On Wednesday, Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montegomery/Delaware) wants Pennsylvania to join the growing number of states that are legalizing marijuana calling for the end of “modern day prohibition.” This could become a reality in Pa. if he can get cosponsors for the bill which could either be limited to medical purposes or recreational use. From Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, medical marijuana activists are trying to gain voter support.
The senator mentioned some interesting economical, health and social advantages on the Pennsylvania report. Financial benefits presented for the city arise through increased revenues and taxes and saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars persecuting crimes related to marijuana through the court system. Currently tobacco and alcohol are physically addictive substances that are legal while marijuana is not physically addictive. The mood effects of alcohol have led to aggressive violent behavior which are opposite of marijuana. The use age and driving restrictions would be similar to alcohol.
Pros
Not more harmful that alcohol or tobacco
Maintains personal freedom
Medical benefits for chemotherapy and glaucoma
Reduction in crime and drug disputes
Tax revenues
Cons
Stoned driving would be increased
Gateway drug
Physical damage is done when abuse occurs
Second hand smoke increases
Increased chance of availability to children
Legalized states
Currently, 18 states and D.C. have legalized medical marijuana including Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Del., Hawaii, Maine, Mass., Mich., Mont., Nev., N.J., N. Mex., Oreg., R.I., Vt. and Wash. Recreational use of marijuana is legal in Colo. and Wash. In Colo., commercial marijuana stores will not open until 2014. In Wash., the state liquor board still needs to set up a licensing system that is expected to occur in Dec. Although the forecasted economic effects look promising, the measurement will not be immediately available.
Comments