So there's a raging war between proponents of decriminalization and staunch supporters of prohibition. Where does this lead?
We're confronted in this controversy with two sides that won't take no for an answer. Those in favor of marijuana legalization will not put down their fight until marijuana is legalized, and those in favor of the current legislation won't be content until the movement to legalize marijuana has ended. Which of these is right? Which of these sides offers the best future for America? Let's take a closer look:
Hypothetical Scenario #1:
The supreme court overturns the legislation passed in 1970 and lawmakers pass legislation to legalize the cultivation and possession of marijuana. Doctors gain the ability to prescribe marijuana to sick patients, and the penalty for recreational use is reduced to a minor fine. While the supporters of marijuana legalization are ecstatic with the new change in legislation, those who lost the battle are hurt and angry. They still believe that marijuana use is wrong and degrades the moral fabric of our society. These people devote millions of dollars and countless hours to producing research results that provide conclusive evidence that marijuana is in fact causing our society to gradually slip into economic depression and world humiliation. With this new evidence, they sway public opinion and the congress to once again outlaw marijuana, finally giving them the triumph they feel they deserve and were denied years earlier. When those in favor of marijuana finally are beaten, they too begin to look for ways to one-up their opponent an regain power. This cycle of power continues to ensue, always leaving one party slighted and looking to retaliate for the loss they suffered.
Hypothetical Scenario #2:
The current laws stay in place, keeping those against the legalization of marijuana on top of this controversy. However, it also keeps a sense of animosity between those in favor and those against the current laws. Both groups feel that their cause is right, and should prevail, but those in favor of decriminalization just can't seem to get the support needed to pass the necessary legislation. As time goes on, the pro-legalization support retains an animosity that accompanies any group of people that feel they are being oppressed (as was demonstrated by African-Americans during the civil rights movement and appropriately adressed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.). The tension between the groups continues, leaving many people frustrated and angry with the situation.
Now which situation would be better for America in terms of marijuana laws? From reading the above scenarios, the horizon of events in the marijuana controversy should seem fairly bleak. Based on the current approaches taken by each side, there will inevitbaly be a winner and a loser in this conflict. This creates a 'negative peace'; neither side will wholely win, because there will always be a group that opposes the current leaders and will struggle to wrest power from them.
>>Continue to Implications