Between 1973 and 1978, 11 states have decriminalized the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana, thereby removing all criminal penalties. Since 1978, however, the movement toward decriminalizing (or even legalizing) marijuana has come to a standstill. No additional states have joined in decriminalizing the drug and public attitudes have shifted against recreational marijuana use. This marijuana backlash is hardly surprising in the conservative climate prevailing in the recent decade. What is more surprising, given this conservative hegemony, is how limited the backlash has been.
The purpose of this research is to examine the merits of maintaining legal sanctions against the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana. The nature of Cannabis will be discussed along with its potential health effects. Finally, the social costs of criminalizing marijuana use will be documented. It is the contention of this study that the conservative backlash against marijuana has enjoyed only limited success because the social costs of outlawing the drug far outweigh any potential dangers from recreational use. Not only should marijuana be decriminalized, but there may even be social benefits in legalizing and licensing the sale and consumption of marijuana.
The term marijuana is derived from the Mexican word "maraguanquo," signifying an inebriant plant. It is the popular name for a plant, Cannabis sativa, and a common name for a drug prepared by drying the leaves and flower tops which contain chemicals known as cannabinoids. The plant thrives in practically any climate, although different weather and soil conditions produce significant variations in its chemical content. The hemp plant has long been cultivated in the United States for agricultural purposes, even by such prominent figures as George Washington.
Cannabis materials are smoked or ingested by various cultures to induce psychological effects such as euphori...