What is the government’s role in protecting citizens from substances that may be harmful? Foods like caffeine, high fructose corn syrup and transfats have come under fire by various groups who claim they are not safe and want them taxed or access to them limited. Alcohol and tobacco are regulated and taxed with age limits imposed and laws against drinking and driving enforced.
Marijuana has been one of those substances that is seen as unsafe by the Food & Drug Administration, and use has been illegal. While there has long been a vocal and active “legalize pot” movement, they weren’t making much progress, until several states legalized marijuana use within their borders after the 2012 elections. Federal laws supersede state laws, so it is unclear if marijuana users in those states will face federal penalties.
Groups like Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an organization that opposes marijuana legalization, doesn’t advocate locking people up for casual marijuana use, but they do want to send a clear message that marijuana use is a bad choice. Headed by former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy and including members such as Kevin Sabet, a veteran of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Obama, the new group rejects the "war on drugs" model. They focus on informing the public of the following dangers of marijuana use:
· Marijuana use damages brain development in young people, whose brains are still developing until age 25
· Ongoing marijuana use becomes socially isolating
· Heavy marijuana users perform worse in school and at work
· Marijuana smoke harms the user’s lungs
· Marijuana use can trigger psychotic symptoms that otherwise would have remained latent
One of the biggest deterrents to marijuana use in the past has been its illegal status. Now officials fear that more people will begin to experiment with pot and assume that “legal” equals “safe.” Celebrities who have been arrested for marijuana possession often joke about it, as if it is not a “real” crime. This attitude in Hollywood has only increased the perception that everyone is smoking pot.
