The 2014 Super Bowl in the US, nicknamed after various references to marijuana (mj) because the two competing teams come from the states of Washington and Colorado where mj recreational use is legal, has raised to a higher level than ever the national debate on mj legalization. For the US, a list of states where use is now legal illustrates how controversial the topic remains.
To begin what HamiltonFinanceServices (HFS) hopes can be a robust conversation, we offer our analysts’ first impressions on pros and cons of mj legalization. Our HFS list distils 1.5 hours of discussion among the seven members of our staff.
The advantages of legalized mj include quality control and tax base expansion by governments, destigmatization of mj smoking, reduced costs in the justice system, potential health benefits, and improved economic opportunities. The disadvantages include potential health risks, cascading effects of more intoxication (potentially increased number of auto crashes, etc.), potential to lead to other drug use or abuse, and an over-arching concern for moral issues associated with self intoxication. This list merely begins a larger examination, and each point might involve many aspects.
What insights and arguments do you have to share on legalization of marijuana in your region?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/29/from-dry-to-high-your-guide-to-state-pot-laws.html
http://swampland.time.com/2014/01/29/marijuana-legalization-holder-colorado-washington/
http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana-legalization-and-regulation
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/marijuana-legalization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis
http://www.livescience.com/24554-medical-marijuana.html
