustrated by several Gallup polls.
The article goes on to breakdown support for legalization by political affiliation and age, illustrating those under 65 who identify as Independent or Democrat are in strong support of legalization. You can check out the full details here.
Political support for legalization came earlier this year from our current administration, when the Department of Justice announced new guidelines that addressed the federal government’s combative relationship with states over marijuana policy. In September, the memo was sent to U.S. attorneys nationwide and outlines relatively sensible priorities that federal prosecutors should use in evaluating and accepting state-based marijuana policies, including all medicinal marijuana laws adopted. According to Stephen Gutwillig’s article titled “America’s exit from the War on Marijuana”, the memo essentially echoes arguments and language that has been used by marijuana activist for decades. Going one step further than any previous administration, the memo admits that state-based systems could actually benefit federal revenue and acknowledges that blind faith in prohibition should not be the only available option. Some critics are quick to point out that this administration’s view on medical marijuana state laws directly contradicts their actions of large-scale dispensary shut-downs. You can read Gutwilling’s article in full here at the Huffington Post.
During these times of legislative fluctuation it is important to stay informed of your legal rights. If you are curious about the marijuana laws in your area, check out The Weed Blog’s state by state law guide here.
Regardless of what happens to marijuana legislation in the near future, it is obvious that the majority of the American public is ready for change. Are you? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
The article goes on to breakdown support for legalization by political affiliation and age, illustrating those under 65 who identify as Independent or Democrat are in strong support of legalization. You can check out the full details here.
Political support for legalization came earlier this year from our current administration, when the Department of Justice announced new guidelines that addressed the federal government’s combative relationship with states over marijuana policy. In September, the memo was sent to U.S. attorneys nationwide and outlines relatively sensible priorities that federal prosecutors should use in evaluating and accepting state-based marijuana policies, including all medicinal marijuana laws adopted. According to Stephen Gutwillig’s article titled “America’s exit from the War on Marijuana”, the memo essentially echoes arguments and language that has been used by marijuana activist for decades. Going one step further than any previous administration, the memo admits that state-based systems could actually benefit federal revenue and acknowledges that blind faith in prohibition should not be the only available option. Some critics are quick to point out that this administration’s view on medical marijuana state laws directly contradicts their actions of large-scale dispensary shut-downs. You can read Gutwilling’s article in full here at the Huffington Post.
During these times of legislative fluctuation it is important to stay informed of your legal rights. If you are curious about the marijuana laws in your area, check out The Weed Blog’s state by state law guide here.
Regardless of what happens to marijuana legislation in the near future, it is obvious that the majority of the American public is ready for change. Are you? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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