Legalization of Marijuana issue

1. z
Legalization of
Marijuana
By Bobby Fitzgerald

2. z
The Issue at Hand
The topic of marijuana has become increasingly popular in the
United States, especially since 2012, when Colorado and
Washington became the first two states to legalize it recreationally.
While some states followed suit, others still think it should stay
illegal. Even in Washington D.C., where it is recreationally legal,
the government still keeps it set as a Schedule I drug.

3. z
Questions about the Legalization
 What process do states need to go through to legalize it, and
how long does it take?
 What are the benefits of medical use cannabis has in the United
States, and how many people are medically prescribed?
 How much more revenue do states with legal cannabis bring in?
 How does the recreational legalization of cannabis affect people
who must take drug tests for sports, work, etc.?
 What kind of affect does legal cannabis have on law
enforcement and arrests?

4. z
Available Research
 Many news websites whether they’re for individual states or
cover the nation as a whole
 Magazines or newspapers
 Various databases on the Rowan Online Campbell Library
 Websites relating to medical or recreational cannabis socially,
economically, judicially, or politically

5. z
Specific Sources
 https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/five-reasons-cops-
want-to-legalize-marijuana-20130627
 https://taxfoundation.org/marijuana-tax-legalization-federal-
revenue/

6. z
Potential Challenges
 Finding truly factual evidence regarding the legalization might be
tough, since many people might be biased in the articles they
write.
 Looking at all sides of an issue and determining which side has
more success or better reasons will be a challenge.
 Determining what demographics are for or against this topic will
be difficult because many people keep their recreational use
quiet, but are still supporting it during voting.

7. z
Why is this Relevant
 This is relevant due to the increasing number of states that are
legalizing marijuana, and the constant discussion of when it
might be taken off the list of Schedule I drugs.
 There is an increased number of overall citizens who are pro-
legalization than in years before, especially with increased
medical use and study.
 Due to the increased number of states legalizing cannabis, a
new market has erupted that is being treated similar to liquor
businesses where recreational or medical cannabis is legally
sold.