Do you ever wonder why so many people are addicted to weed? Have you ever had a bad day, or a traumatic past that comes to mind often? Many people use the drug to help them relieve stress and forget what happened in their past. Some people use it as a scapegoat to get away from their problems. Some people abuse it and use it for the wrong purposes.
Marijuana, more commonly known as weed, is still illegal in many states and federally. Why is it not legalized at the federal level? Some people believe that weed should stay illegal as they believe it is a gateway drug for more harmful substances, such as cocaine and meth. On the other hand, some argue that weed should be legalized federally as it has been shown to have many beneficial and therapeutic effects on both physical and mental health. While both sides have valid points and concerns, can a middle ground be found that ensures access to marijuana while maintaining government regulation?
Advocating for Change
Advocates for legalizing marijuana nationwide often point to its economic, social, and medical perks. Let’s start with the money: the legal weed industry is raking in cash and creating tons of jobs. In 2023, states with legalized marijuana collected over $4.1 billion in taxes, which funded important public services such as education and healthcare. The industry has also generated nearly 93,000 jobs in dispensaries and additional employment in related fields like construction, agriculture, and software development.
Then there’s the social side. Making marijuana legal helps ease the pressure on the criminal justice system by decriminalizing minor weed offenses. This reform leads to lower incarceration rates and better job prospects for individuals previously penalized for marijuana offenses. These laws have historically hit marginalized communities the hardest, so legalization means fewer people getting locked up and more of them getting second chances. With fewer low-level arrests, police can focus on more serious crimes.
And let’s not forget the medical benefits. Weed has been a game-changer for folks dealing with chronic pain, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis. States where medical marijuana is legal have seen a drop in the use of opioids and other prescription meds, showing that cannabis can be a safer option compared to more addictive drugs. This dual benefit of improved health outcomes and reduced dependence on harmful substances strengthens the case for federal legalization.
The Opposition’s Perspective
Opponents of legalizing marijuana nationwide have a lot of concerns, from health risks to social and legal issues. First off, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it’s considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Adaobi Ezeokoli said in an article from Harvard Law School, “People who disagree with legalization argue that it could lead to increased addiction rates and exacerbate public health issues, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescents, who may be more likely to misuse marijuana if access to it is expanded”
Another big worry is that marijuana is often labeled as a “gateway drug,” meaning it could push people toward harder substances like cocaine or heroin. Critics also fear that legalizing weed could make drug use seem more acceptable, encouraging people to try other more dangerous drugs. Moreover, “the negative effects of marijuana on mental and physical health, including impaired cognition and potential respiratory damage, are emphasized as reasons to maintain its prohibition”.
And don’t forget the mess that is federal vs. state laws.“Legalization would require substantial changes to federal banking and criminal justice policies, and some argue this complexity supports maintaining its current status until better frameworks are developed”
A Pragmatic Path Forward
A middle-ground approach to marijuana policy would aim to find a balance between public health and safety concerns, while also taking advantage of the economic, social, and medical benefits of weed. This approach could look like legalizing weed for medical use, decriminalizing personal use, and putting strict rules in place for recreational use.
Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes at the federal level would help people who need it for things like chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, while also opening up more research opportunities. If cannabis was legalized, scientists could study it more thoroughly, giving us better information about its benefits and risks. By enabling medical professionals to prescribe cannabis safely, patients could access treatments without fear of legal consequences. Plus, federal legalization would make sure there are safety standards for medical cannabis products, making them safer for everyone.
Decriminalizing marijuana for personal use could take a load off the criminal justice system. Every year, tons of people are locked up for nonviolent marijuana offenses, often disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. By decriminalizing it, we could reduce incarceration rates and open up better job opportunities for people who have gotten felonies for having been busted of small cannabis charges. However, maintaining penalties for large-scale trafficking and unlicensed sales would help deter illegal markets and ensure public safety.
For recreational use, a good move would be aligning federal policy with what states are already doing, while setting up solid regulations. Age restrictions, bans on ads, and product quality checks would help keep marijuana out of the wrong hands, especially when it comes to young people. And the tax revenues from legal weed could be put back into public services, like schools, healthcare, and drug treatment programs. For instance, states like Colorado and California have demonstrated the financial benefits of a regulated cannabis industry, collectively generating billions in tax revenues since legalization. Public education campaigns about the potential harms of marijuana use would complement regulatory efforts by fostering informed decision-making.
This middle-ground approach would respect what is already going on at the state level, while also fixing the issue between state and federal laws. By adopting these ideas, the government could reduce harm, create fairness, and make sure public health and safety are prioritized. Legalizing medical marijuana, decriminalizing small amounts for personal use, and regulating recreational use would provide a well-rounded solution that takes into account the needs of everyone involved. This strategy offers a balanced path forward, prioritizing public safety and social equity while unlocking the economic and therapeutic potential of cannabis.
Charting the Future
The debate over weed at the federal level is really important because it touches on public health, social fairness, and economic growth. Legalizing it could give people safer access to medical treatments, lower the costs of incarceration, and create job opportunities through taxes and regulation. On the other hand, keeping restrictions could help protect public health by preventing misuse and making sure there’s proper oversight. Finding a middle ground is key to balancing all the concerns while ensuring fairness and safety. Everyone—from everyday citizens to policymakers—needs to work together to come up with a plan that’s based on science and what’s best for society. The decision we make now will impact health, justice, and the economy for years to come.
