The Issue of Legalizing Marijuana

In the United States, legalizing marijuana has been a majorly debated issue, both on the political and social levels. Marijuana has been a considered an illicit drug since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, though attempts to legalize marijuana have essentially started since it was considered an illegal drug.

However, attempts to legalize marijuana in the United States have at least made some forward progress. There currently fourteen states that have decriminalize the use of the drug for use. Even though each state will have various restrictions in regards to how and for what purpose it is used, it can be said that legalizing marijuana may truly be a possibility in the near future.

The process for legalizing marijuana in the United States has taken various path, though it can be argued that the states have made the initial progress in the procedure. Generally speaking, the states have passed their own legislation regarding the use, possession, and transfer of marijuana. However, there have also been certain steps made at the federal level as well.

Ultimately, even though states may have decriminalized marijuana, the federal government will ultimately h ave the final say in the overall process in legalizing marijuana nationwide. In 2008, the first steps to legalize marijuana at the federal level was introduced with the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008. The bill would again be introduced in 2009.