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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D