Legalization Of Cannabis Research Paper

The topic for this assignment is the legalization of cannabis, better known as marijuana, but it also has a variety of other names. The legalization of cannabis, has been a hot button topic of conversation in the political arena for the last few decades. The debate of the legalization of cannabis has reached even beyond the political arena into the medical field as well as practically every other aspect of society. Some of those debating the legalization of cannabis argue the positives, while others argue the negative. As the debates continue, there will probably never be a consensus about the legalization and utilization of cannabis.

The legalization of cannabis in the United States is an important topic for a few reasons. The first reason …show more content…
One agency that has been working for more than 40 years, towards to the legalization of cannabis is NORML ("NORML-Working to Reform Marijuana Laws", 2017). The entire purpose of NORML is to reform cannabis laws by being the voice of the people ("NORML-Working to Reform Marijuana Laws", 2017). They lobby “state and federal legislators in support of reform legislation”, publish a newsletter, have a web site, hosts an annual conference; and “serves as the umbrella group for a national network of citizen-activists committed to ending marijuana prohibition and legalizing marijuana” ("NORML-Working to Reform Marijuana Laws", 2017). NORML has chapters all across the country as well as representatives that are based in Washington DC ("NORML-Working to Reform Marijuana Laws", 2017). There are also government agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency(DEA), State level Liquor Control Boards, Department of Public Health and Environment, Office of National Drug Control Policy(ONDCP) and the Department of Justice including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(ATF) that are influencing policy ("NORML-Working to Reform Marijuana Laws", 2017; Subbaraman, & Kerr, 2016).

The legalization of cannabis is a complex issue. There is no real cut and dry answer, as there are currently people heavily debating in multiple arenas, both the pros as well as the cons of the legalization of cannabis. The legalization of cannabis has many agencies that are working hard to both prevent as well as enable to the legalization process. More and more research is showing that the current policies need to be reformed. However, due to the intricacy of the issues related to the legalization of cannabis this topic will continue to be