Decriminalizing Marijuana by shortdogg

14. November 2009 by student.

Is marijuana a social problem? A social problem only arises when the pressure for change can no longer be accomodated within the limits of existing social structures or when those who want to maintain those structures fear that they can no longer do so. More than 76 million Americans have admittedly tried marijuana. The majority of which did not become regular users, did not try other illicit drugs or have suffered any deleterious effects to their health. (Combined Data U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1996). Also, in a 1999 Federally commissioned report by The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine stated “except for the harms associated with smoking, the adverse effects of marijuana use are within the range of tolerance for other medications.

By dercriminalizing possession of marijuana society will be saving many resources and funds. According to the FBI 2001 Uniform Crime Report, possession of marijuana was the 5th most common offense with 734,000 arrested for marijuana, 80% were for possession, with about 5 million arrested since 1992. In New Mexico, in 2001  the Drug Policy Advisory Group determined that by decriminalizing marijuana possession it will result in a greater availibility of resources to respond to more serious crimes without any increased risks to public safety

Society can also impose fines on offenders and collect revenues rather than spend those revenues with little or no results. Even President Jimmy Carter said in an Aug 2nd, 1977 message to congress, “Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself.” Also, in 2004 President Obama spoke in favor of decriminalization.(You Tube, 2009)

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 1 Comment »