Photo: Sean Azzariti, an Iraq war veteran and marijuana activist, was first person to legally purchase recreational marijuana in Colorado. (Credit: CNN)
In the United States, support for the legalization of marijuana has shifted dramatically within the last decade. What was once perceived as a dangerous, addictive drug of abuse is now being hailed as the medicine for the future that will aid in treating illnesses. Currently, the drug derived from the plant, Cannabis sativa, is being used to treat pain, increase appetite, decrease inflammation and lower anxiety in patients.
But in the United States, support for the medical or recreational use of marijuana has not always been strong. From the early 1900s to the 1970s, a series of laws including the Marijuana Tax Act (1937) and the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (1970), have regulated and eventually outlawed marijuana production and usage. Equally important, laws criminalizing marijuana were reinforced by public opinion. The 1934 release of Reefer Madness painted marijuana as psychotic drug that made users into potential murders. On the other hand, recent movies such as Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, have depicted marijuana as a recreational, youth culture drug that is used to have a good time.
As the 2016 Presidential Election approaches, the legalization of marijuana — both medical and recreational — will be a key issue for debate. A poll taken by the Pew Research Center found that Republicans, Democrats, moderates and independents all overwhelming believe that “government efforts to enforce marijuana laws cost more than they are worth”. Likewise, states such as, California and Colorado that have limited legalization of marijuana, have already begun making the drug accessible to their citizens.
However, studies have found there are implications for the increased visibility of marijuana usage, especially among the youth. Multiple studies have found that when accessible, marijuana can become a substitute for tobacco and alcohol consumption in younger populations. Similarly, people suffering from mental illnesses are more likely to use the drug which can lead to addiction or depression. Opponents of legalization have used these findings to strongly advocate against the growth of the marijuana industry. Nevertheless, with marijuana’s increased presence, in the media and politics, more research needs to be done on the social and health implications that will arise for future generations.
