Colorado Marijuana Legalization Essay Example

Marijuana in the United States has been a big issue for decades dating back to when it was first made illegal in 1937. Using scare tactics, propaganda, and false facts, the government decided to classify the plant as a schedule one drug along with substances such as ecstasy, LSD, and heroin. Marijuana has since become a more common and socially acceptable (Not by the government) drug in recent years. This past year Colorado, Washington, and Oregon had decided to vote on the issue of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Focusing on Colorado, Amendment 64 passed on November 6th, 2012 which would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of the plant. Amendment 64 was passed in Colorado with the winning vote of about 55% of the Colorado population. They chose to make marijuana legal for those 21 and over in Colorado such as alcohol is everywhere else. It was deemed legal but people may only grow up to six plants, no more than three flowering, and carry up to one ounce (28 grams). The laws are not completely refined on the matter but it is to be regulated very similar to alcohol with driving under the influence being illegal and sale to a minor also illegal.
Colorado governor, John Hickenlooper, signed the amendment into law and created a task force that meets in order to create regulations that will take effect by July 1st, 2013. The task force was created such that, “All stakeholders share an interest in creating efficient and effective regulations that provide for the responsible development of the new marijuana laws”. With officials from groups that represent the consumer, producer, and law enforcement, and others, the task force really covers all those who will be affected by the new law. The only problem was to find an equal ground on which all groups can agree on and implement into law. On March 13th, the task force officially released their recommendations for implementation of the new law. It is filled with multiple options on all aspects of the