The use of cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana or weed, is a contentious topic across the United States and in many parts of the world. Although a growing number of states in the U.S. have legalized recreational and/or medical marijuana, cannabis remains illegal in most countries.
Despite its increasing usage and acceptance, the question of why weed is illegal remains. In this blog post, we examine the history of cannabis prohibition, discuss the current legal landscape, and explore what the future holds for the regulation of marijuana.
We also look into the societal and economic factors that have contributed to weed’s continued illegality. By addressing these issues, we hope to shed light on the controversy surrounding marijuana and provide insight into why it is still considered a controlled substance by the federal government.
Also Read: How to Pass a Drug Test for Marijuana
What is Weed
Weed, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It has been used since antiquity for its medicinal and recreational effects. When consumed, it produces a euphoric high that is often accompanied by an increased appetite, relaxed muscles, and a feeling of wellbeing.
Weed can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures. Weed is known to have many potential therapeutic benefits, including pain management, antispasmodic effects, reducing inflammation and nausea, and improving sleep.
There is also evidence that weed may help reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD, although further research is needed in this area. Pot smokers usually use this dangerous drug, and some states have a marihuana tax act that is also beneficial for the community. Still, marijuana remains as illegal because of the controlled substances act.
Brief History of Weed
Weed, also known as cannabis or marijuana, has a long and complex history. Its roots trace back to ancient Asia, where it is believed to have been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for thousands of years.
During the Middle Ages, cannabis began to spread throughout Europe, eventually becoming a widely accepted form of medicine. Cannabis was introduced to North America in the early 1600s, and it quickly gained popularity with recreational users.
By the early 1900s, most North American states had outlawed cannabis, and possession of the drug became a criminal offense. In the 1960s, cannabis gained a resurgence of popularity with the counterculture movement.
Today, marijuana use marijuana legalization remains to be unclear if society will accept smoking pot or smoking marijuana.
When was Weed Legalized by the Federal Government
The legal status of marijuana has changed drastically in recent years. In the United States, the legalization of marijuana has been a long and arduous process.
The full legalization of recreational marijuana began first with the state of Colorado in 2014 when it passed the Amendment 64 ballot initiative, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana.
Since then, eleven other states plus the District of Columbia have followed suit, with states such as New Jersey, New York, and Virginia all legalizing recreational marijuana in 2021.
Medical marijuana has been legal in various states since the mid-1990s, with California being the first state to do so. It has since been legalized in 33 states plus the District of Columbia. There are many Mexicans and Mexican immigrants who tend to be profiled because of a history of marijuana drug users.
Was Weed Legal in the 70s
Marijuana, also known as weed, has had a long and complicated history. Although it was criminalized in the United States in 1937, the laws surrounding its use and legality have been changing ever since.
During the 1970s, marijuana use was becoming more and more popular, especially among young people. In some parts of the country, laws and attitudes around marijuana have become more relaxed, and in certain jurisdictions, it was even decriminalized and no longer considered a criminal offense.
Despite this, weed was still illegal in most parts of the United States, and those caught with it were subject to arrest and prosecution.
Why is Weed Illegal Federally
Weed has been illegal in the United States at the federal level since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
Despite the passage of various state laws that have legalized the recreational and/or medical use of marijuana, the drug remains illegal under federal law and is still classified as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use.
This means that it is illegal to possess, buy, sell, transport, or cultivate marijuana in any form across state lines or within federal jurisdiction. The federal government has not provided any clear reason for why marijuana is still illegal, but some suspect that the primary motivation behind the federal ban is rooted in racism.
Drug crimes, marijuana crimes, and narcotic drugs all linked to why marijuana is illegal. Of course, recreational marijuana for recreational use is legal as long as you provide proof for medical purposes.
Reasons for Weed’s Illegalization
The illegalization of cannabis, commonly known as weed, is an issue that has been debated for many decades. Despite the clear medical and recreational benefits, many governments remain hesitant to legalize it in their jurisdictions. This is due to the various reasons why weed was illegalized in the first place. Below are some reasons why the cannabis industry and cannabis products are not legal.
Racism and Xenophobia
Throughout the twentieth century, cannabis was demonized through campaigns to stigmatize the plant and its users. These campaigns often targeted immigrant communities and racialized individuals, creating a moral panic that resulted in the criminalization of cannabis. This was particularly true in the United States, where many of the regulations and laws criminalizing cannabis were based on outdated and racist stereotypes.
Political and Economic Interests
On a political level, some governments have criminalized cannabis in order to control and restrict its use. This is especially true in the United States, where it has been prohibited since the 1930s.
At the time, the federal government was concerned about the potential effects of cannabis use and was determined to prevent it from becoming a widespread problem.
Moral and Social Concerns on the Use of Dangerous Drug
The primary ethical concern is that the use of cannabis could be seen as condoning drug use and might lead to increased use of other illicit drugs.
Additionally, there is a perceived risk of increased social problems due to the potential for cannabis to lead to heightened risk-taking, especially among young people.
Marijuana is a a highly addictive drug that has many negative effects. So, if you want to smoke pot, think about the adverse effect on your body.
Also Read: Cannabis Business Licensing
Effects of Weed’s Illegalization
The illegalization of weed has caused a variety of negative effects on society, both economically and socially. Economically, the criminalization of cannabis has cost billions of dollars in enforcement costs and has resulted in a massive loss of potential tax revenue.
The illegal market also creates a lucrative opportunity for organized crime, which can increase violent crime and other criminal activities. Socially, the illegality of cannabis has resulted in disproportionately high imprisonment rates for people of color, and has resulted in a lack of access to medical marijuana for those with qualifying conditions.
Furthermore, the stigma attached to the drug has hindered further research into the potential therapeutic uses of the substance. Drug laws, marijuana laws, and drug policy will still keep an eye out for high-ranking substances for controlled use.
