Decriminalization of Marijuana - Research Paper Example

? Page al Affiliation) Marijuana and associated products remain illegal as part of international treaty; this means that under federal law marijuana is no doubt illegal. There has been an ongoing debate for the longest time ever over the possibility of removing marijuana also known as cannabis from its current criminal status (decriminalization, legalization or depenalization). Iversen (2008), in an attempt to provide an accepted definition or the rationale behind decriminalization is as follows “marijuana prohibition is unique among American laws. No other law is enforced so widely and harshly and yet deemed unnecessary by such a substantial portion of the populace”. Decriminalization can thus be defined as the relaxation of the enforcement of certain laws such as drug laws on drugs such as cocaine, heroin and in this case…marijuana. It is a widely known fact that the mere possession of marijuana leads to fining or in worst case scenarios incarceration. That said however, this paper will attempt to provide an insight on what has sparked such interest over this hotly debated issue and dispel the myths associated with the decriminalization of marijuana (Regoli & Hewitt, 2009). Key word(s) Decriminalization, Marijuana Introduction Marijuana is defined and identified as a dark green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the hemp plant. Some of the most popular street names that Marijuana goes by include pot, herb, weed, grass, boom, Mary Jane, gangster or chronic. It should be noted however that marijuana has more than 200 slang terms for it. The use and distribution of marijuana as a drug does makes it illegal and is prohibited under federal law as it has an extremely high potential for abuse, and is not approved for any accepted medical use for any condition or disease by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The negative effects of using marijuana are obviously abuse, addiction and dependency on the drug due to its mind altering nature as well as long lasting health complications especially on the brain and other vital body organs (Earleywine, 2002). Addiction and abuse of marijuana has other effects on a person such as fatal accidents associated with the influence of the drug, hospital admissions as well as increased delinquency especially among the teens and young adults and increase of crime related activities. Decriminalization of Marijuana Congress men and Senators alike in the United States have been on the forefront championing for the decriminalization of marijuana (Iversen, 2008). Congress Representatives Ron Paul and Barney frank have in the past been active in the instigation of marijuana as a legal drug and removal of marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances that are harmful and illegal. This is on the basis that prohibition of marijuana usage and enforcement of criminal sanctions is a pure waste of law enforcement resources and facilities and a serious intrusion on personal freedom. There are a number of reasons why marijuana should not be decriminalized (Earleywine, 2002). Decriminalization is hardly fought against as most people have the view that legalizing marijuana will be welcoming the use and legalization of other hard drugs. Legalizing marijuana usages will no doubt lead to the increased number of its users. This will be due to the availability and reduction of its cost thus it will be under more demand (Regoli & Hewitt, 2009). Some say that the move of authorities towards decriminalization of marijuana will resort to reduced drug associated crimes but this is highly unlikely as most criminals are often under the influence so as to make the crime more tolerable. Marijuana usage no doubt affects the users negatively and they are more likely to neglect their families, abuse their spouses or partners or even commit heinous crimes. Removal of the penalties and sanctions affecting marijuana use will popularize it and make it un-tolerable, as is seen in areas where decriminalization of marijuana is evident (Iversen, 2008). Some countries that have relaxed policies when it comes to marijuana include the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Australia. The above mentioned countries have removed criminal sanctions for the possession of a few grams of marijuana (under 30grams though sale is only of 5grams) and police do not enforce laws if the amount involved is too small; a trend that is widely misunderstood and frowned upon by other countries. The policy makers in these countries nevertheless hoped that by this enforcement the separation of the marijuana market from that of hard drugs would be completed. Marijuana and hashish have for the longest time been sold in coffee shops of such countries and its very much so legal, but they don’t advertise or permit gambling, selling of hard drugs or alcohol near schools or to minors. International pressure led to the reduction of the maximum amount that could be sold to an individual sale to 5grams in 1995, but ingenious people may buy from many different shops to obtain the amount that they need (Iversen, 2008). Earleywine (2002), a critic of drug control strategies among others have argued that punitive measures taken against marijuana are most likely to fail since the profits from the sale of illegal drugs are bound to be too great and pleasurable reinforcements that hail from drug use are indeed too over powering. He has stated “if our goal to deprive criminals of large profits from selling drugs, economic theory and history teaches us that legalization is the only answer” (Regoli & Hewitt, 2009). Other critics have indeed called for a trial session that will serve as an experiment where by marijuana would be decriminalized, and if the trial fails, then the present policies would return to their original format. This is not entirely the best idea as the damage that might happen during this trial may be irreversible (Iversen, 2008). Decriminalization has only worked in some countries where the crime prevalence rates are not so high, and marijuana use remains comparable to countries that have harsher and stiffer penalties for use and possession. Decriminalization reflects a gradual change in the attitudes about the drug and the novelty does wear off after some time its noted. The decriminalization of marijuana is believed to have weakened its connection with the sale of other hard drugs (Earlywine, 2002). Purchasing marijuana should no longer lead to the exposure of other hard drugs and its increased availability of marijuana may have decreased the interest in other intoxicants also. Legalization of marijuana may involve the elimination of all laws that prohibit the distribution and possession of drugs but may not eliminate all regulation (Earleywine, 2002). Conclusion When it comes to decriminalization of marijuana, its advocates actually contend and agree that an immediate consequence of this action would be the introduction of drugs that are not as expensive and those that are sold under government regulations and control and in accordance of the standardized control (Regoli & Hewitt, 2009). In short, decriminalization of drugs like marijuana would not contain contaminants and the reduction of their cost would no doubt reduce black market profits (Regoli & Hewitt 2009). References Earleywine, M. (2002). Understanding marijuana: a new look at the scientific evidence. Oxford University Press. Iversen, L. (2008). The science of marijuana. London: Oxford University Press. Regoli, R. and Hewitt, J. (2009). Delinquency in society. New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Read More