Changing Views on Marijuana Laws
In certain states like Tennessee and under federal law (the Controlled Substances Act), marijuana remains illegal to sell, manufacture (grow), use, or possess. In spite of federal law criminalizing marijuana, several state legislatures have eased restrictions on marijuana use and legalized it in whole or in part. For some time, views and laws on marijuana have been changing.
These changing attitudes are the result of age, time, and political leanings. Generally speaking, in the past, left-wing-leaning and younger Americans tended to support legalizing marijuana use; right-wing-leaning and older Americans tended to oppose it. However, now more Americans are supporting marijuana legalization in some form. Significantly, the number of older Americans supporting marijuana legalization is increasing, and these attitudes are changing public opinion and stirring debate. According to a Pew Research Center on the People and the Press survey, more than fifty percent of Republicans and conservative Americans believe that the federal government should not enforce its anti-marijuana laws in states where marijuana use is legal. Still, opposition remains.
Critics of existing marijuana laws argue that criminal justice policies to reduce and control marijuana use have been expensive and ineffective and have not curbed its use. They add that drug convictions for marijuana have long-term negative consequences for the user and society. They also argue that marijuana is widely used by virtually all segments of American society.
Those who support criminalizing marijuana argue that marijuana is a gateway drug that may lead users to other more dangerous drugs and that when users are high, they may be dangerous to themselves and/or others. They also assert that the government should not stand silent and do little to nothing to stop or discourage marijuana use.
Changes in public opinion and public attitudes about marijuana are real. It has been building up for years, and some people argue that this change in public opinion parallels Prohibition and the illegalization and re-legalization of alcohol in the 1920s and 1930s. Prohibition ended due to loss of public support and its unintended consequences. Many people argue that Congress and state legislatures will react to public opinion and continue to act to change the laws regarding marijuana use.
Join the debate and discussion. Let your legislators and members of Congress know your views, regardless of whether you support the existing laws or you think they need to be strengthened, fundamentally changed, or repealed.
Remember, use of marijuana is still a crime in Tennessee, in some other states, and under federal law. If you are charged with a marijuana offense, another drug-related offense, or another crime, know this: You have rights. For more information, contact Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Perry A. Craft.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.