Introduction
Several solutions have been put into place to help deal with marijuana problems. One of the steps that have been put forward to alleviate this problem is by legalizing marijuana trade by providing license to some traders. In Washington where marijuana has been legalized, there are several incidences of shooting from people suspected to have consumed marijuana. To be precise, there was a case where three individuals planned a target shooting after consuming a great deal of Marijuana. Therefore, there is increased concern for the potential criminal behavior that has been instigated by Marijuana legalization in some states in the United States. It is evident that criminal cases have increased after the legalization of Marijuana. In Seattle, the property crimes have increased rapidly after the legalization of Marijuana. With such statistics, the residents are at increased danger of harm if Marijuana is not contained. Therefore, it is prudent to come up with new ways of solving crimes that is related to Marijuana to ensure that people are not harmed. The reports from FBI also show several cases where individuals suspected with marijuana consumption are involved in criminal activities. In Seattle, the city council is earning over $100,000 per annum in tax collection from marijuana businesses. In addition, several jobs have been created from the marijuana businesses. On the other hand, the marijuana-related crimes is also hurting the American economy. The American government spends over $1.2 billion to care for more than 60,000 inmates arrested from marijuana cases. Furthermore, the authorities are faced with the challenge of containing the rising crime cases that are linked to marijuana (Lynne-landsman 05).
I’m advocating for a three-tier solution that focuses on cost prohibition, improved legislation, and increased community awareness and sensitization. This solution is proposed by two professional drug researchers Dr Carpernter and Dr Pechman. The figure below shows the total and property crimes in Seattle.
Cost
Solving the marijuana crime is very costly to the American government. Already, there is lots of pressure in American prisons caused by the over 600,000 persons arrested from illegal marijuana cases. Furthermore, the American government is spending close to $1.2 billion to sustain the large number of marijuana prisoners. However, this money can be used in alternative mechanisms of solving the marijuana problem. The money can be used to create an oversight body that specifically monitors the use of marijuana. Such agency would ensure that there is a maximum crackdown on illegal traders and to ensure that such drug does not fall in the wrong hands. This would reduce the crime cases as most of the people would not be able to find the drug.
According to Allen and Mark (309), the marijuana related crimes can easily be reduced by manipulating the cost of its availability. The main reason for marijuana legalization was to serve medical purposes only. However, the low cost can easily make the productive land into the wrong hands. The cheaply the product is, the more easily it can be bought and consumed by unsuspected persons (Evans-Whip et al, 949). Even the teenagers can easily make some small savings and buy marijuana that later turn them into criminals. In terms of costs, marijuana availability can be reduced by increasing the licensing costs of the dealers. Currently, there are a high number of Marijuana growers and traders as they can easily pay for the license. Increasing the cost of Marijuana license would reduce the number of traders in Marijuana. On the other hand, the government will have more money to fund the agency tasked with dealing with marijuana. In addition, the costs of marijuana availability can be increased by increased taxation. With high taxes, only people who genuinely need marijuana for medical cases will afford it through medical insurance. When the cost of doing marijuana business is increased, the traders will simply pass the increased costs to the consumers as they are not willing to run at a loss. Therefore, the consumers will bear the burden of prohibitive costs and reduced availability. In addition, increasing the Marijuana taxes would interfere with the forces of supply and demand. When the supply and demand is destabilized, the marijuana business is expected to fall rapidly (Grimes & Morris 46). The implication will be that the consumers will increase tremendously and the marijuana related crimes will be reduced.
Sensitization and Awareness
Crimes related to marijuana can also be addressed through by increased sensitization of the community members, especially the youths (Lynne-Landsman et al 06). The youth population together with their families needs to be sensitized to the problem of using marijuana. The experts in the field of psychology and addiction can be incorporated in such a program to ensure that the community members are properly sensitized concerning the problem of using marijuana. In such a program, the adult population also needs to be incorporated so that they can bring up their children properly. Information is key to promoting positive behavior change in the society and the reduction in drug usage. With proper sensitization and awareness, the members of the community are able to make independent decisions and informed choices that would make them avoid the consumption of marijuana (Collins et al 52). Community sensitization can be enhanced by evidence based interventions such as images and videos to help convey a strong message to the community members. The concept of community sensitization is based on the fact that a good number of youths are involved in marijuana consumption due to their lack of knowledge. Sensitization and awareness should not just be limited to the community, but be extended to the schools. Most of the youths who consume marijuana believe that it is good for their health and are not aware of the risks involved (Grimes & Morris 47). The youths need to be taught in the health and the legal consequences of using marijuana. With relevant information concerning the negative consequences, the youths and other community members are likely to reduce their consumption of marijuana. Consequently, the crime related to marijuana consumption will reduce accordingly.
Legislation
The other approach that can be used to reduce marijuana consumption is through legislation. The legislators can re-organize the police and intelligence department to provide for special agencies that fight the illegal marijuana trade. Furthermore, alternative punishment mechanisms can be developed by the courts to ensure that the people dealing in marijuana are not taken to prison, but to some community service that adds value to the nation. The new law should limit some people to grow, possess, and process any form of marijuana or related products, not unless prescribed by a doctor (Carpenter & Cornelia 949). The new law should provide further restrictions to the marijuana growing, harvesting, processing, and testing to ensure that all components of the products are used lawfully. The law can be used to support increased taxation for the marijuana business in the United States. The federal government can also use their powers to control the state government from passing laws that may increase the consumption of marijuana. Furthermore, the legislation can give more powers to the agencies in charge with drug use to help deal with such cases.
Work Cited
Allen, Jadie, and Mark D. Holder. "Marijuana use and Well-being in University Students." Journal of Happiness Studies 15.2 (2014): 301-21. ProQuest. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
Carpenter, Christopher S., PhD., and Cornelia Pechmann PhD. "Exposure to the Above the Influence Antidrug Advertisements and Adolescent Marijuana use in the United States, 2006-2008." American Journal of Public Health 101.5 (2011): 948-54. ProQuest. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
Evans-Whipp, Tracy, et al. "Longitudinal Effects of School Drug Policies on Student Marijuana use in Washington State and Victoria, Australia." American Journal of Public Health 105.5 (2015): 994-1000. ProQuest. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
Grimes, Gina K., and Morris C. Massey. "Medical Marijuana: Differences among States' Regulatory Frameworks and Land use and Zoning Regulations." Probate and Property 29.6 (2015): 45-7. ProQuest. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
Lynne-Landsman, Sarah, Melvin D. Livingston B.A., and Alexander C. Wagenaar PhD. "Effects of State Medical Marijuana Laws on Adolescent Marijuana use." American Journal of Public Health 103.8 (2013): 1500-6. ProQuest. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
Collins, C., Hewson, D. L., Munger, R., & Wade, T.. Evolving Models of Behavioral Health Integration in Primary Care, New York: Milbank Memorial Fund. 2013
