Legalization Of Marijuana In America: Evidence That The Narcotics Law Is Outdated

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JAKARTA - The majority of voters in five states, both red and blue, approved ballots legalizing marijuana on US Presidential Election Day.

A number of observers assess this attitude shows that people in some states want a revision to the regulations on narcotics and drugs.

"This shows that people are frustrated with the outdated drug policy of the 1970s," said Mason Marks, a law professor at Gonzaga University, reported by ABC News, Saturday, November 14.

In some cases, such as New York, elected officials have publicly called for major changes to the policy.

In voting decisions passed in New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana and Arizona, residents over 21 years of age can buy and consume marijuana for recreational purposes.

Apart from recreation, in South Dakota, marijuana for medical purposes is also legal. Meanwhile, Mississippi will also allow adults to use medical marijuana after voters launch the initiative on Election Day.

Furthermore, the Legislature and Ministry of Health in the five states will make specific regulations for recreational marijuana in more detail next year. All of that so that marijuana can be used for the benefit of the US people.

Previously, Deputy Director of the Non-Profit Marijuana Policy Project Group, Matthew Schweich, revealed that during the US Presidential Election, he and those who care about legalizing marijuana also made promotional efforts.

Matthew was referring to a study released last year by Washington State University that said there was no long-term effect of recreational cannabis laws on crime rates in Washington and Colorado.

Last year, in Colorado, sales of cannabis generated more than $ 1 billion in state treasury bills.

"The message that can be taken from voters in five states is the fact that legalizing marijuana is a proven and successful policy in other states. In total, eleven states have legalized marijuana, and not one of them has lifted the legalization," he said. Matthew.

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Domino effect

The success of legalizing marijuana in five states after the US Presidential Election is predicted to create a domino effect in other states. Which, state leaders who were initially hesitant, can now think about taking the same steps, namely legalizing marijuana.

"I think other states will definitely follow suit when it comes to legalizing recreational marijuana," said Matthew.

The day after New Jersey legalized marijuana, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was immediately inspired to legalize the medical use of marijuana.

"We saw it in New Jersey. Now, it's time for New York State to do it. Legalize marijuana the right way," he said.

Not only the Mayor, the Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has echoed the same message. Cuomo revealed that the requirements for legalizing marijuana had been carried out. "I think this year (the requirements) are ripe because the country will really need funds," he said.

Meanwhile, Senator from New York, Charle Schumer asked the government to immediately end the ban on marijuana in the US. According to him, with the legalization of marijuana, the US will be able to reduce the losses caused by the war on drugs, especially in the black community.

The rejection remains

Mark said there are groups that want marijuana to remain illegal in the US. The Smart Approaches to Marijuana group is against it. Founder Kevin Sabet said efforts to legalize cannabis would only benefit companies that intend to take advantage of the US people's addiction to cannabis.

Even so, Kevin praised President-elect Joe Biden's drug policy plans for wanting to emphasize the decriminalization of cannabis users, and the elimination of criminal records for people arrested for possession of small amounts of drugs.

However, Kevin still disagrees that marijuana should be an important industry.

"We stand ready to work with Biden to help promote science-based drug policies that benefit people, not the cannabis industry that is looking to profit for its addiction and its investors from Big Tobacco, Big Alcohol, Big Pharma and others on Wall Street," he said.