Author Archives: Topanga

Nathan, David. ” How to regulate pot when its legal”. CNN.com. CNN, 27 Aug. 2013. Web.  19 Jul. 2015

CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/27/opinion/nathan-pot-regulation/

David Nathan, a contributor for CNN, gives his insight into how marijuana should be regulated, once it is legal. In his article, “How to regulate pot when its legal”, is a call to wake up and smell that Cannabis legalization is here to stay, and regulation is the only answer.

According to Nathan, the majority of Americans are on board for marijuana legalization, not just medicinal uses, but for recreational use as well. Nathan argues that the U.S. must stop the criminalization of marijuana and discuss how it “should be properly regulated”. Nathan advocates that Marijuana use for adults is “relatively safe”, and needs to be treated as such. In this Nathan believes that its time for real marijuana progress to be made, and marijuana made right within the law.

Of course with his position, Nathan has procedures that he believes will help the regulatory process run smoothly. He first wants people to consider the goals of Marijuana regulation, which he perceives to be: “no weed for minors, preventing harm to the public and to users, and finally getting the maximum benefit economically”. Going forth with this train of thought, Nathan describes how the government should look toward states like Washington and Colorado for guidance on the path of marijuana legalization and regulation.

Nathan goes further and offers his own plan of action when it comes down to how marijuana should be regulated. He covers almost every argument that is against legalization, and flips it on its head with a suitable regulation. The argument of minors using marijuana is deflated when argues for a “limit in advertising, sales and public consumption of cannabis”. These tactics have been used by companies for years, and to cut them at their knees, helps the legalization process move forward, in that the public wouldn’t have to worry about children falling victim to the lure of marijuana. Another argument Nathan sees and gives solution to, is where does the government fit into the equation? According to Nathan, the government should be involved in every aspect of cannabis, ” the production, distribution, and sale”. With these guidelines, Nathan delivers an almost fool-proof regulatory plan, that isn’t extreme in any sense. He makes a way for everyone to get something they want; public gets their weed, government gets to supervise it.

I found this source helpful, because it had actual steps that states or the federal government could take to reign the legalization of marijuana in. Nathan had very good points that show the flexibility of the law, but the strength of it as well. Any of my classmates that want to explore the regulation side of marijuana, I urge them to read this article, and get acquainted with the could-be laws of marijuana use. Legalization is coming sooner than we think.

The topic of Marijuana and its legalization in my mind has not always been a controversial topic. There was once a time were Marijuana use was strongly frowned upon, but now it seems that good ‘ole reefer has fashioned its way into our mainstream culture. No more is it for “thugs” and “delinquents”, but  for Pop stars such as Miley Cyrus and Rihanna. The ”let the good times roll” mentality has rolled Marijuana into the legal atmosphere and here it is decidedly blowing in the wind.

The  mainstream adoption of Marijuana has really made the legalization movement lose traction in my opinion. Why would the breadbasket of America lend its ear to the positives of pot, when Hollywood starlets and public figures are out traipsing around with it? How is pot to be taken seriously when its recreational uses are constantly being highlighted. I for one was raised with the belief that although God did indeed create  Marijuana, it is not to be abused. Too much of anything becomes a bad thing right?

My mother was raised Southern Baptist, so subsequently she passed her conservative views onto me. She had one dialogue about drugs; “Don’t do them”.   That’s not to say she was a total prude about Marijuana, or that she couldn’t appreciate its multi-purposefulness, she just didn’t believe in its recreational use. Concerning the legalization of pot I have to side with my mother, in that it should only be allowed for medicinal purposes . Time after time I have heard fantastic stories about what Marijuana has done for Cancer patients and ill children alike. But America wouldn’t be America if not only the sick, but everyone else in between could use it. Should this miracle drug be up for grabs by just anyone? How is this fine line to be walked?

Another question that bogs my thoughts when talking about legal Mary Jane, is how will our own government seep its way into the sticky icky. How will the most formal and upright body of the world perhaps, navigate the murky waters of  pot? Who can use it? Who can’t? How is the trade and disbursement to be handled? Our government isn’t going to miss the opportunity to make money; Uncle Sam will eventually want his cut, of that I’m sure, but how do we get to the place of accepting Marijuana as a okay thing. The media has glamorized pot, but its still up to the Feds to make it right within the law. To be frank I believe that the stall in legalizing pot, is in the perception that the U.S. would be in the drug business. There are still people like me who want to hold onto the sanctity of the government, and not see it bow down the highest profit. Not all money is good money as my mother would say.

Though legal Marijuana is an iffy  subject, its a conversation that needs to be had. We cannot run from it forever. Even though I disagree with the glorification of Marijuana, that does not change its usefulness, nor will it change the governments decision to make pot okay for everyone someday. One thing that I do know is that regardless of  legalization, Marijuana is here to stay; so its time to face the smoke.