Monday the state of Maryland’s House of Delegates approved a bill that would allow marijuana to be distributed through academic research centers for medical purposes. This makes Maryland the 18th state to do so in one form or another, though the federal government still stands behind its assertion that the drug has absolutely no medical benefit.
The bill still needs to get through the state Senate, and although it seems likely that it will pass, federal obstacles may stay its implementation for years to come.
At the core of this issue lies a conflict between state and federal jurisdiction. As more and more states legalize marijuana in some form, its accepted use becomes increasingly normalized, especially among younger generations. We have nearly arrived at the point where half of the country will be on board with a form of legalization, and at this point we have to ask ourselves whether the combined states’ rulings will act as a stimulus for the federal government to alter their own policy.
While perhaps not all moral questions of right and wrong should lie in the hands of the voters directly, at a certain point, the government should work with an accepted majority and acknowledge their power to sway the legal climate.
Perhaps the veracity of marijuana’s medical benefits remains shaky, but if anything, the federal government should be investing more time and money into researching such benefits rather than fighting states on policy — it all seems a little cart-before-the-horse.
Aside from the legal logistics, on a logical level, we spend a significant amount of money putting away criminals for involvement with marijuana when we could be allocating those resources for more serious criminal problems that impact society in a more negative or violent manner. It seems to be an issue driven more by political motive than logic or the nation’s well-being.
That being said, it always seems to take the law a few extra years to match the stride of public opinion, and it will undoubtedly be interesting to see how Maryland, as well as Massachusetts, with its own recently legalized medical marijuana policy, will juggle public consensus with differing federal legislation.
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I took heavy doses of Xanax for severe anxiety, my Dr. advised me to stop taking the Xanax as it is highly addictive. I started to smoke on a daily basis after I was home from work and it has helped immensely. I know too many people addicted to drugs prescribed by their doctors. It seems ridiculous to have this natural homeopathic medicine illegal when oxycodone is completely legal. I have never met a “Pot Head” have their lives ruined by smoking. Everyone knows someone or has had their life impacted by a pill junkie. Thanks FDA!