In an interview in 2007, Barack Obama is quoted saying, “When I was a kid I inhaled frequently.” Other politicians like President Clinton have also admitted trying marijuana. For a number of years the legalization of marijuana in America has become a major topic of discussion. It has formed the basis of many arguments with some people being for the legalization while others being against the legalization. In the past week, two states have passed a law that will legalize marijuana. The states of Colorado and Washington passed a bill that ‘legalized’ the use of marijuana. The newspapers and journals as well as the internet have been abuzz with this story. Some people are utterly shocked as to how a developed country could go against the very essence of common ethics that is to combat the use of drugs. At the same time, the people who voted in this law are celebrating an unforeseen victory. This is what we call democracy, where people who form the majority will eventually rule. We live in a free country where everybody is allowed to have their own opinion and share it with other people. They have the freedom to take it to the ballot if the wish.
I disagree with those who are against the law - not that I am in support of this law, but because it is democracy that really matters. It is not the law that really matters in this argument, but the fact that the people voted it in. They have the right and hold the card that gives them the ability to push into law what they ethically feel is right to them. The internet has also been abuzz about this event that most people did not expect. Some people say it may lead to an increase in cross border drug trade and violence. Others say that it will boost tourism in these states. I say let the people have their wish. The law states clearly that the people can hold a referendum to pass such a law. If they won honestly, then the shenanigans and propaganda flying around because of this topic should end and let it be.
Those who are against the legalization of marijuana argue that there are repercussions that are expected to be felt even beyond the American boarder in Mexico. This is mainly because Mexico is known to be one of the largest suppliers to the USA of the drugs trade. The Mexican police have been involved in the crackdown on the drug trade in the Mexican mountains where this outlawed plant was farmed profusely. This situation has been caused by the fact that they border the largest consumer of drugs in the world, the USA. With the enactment of this new law in these two states, the current situation between the police, drug suppliers and users has changed. While the production and consumption of the drug is illegal in Mexico, it is legal across the border in America. This puts the Mexican law-enforcement agencies and drug control agencies in a tight spot. They can only exercise the law within their own borders, but the corporation they had from the agencies in these states will have to go because a law now cracks them. In addition, the demand for the drug across the border has increased and so will the supply. Therefore, more marijuana plantations are likely to surface.
The Obama administration is also in a tight spot. This is mainly because the legalization of marijuana is creating a conflict between state and federal laws. However, federal law preempts all state laws that are in conflict with federal laws. In addition, it is the younger generation that passed this law. This group is mainly Democratic, which represents the majority of people who saw him into office. It would be logical to let them have their way and not risk losing their support. If Obama chooses to go against this law, then he risks losing this support to the Republicans. The story is the same within the states of Washington and Colorado where the laws were passed. Initially, the political elite came out strongly against this proposed law. However, once the citizens passed it, it was rather obvious that they had to support what the majority wanted, even though it was won very closely. This controversy is building, as there are high expectations of federal law stepping in control the situation.
If these laws are implemented, they are expected to boost tourism especially in the state of Colorado. The form of tourism expected is that of drug users who want to enjoy the thrill of using marijuana legally. Amsterdam experiences this form of tourism every year due to its marijuana laws. Tourism is already the second largest source of income for this state. Thus, it can be argued that the state will benefit from the law, the law adopted by the citizens of Colorado states that if one is 21 and above, one is allowed to have small amounts of marijuana for personal recreational uses. These bills are yet to be enacted into law but the stage is set. Everybody has their opinion as to what is wrong and what is right, but the implementation of these laws should be in line with what the people want. Without the people, the law is useless. What really matters is democracy; therefore, the will of the people on the issue of marijuana has to be respected.
Work Cited:
Campbell, Greg. Pot, Inc: Inside Medical Marijuana, America's Most Outlaw Industry. New York: Sterling, 2012. Print.
Toney, Ann. Colorado Medical Marijuana Law: Tackling the Mindboggling and Arduous Task of Implementing This Comprehensive Statute. Denver, Colo: Bradford Pub, 2012. Print.
Caulkins, Jonathan P. Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print.
Friedman, Mark D. Legalization of Drugs. Chicago, Ill: Heinemann Library, 2012. Print.
