Legalization Efforts of Marijuana
chapter 12 discusses the issues with legalizing drugs. Marijuana is usually the drug that most people refer to when discussing legalization efforts. Visit the website: http://norml.org/laws/
This website is obviously in favor of legalizing marijuana.
Click on a few states (in addition to Florida) to learn about their specific laws related to marijuana.
Discussion Questions:
Compare and contrast at least two states (in addition to Florida) and their laws and penalties related to marijuana.
What are your thoughts on Florida’s marijuana laws?
Do you support or oppose efforts to legalize marijuana? Explain your position using empirical research.
Make sure to:
Write a short essay or paragraph of at least 500 words.
Use concrete examples/details and avoid generalities.
Address all questions.
Use proper grammar and punctuation.
If you researched your topic and are using information from what you learned, remember to cite your sources.
Do not plagiarize.
You will not be able to edit your assignment once you post, so please proofread and spell check before hitting post!
As part of the assignment, you must also reply to ONE of your classmates with at least 200 words. You will have to POST FIRST to see your classmates’ postings. Make sure your replies are a thoughtful and relevant to what your classmate has posted. Try to build the discussion and keep it going.
Legalization Efforts of Marijuana
1. Compare and contrast at least two states (in addition to Florida) and their laws and penalties related to marijuana.
Cannabis has a very long history in the united states, where selling and possession of cannabis are illegal under federal laws. However, other laws accept the use of marijuana, especially medical laws, while a group of people still believe the use of marijuana should be normalized. The laws, however, differ from state to state; for instance, Florida and California differ in-laws, and penalties, considering the fact California has many conservatives compared to Florida despite its reputation (Asryan, 2020). It is a felony to e caught in possession or use of marijuana in Florida, where sale or possession of more than twenty grams is considered a misdemeanor.
Additionally, the use of marijuana is acceptable for medical use, where patients can use only four ounces, although growing marijuana at home is prohibited. However, a bill was introduced in Florida for the use of marijuana by adults only, which has not yet been adjourned. In California, the laws are different, where California allows or has made it legal to possess and use marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes (Asryan, 2020). However, possession of more than one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal, as well as sale, contrary to the laws and states license requirements. In case one offers marijuana as a gift, a person is only allowed to offer less than twenty-eight grams.
Additionally, the public can grow marijuana in their homes for recreational purposes, which is different from Florida (Moody, General, and Moody, 2019). The citizens are allowed to grow up to six plants. California has been working on extending the legalization of cannabis use, despite restrictions placed in Florida. For instance, since 2019, the government has been working on a bill that allows financial institutions to accept and hold cash that has been made from the sale of marijuana. In case caught with more than twenty grams of marijuana in Florida,
The penalties include revocation of driving license, probation, and a jail term, which differ based on constructive possession, and actual possession laws. In California, the laws primarily apply to minors and people who have crossed the limits; for instance, a person below the age of twenty one can be fined a hundred dollar, and minors under the age of eighteen taken for a drug education program, community services, and counseling sessions (Asryan, 2020). Also, possession of marijuana of more than the specified for recreational use of transportation in different states where marijuana is prohibited is punishable by law.
2. What are your thoughts on Florida’s marijuana laws?
Florida marijuana laws prohibit, sell, manufacture, distribute, and use marijuana and criminalize trafficking marijuana as part of illicit drugs. Florida laws reduce drugs and substance use in the united states, which is a big problem in the united states (Moody, General, and Moody, 2019). Additionally, Florida laws foes offer jail terms as punishment and offer education and training concerning drug use, which is essential, especially to minors. Marijuana is among the states fighting the legalization of marijuana, which is considered part of illegal drugs that affect users psychologically and physically.
1. Do you support or oppose efforts to legalize marijuana? Explain your position using empirical research.
I oppose efforts to legalize marijuana because marijuana is a drug that affects the users’ respiratory organs and enters into an individual bloodstream, and affects the brain and other organs (Moody, General, and Moody, 2019). The legalization of marijuana would affect a large number of youths, leading to crimes and the development of another sale of illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
References
Asryan, A. (2020). Policy Implication of Legalizing Recreational and Medical Marijuana Focusing on Taxation and Crime Rate in California (Doctoral dissertation, California State University, Northridge).
Moody, A., General, A., & Moody, D. A. G. (2019). The Florida Legislature.
