In the 1970's, there was a push to de-criminalize small amounts of marijuana. For those supporting decriminalization, the general view was that the laws against marijuana were more harmful than the drug itself. President Jimmy Carter in 1977 called for the decriminalization of small amounts, so did the American Medical Association and American Bar Association. It didn't happen.
The 1980's saw a reverse of these efforts, and with President Reagan the War on Drugs ensued with tougher policies and penalties on pretty much every drug. Marijuana usage went down during this decade while alcohol, cocaine, and crack skyrocketed - thc cartridge. The 1990's saw a reversal of usage trends. Between 1992 and 1994, marijuana usage doubled in adolescents.
Marijuana is not harmless. The cannabis plant has over 400 chemicals in it, and there's a lot we don't know about it. Should it be illegal though? Should it still be a Schedule 1 Narcotic? It is a big cash crop and regulating it could bring in significant tax monies along with eliminating the need to provide resources for so much prosecution. Many medical and scientific professionals have produced evidence about marijuana's medicinal benefits, and 15 states have allowed for its usage for debilitating conditions.
A recent study showed marijuana can have long lasting effects on adolescent brains, and it can affect coordination and mental capacity while under its effects. So this needs to be weighed in the pros vs cons debate. The "illegal" label promotes a significant negative aura in people's minds, and the robust debating has shown no evidence of letting up.
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