With the current political climate and the various topics associated with it, nothing interests me more than the legalization of the sweet little green leafy substance that makes you silly called Marijuana. Growing up with parents from the 60’s and 70’s, Marijuana has always been a topic in my life (I am not advocating the use). Although we're not talking about your Grandma's marijuana, the product used to be socially accepted and had many purposes. One such application was being an active ingredient in most tinctures and remedies.  Now, one might ask how a drug that is used in medicine and other pharmaceuticals found itself categorized as a Schedule 1 drug.

For us to understand how this substance became illegal, we must first look at all the events that led up to federal convictions upon possession. Although most states had laws restricting the use, marijuana became banned in 1937 under FDR’s “Marihuana Tax Act,.” Users were required to apply for a tax stamp, and in doing so, users disclosed how much marijuana they had, thereby incriminating themselves in the process. Fast forward about 30 years, the Supreme Court decides to repeal the Tax Act while simultaneously passing the Controlled Substances Act, where marijuana would remain illegal.

For the past 81 Years, the Government’s approach in containing the use and spread of marijuana has destroyed families, lives, and the social acceptance of millions. Meant initially to target Mexican immigrants, incarceration statistics are still disproportionately minorities. Violence is also often the associated temperament while under the effects of marijuana, according to the FDA. This idea has been used to mislead the public and suppress voters and people from legalizing the drug.

 

Next time you find yourself watching Pineapple Express or Reefer Madness, remember that marijuana is no laughing matter. It is time for people to stop losing everything for recreational use. If we can learn anything from history, as each state legalizes marijuana, the Government is sure to follow. Let's put our efforts together and get legislation moving!