Marijuana is a recreational psychoactive drug obtained from the leaves of the cannabis plant, which are usually smoked, but can also be eaten, e.g. by being baked in brownies or cookies. Its use is restricted by law because it is an intoxicant, and it has variably been outlawed as such, and by being classified with narcotics as an illicit drug (Medical). It has been used in medicine because it has been found to have anti-emetic effects, to decrease intraocular pressure, to relieve pain, and to relieve muscle spasticity.
Between 1973 and 1978, 11 states effectively decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana because of more liberal public attitudes towards the drug (The Effects). The impact of these changes has had no effect on the use of marijuana. The criminalization of marijuana possession results in a stigma on the offender which may impact the rest of their lives, making it difficult to get a job, for instance. It also affects the attitudes of the offenders towards the criminal justice system adversely. Decriminalization saves time, money, and promotes a better outlook on the justice system by offenders who can pay a fine, and do not have to worry about having a criminal record to haunt them for the rest of their lives.
At a 2003 hearing on the proposal that Massachusetts reform its laws on marijuana possession and treat it as civil misconduct rather than a crime, with a fine of $100 for possession, legislators and community members felt this would remove red tape from the criminal justice system and improve moral treatment of their citizens (Mehta). It was estimated that this move would save the state $24.3 million a year. Senator Charles Shannon noted that everyone does things in their youth that they regret later, and their lives should not be ruined with a criminal record for marijuana possession.
In 2001, the Church of EnglandÆs Board for Social Responsibility in Great Britain called for t...