Drug Policy
The BasicsThe Controlled Substances Act passed by Congress in 1970 banned the presence of certain drugs within the United States. However, certain states such as Colorado and Washington have recently created their own laws regarding marijuana and it is looking like many more states are to follow. Most states are looking to legalize marijuana for medical use while a few are taking it one step further and working to legalize recreational marijuana, which would allow for the state to tax and regulate its sale and distribution.
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The Arguments
For |
Against |
1. There is no evidence to show that marijuana has any negative lasting effects.
2. Putting people in prison for a substance such as marijuana uses valuable tax payer dollars and creates criminal records for people who aren't truly criminals, limiting their future careers. 3. Being able to regulate and tax marijuana sales would create jobs within the state as well as boost the state's economy. 4. Teenagers and college students are likely to try marijuana so by regulating it we can be sure that what they are receiving is clean and safe. |
1. Legalizing drugs will not stop the illegal sale of drugs.
2. There is currently no way to tell if a person is high if they are driving. Other than smell there is no "breathalyzer" for marijuana and therefore we risk allowing many people to drive intoxicated and not get in trouble. 3. Knowing that marijuana is illegal deters teenagers from using it. If it were to be legalized then what is stopping them from using it? |