Pubdate: Sat, 05 Apr 2014
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2014 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Josh Clements, Sankofa Freedom Academy

MARIJUANA BILLS LIKELY TO GO UP IN SMOKE

One American debate that doesn't seem to fade away is the war on
drugs, and specifically the war on marijuana. Like those that came
previously, the millennial generation has a unique standpoint on the
topic.

"I wouldn't really care, because I don't use drugs," said Christian
Precise, 15. "But overall, it really doesn't seem to be much of a
problem. People know the risks. It's their body. They should be able
to do what they want with it."

The focus of drug prevention programs such as DARE has changed over
time. The program aimed to teach people of the millennial generation
of the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco with gruesome depictions
of cigarette smokers' lungs displayed in ads and billboards.

While this campaign was being waged, not much was being done to sound
the alarm of the dangers of marijuana.

Marijuana was regulated as a drug in the United States in the
mid-1930s. There have always been sort of parallel arguments for
legalization on one hand, and criminalization on the other.

In 2014, the sale and production of cannabis has become a thriving
industry. From growers to dispensaries and for those advocating the
use of the plant for medicinal purposes, marijuana has become a
recreational drug for many Americans.

Today, states such as New Jersey are rethinking the legalization of
marijuana. The state has a medical marijuana program in place and
there is proposed legislation that would legalize the drug.

The proposed bill coming out of Trenton is modeled after Colorado's
law, according to a report in the Huffington Post. Gov. Christie,
however, has said that he would veto any bill legalizing marijuana.

And where does the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stand in this
debate?

State Sens. Mike Folmer, a Republican, and Daylin Leach, a Democrat,
introduced a bill in January proposing the idea of legalizing medical
marijuana. The bill covered all patients with a debilitating medical
condition and gave the right to all medical professionals to prescribe
cannabis as a superior alternative.

"This isn't just sitting around smoking," said Folmer during a
Harrisburg news conference. The senators see their bill as more than a
plea for legalization, but a service to those who will suffer without
it.

Gov. Corbett did not empathize with the proposal and instead stood by
his statement declaring that he would veto any cannabis legalization
bills put before him.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D