In this article it discusses the legalization of marijuana in the state of Alaska. This state is now the third state in the country to legalize this substance following Washington State and Colorado. In the beginning the history of marijuana is discussed, it talks about how the substance has grown to be accepted as a recreational and medical drug. Since the legislation was passed it now makes it legal for people 21 years or older to be in possession of it. But there are even more limits to this law such as driving while under the influence of marijuana and there is also a one ounce restriction on the amount of marijuana in a person’s possession. Although the law was passed that made it legal to use the substance it has not been cleared yet for people to open stores in the state the sell marijuana. One fact that is said in the article is that marijuana is still under federal law a crime. The article basically discusses the marijuana movement across the nation. Washington State was the first to legalize marijuana and has since been followed by Colorado and Alaska maybe in the near future several states will follow in their tracks.
This article seems to show how laws change with the years and how states are in a way independent from the country. It talks about the passing of legislation by election in states. Voters of a community gather to vote on issues that affect their region or state and usually the majority wins rule is applied to come to a decision or choice a winner. The legalization of marijuana such as other laws has restrictions and limits. This piece of legislation also seems to show part of the American free enterprise system and how businesses begin to flourish. The passing of this law has now created many businesses and jobs for people. Entrepreneurs have the freedom to set up shops and sell marijuana after it is cleared that they can and there is no doubt that this business will grow in the state like the others. Something that this article shows is how the states listen to the citizens opinion and make decisions based on them. With this situation although some people didn’t agree with the passing of this law the majority who voted did, which shows that voting is a great way to be heard by the government.
The legalization of marijuana seems to a growing trend especially in the United States with now three states making it legal to be use marijuana whether its for recreational use or medical use. This is such a large step for the country when a couple years ago marijuana was seen as a harmful and illegal drug substance. Although the laws of marijuana in each state comes with restrictions, I now believe that most people are starting to see marijuana as a substance such as alcohol. To me that should not be the case because people need to know that this substance is different and therefore should be categorized with alcohol. It has different effects than alcohol and affects people differently. A fact that stuck out to me was the one about how the use of marijuana is still a federal crime. The issue in my opinion should be dealt with on the federal level before state legislation is passed. I hope that people are well informed of the substances effects before they start using and purchasing it in stores.
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