In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana when voters passed Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act. Since then, 24 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Four states, including Alaska, Oregon, Colorado and Washington, have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Many states, including Arizona and Ohio, have marijuana proposals on an upcoming ballot or are considering legislation to allow for legalized cannabis use. Despite the rapid trend toward legalization, there are many people and groups that are opposed to the decriminalization of the drug. Since the actual medical benefits of marijuana are still unknown, as are long-term effects of recreational use, many in the medical community are opposed to legalizing it. Law enforcement and educators have also been vocal opponents of legalization efforts because of the potential increase in crime that may result. On the other hand, there are many others who are in full support with the push toward legalization. This includes well-known groups such as the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and the Marijuana Policy Project. Businesses and entrepreneurs who are poised to make thousands, if not millions, from sales, are actively supporting the new laws. Those who now use marijuana, or those who want to but are deterred because of its legal status, are also in favor of changing the laws. Marijuana 360 examines the perception of marijuana legalization from the perspective of those who are directly involved some aspect of legal marijuana. The authors interview a variety of representatives from different constituent groups that have been affected by marijuana legalization. For example, the authors interview a variety of law enforcement officers from states that have legalized marijuana and from those states that are considering it, to get their impressions of the impact the law has made (or will make) in their area. Other constituent groups include medical professionals, educators, parents, lawmakers, business owners, drug users, corrections personnel, legal personnel, and others. Each chapter will focus on a different group and present that group's perceptions and impressions of marijuana legalization. Marijuana 360 increases our understanding of what different professionals think about the legalization of marijuana. To help facilitate this, each chapter will begin with a general summary of major points to be, highlight major events or people who play a key role in that topic, provide data and summary information on relevant topics, when appropriate, and provide resources for those who want to seek additional information.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Since then, 30 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Nine of those states, including Alaska, Oregon, Colorado and Washington, have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Many states, including Arizona and Ohio, are considering legislation to allow for legalized cannabis use.
Marijuana 360: Differing Perspectives on Legalization examines the perception of marijuana legalization from the perspective of those who are directly involved in some aspect of legal marijuana. Nancy E. Marion and Joshua B. Hill interweaves the interviews from a variety of representatives from different integral groups that have been affected by marijuana legalization, in both states that have legalized or are considering the legalization of marijuana, to get their impressions of the impact the law has made (or will make) in their area. These groups include medical professionals, educators, parents, lawmakers, drug users, and others.
There is more public support for reform than ever before, but still much debate over the issues of legalizing marijuana. Marijuana 360 increases our understanding of what different professionals think about the legalization of marijuana.
