This week we’re talking about the hot button issue of marijuana legalization. As of now, marijuana is fully legal to be purchased and smoked in only 4 states, Washington state, Colorado, Oregon, and Alaska. Washington DC’s legalization bid is currently stalled in Congress. In 23 other states, various forms of decriminalization and medical usage laws exist. Decriminalization differs from legalization in that it eliminates the criminal penalties associated with marijuana posession. However, there are still lesser penalties such as fines often attached. For medical usage, in most instances a medical marijuana card must be obtained with the assistance of documentation by a certified primary care physician. Medical marijuana laws vary from state to state, with some making the process much more difficult than others.
Many proponents remain unsatisfied. Many opponents continue to fight to preserve the laws in the remaining states, or even reverse the laws that have allowed marijuana to become legal (or nearly legal). At present under federal law, marijuana possession, usage, and sale is still illegal. However, the federal government has allowed provisions for the states to pass or enact their own laws for both medical and recreational use.
So, where do you stand? Are you in favor of the legalization and/or decriminalization? Do you think it is acceptable only in the cases of medical need? Or are you opposed to marijuana being readily available in all instances and situations? We spoke to a variety of people, with a variety of opinions, stories, and positions on the subject. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions. Remember you can alway comment anonymously. Check back every day for more and be sure to join this important conversation!
Many proponents remain unsatisfied. Many opponents continue to fight to preserve the laws in the remaining states, or even reverse the laws that have allowed marijuana to become legal (or nearly legal). At present under federal law, marijuana possession, usage, and sale is still illegal. However, the federal government has allowed provisions for the states to pass or enact their own laws for both medical and recreational use.
So, where do you stand? Are you in favor of the legalization and/or decriminalization? Do you think it is acceptable only in the cases of medical need? Or are you opposed to marijuana being readily available in all instances and situations? We spoke to a variety of people, with a variety of opinions, stories, and positions on the subject. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions. Remember you can alway comment anonymously. Check back every day for more and be sure to join this important conversation!
DO YOU FEEL MARIJUANA SHOULD BE LEGALIZED?
"No, I don't."
WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT WAY?
"I'm a senior citizen now, but growing up it wasn't important to us. My group of friends and my school friends, that was something that you just didn't do because you didn't need to do that. I see what goes on, on the news and in newspapers, most of these robberies are committed by people that are on drugs and whacked out. I just feel that it messes up your brain and your way of thinking. I don't see any good in it. If you live a good life and are around good people, you don't need that, so called, high. I'm just very much against it. When my state (Florida) voted for it, I voted no, as did most of the state. Of course I live in a senior citizen state, so to speak. I'm just happy being alive and who I am. Once in a while I may have a drink. I think even the smoking aspect of it, though they don't say much about cancer smoking, but there's second hand smoke. I just don't get it, why they'd legalize it. I only think it makes matters worse. When I look at what's going on in Denver, the people that are selling it are making absolute millions of dollars. People are coming in from all states. I feel that you should have to be a resident of Denver, for at least six months or more. Not just come across the border just so you can get a joint and have a good time. One thing my husband and I, and our friends, were just never into. I don't understand why people today have to smoke that. And I think it's addicting, once you start, I don't foresee a future without it."
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED IT?
"No. Never. It was something, when we went to school, you just didn't think of. It wasn't as prevalent as it is today. It's something I just never would've given a thought to."
WHAT IF SOMEBODY TOLD YOU IT WAS LESS HARMFUL THAN ALCOHOL?
"I probably wouldn't be interested in it. I'm high on everyday living, being with my friends and knowing that I get up and I'm out. I have a wonderful group of friends and support system. I think for people that are severely ill and a doctor would order that, prescription only, I could see that. But just to smoke it, as kids would say, I just don't get it. I think they look like a bunch of nuts when I see it on television. And now they say these hookah pipes are just as addictive. And I don't know if they cause cancer. As far as social, I mean you're going out to have a good time anyhow, being social with people that you like anyway, why would you need that?"
"No, I don't."
WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT WAY?
"I'm a senior citizen now, but growing up it wasn't important to us. My group of friends and my school friends, that was something that you just didn't do because you didn't need to do that. I see what goes on, on the news and in newspapers, most of these robberies are committed by people that are on drugs and whacked out. I just feel that it messes up your brain and your way of thinking. I don't see any good in it. If you live a good life and are around good people, you don't need that, so called, high. I'm just very much against it. When my state (Florida) voted for it, I voted no, as did most of the state. Of course I live in a senior citizen state, so to speak. I'm just happy being alive and who I am. Once in a while I may have a drink. I think even the smoking aspect of it, though they don't say much about cancer smoking, but there's second hand smoke. I just don't get it, why they'd legalize it. I only think it makes matters worse. When I look at what's going on in Denver, the people that are selling it are making absolute millions of dollars. People are coming in from all states. I feel that you should have to be a resident of Denver, for at least six months or more. Not just come across the border just so you can get a joint and have a good time. One thing my husband and I, and our friends, were just never into. I don't understand why people today have to smoke that. And I think it's addicting, once you start, I don't foresee a future without it."
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED IT?
"No. Never. It was something, when we went to school, you just didn't think of. It wasn't as prevalent as it is today. It's something I just never would've given a thought to."
WHAT IF SOMEBODY TOLD YOU IT WAS LESS HARMFUL THAN ALCOHOL?
"I probably wouldn't be interested in it. I'm high on everyday living, being with my friends and knowing that I get up and I'm out. I have a wonderful group of friends and support system. I think for people that are severely ill and a doctor would order that, prescription only, I could see that. But just to smoke it, as kids would say, I just don't get it. I think they look like a bunch of nuts when I see it on television. And now they say these hookah pipes are just as addictive. And I don't know if they cause cancer. As far as social, I mean you're going out to have a good time anyhow, being social with people that you like anyway, why would you need that?"
