MPP_Understanding+the+Problem

ISSUE:

__How serious is the problem?__ 

 * The National Anit-Marijuana Law has been in place since Aug 2, 1937, the law has failed to eliminate the sale and cultivation of marijuana. As the Government attempts to stop the largest cash crop industry in the U.S. today, we are loosing massive amounts of possible revenue ([|Cassaundre]). Especially in our time of economic need, America could benefit greatly from the possible money the legalization could create.


 *     The affects of the attempt to enforce this prohibiton hurt americans, creating 800,000 arrests per year, and also, increasing governemnt spending in the ranges of tens of billions of dollars (Cassaundre). This type of government spending burdens americas taxpayers, and our overall economic security.
 * Affected most by this attempted prohibtion are the taxpayers, non-violent drug offenders, and also, scientists who wish to study the medicinal possibilities marijuama may offer ([|Cassaundre])
 * If this problem is not solved, the modernd day prohibition ([|Cassaundre]) ended, then Americans will continue to get arrested in countless numbers annually, and billions of tax payers dollars will continue to be spent uselessly.

__What are the causes of the problem?__

 * This problem from many perspectives can be closely related to the alcohol prohibiton of the 20's and 30's ([|Cassaundre)]. Just like Alcohol prohibition influenced poverty and gangviolence, the Modern Day Prohibition of marijuana has the same affect.
 * Because of this problem, 40-50% of americans have broken the law by smoking marijuana. It appears they will continue to do so, and that the average 800,000 arrested annually will persist ([|Cassaundre)].
 * In our community, NK, where the laws on marjuana possesion have not been lessened any amount, there is a profound amount of young adults being charged with possesion of marijuana. This causes economic stress on famillies as well as emotional. Also, an arrest for possesion can destroy ones record.
 * In other communities, the illegalization of marijuana has lead to organized crime and gangs. One opinion is that having marijuana be an illegal substance, influences the spread of other types of much more harmful illegal substances. ie crack, heroin, lsd, etc
 * "Legalize it" proposed by Bob Marley, is the popular idea that marijuana should be legalized, for the free trade, consumption, and production of.
 * Who is working on the problem or is interested in it?
 * What debates are there about the problem – its causes, effects, and proposed solutions?