Legalization of Marijuana – What would it take for the government of Colorado

Running head: LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA1LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANAMay 19, 2016LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA2Legalization of MarijuanaSocial issue: Marijuana legalizationResearch question: What would it take for the government of Colorado to curb the consumptionof marijuana among its citizens?Thesis: After the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, the number of victims using the drug hasrisen, this is associated with the law that grants each citizen the freedom and as such countriesare responsible for respecting the individuals’ freedom as well as the right of self-determination.A solution for this would be the passing of laws by the government that will prevent the sellingof this drug to individuals and those found to be punished basing on the set laws.Research problemI have been exploring various studies as well as debates on the wave of marijuana in mostcountries and states; I recognize the prevalent negative side of this drug rather than theperception by the citizens who consider it as a recreational substance. In this light, from a reportreleased by the department of public safety, it indicates that the number of social problemsregarding marijuana is accelerating for the recent years (Hickenlooper, 2014). The legalization ofthis drug is affecting the state drastically. From this report I have noted the trend of social issuesassociated with the latter, for instance, the number has increased at an alarming rate. Inconnection to this, a number of effects are being observed such as criminal cases, health relatedcases and environmental hazards and however the side effects are not only limited to the adultpopulation but it is also affecting teenagers as well as young children. I have studied the studyhabits in most schools within Colorado; I realize that a number of schools are being invaded withLEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA3the marijuana culture; there are lists teenagers who are in demand for help. For these reasons,the topic has drawn my attention to explore this social issue vividly in my research.CausesI have identified the various causes for the consumption of this drug which are rampant.But the major cause is stemmed from the laws that have legalized the drug. The law permits itscitizens that freedom to have their free will as well as having that freedom for the selfdetermination. From (Caulkins, Lee, & Kasunic, 2012) I discovered that the reason behind thevoting for the legalization of marijuana in the year 2012 by the Colorado citizens was theperception of the recreational and medical function of the drug. In connection to that, it isbelieved that the moral value of the drug depends on the person using the drug but not the drugitself. I believe that the laws are the causal agents for the prevalent use of marijuana, allowingcitizens the freedom of free will may harm a state that is what Colorado is experiencing althoughsome may argue for the legalization.SolutionAfter examining the causes of the existing problem within the state, I have observed anumber of marijuana-related issues in Colorado. The most rampant cases which I noted are theaccidents, diversion investigations, citations for the public use as well as referrals from schools. Ihave a point for the right government to amend the laws that have legalized the drug. It is betterto take action before the situation worsens. The government will have to set the laws that willprohibit the selling of marijuana within its territory and as such those found to face the punitiveactions. Another remedy to the situation is that education to be used to enlighten the citizens onLEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA4the side effects of marijuana. Therefore, prohibition laws and education are the immediatesolutions to this social problem as has adversely affected the state.LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA5ReferencesCaulkins, J., Lee, M., & Kasunic, A. (2012). Marijuana Legalization: Lessons from the 2012State Proposals. WHM, 4(3-4), 4-34. Retrieve from, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.2HICKENLOOPER, G. (2014). Experimenting with Pot: The State of Colorado’s Legalization ofMarijuana. Milbank Quarterly, 92(2), 243-249. Retrieve from, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/14680009.12056Kamin, S. Marijuana Legalization in Colorado — Lessons for Colombia. SSRN ElectronicJournal. Retrieve from, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2654305Kamin, S. Marijuana Legalization in Colorado — Lessons for Colombia. SSRN ElectronicJournal. Retrieve from, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2654305Roffman, R. (2013). Legalization of Marijuana: Unraveling Quandaries for the AddictionProfessional. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 4. Retrieve from,http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00050