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Legalizing marijuana: great idea or come up? You’re probably wondering why these two phrases are even in the same sentence. Allow me to explain.
Side A.) Great Idea.
You’ve got your average critic or government official who would roll with the more “traditional” response undoubtedly going against the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey as well as in other parts of the country. This isn’t hard to believe if you look at the number of drug-related incidents that have occurred in the United States—not to mention the negativity surrounding marijuana; and I’m pretty sure the term “drug abuse” would immediately come to mind. However as of right now, especially in the state of New Jersey, a small change seems to be occurring: government officials are speaking differently, arguing that the legalization of marijuana may not be such a bad idea. I mean it is for medical purposes only, right? How bad could it be? Democratic Governor Jon Corzine, and his successor, Governor-elect Chris Christie are among some of those big names supporting the passage of the bill. Corzine says that if the bill reaches him before the end of his term in January, he would sign it. Christie agreed, though mentioning he would like to see more restrictions. One other huge topic of concern is the distribution of this drug to those who “qualify”. Under the legislation, health departments would be licensed to “medical marijuana health centers”, enabling these departments to deliver the drug to those in participation. It has also been proven that license growing centers have worked in the States that have already legalized marijuana. Honestly, to me, the whole “obtaining a license” thing doesn’t sound half bad but….just like someone’s Driver’s License could be fake couldn’t a Marijuana License be fake as well?
That’s where the fun begins.
Side B.) Come up.
Imagine your ordinary, middle-class citizen out there that devotes their life to stumbling across schemes, scams, as well as any other prize that would give them an upper hand. I mean those people who hug the block daily, to the ones who are hungry and constantly on the prowl. For some this is everyday life. Therefore, wouldn’t something like this be considered a “Come Up”? This could be seen as a way out or, even an opportunity if you want to go that far. With that said, it is clear why critics and government officials continue to fight the passage of the bill.
In a way, it’s safe to say that those people have a very good reason not to want to have marijuana legalized, even though there’s always that extra “those who qualify” part of it all. So now you’re forced to think even deeper, if New Jersey, or any other state in the country for that matter, legalized marijuana, who would benefit? Would this just make it more difficult for the law to crack down on those who choose to use the drug illegally? Or would it just make life a lot easier for those that actually need it medically and see it as a solution to their problem?
The way I see it, both of these “situations” would occur and begin to unfold with the legalizing of marijuana. The “drug game”, as we know it, would lose some, if not all of its security being that SOME people actually will have licenses or permits allowing them to have marijuana with them, and maybe even grow some of their own at any given time. Either way you choose to look at this whole issue, it is allowing marijuana to be put onto the streets and in the hands of those who may not have had access to it before; this all spells Opportunity, right? Because food stamps are never ONLY used by the person whose name is actually on the card, the government recognizes the risk associated with this decision. At the end of the day, if this bill is passed in New Jersey it will be one of those ‘draft pick’ choices; it either works or it doesn’t, it could be for the best, but also for the worst.
There’s one last way that I personally choose to look at this. Isn’t it a nationally-known fact that the one’s we admire most, preferably celebrities, are many times involved with marijuana and often show love for it, like it’s just another member of the family—high praise, shall I say? For example, Lil Wayne is a favorite all across the world and it is pretty safe to say that he uses the drug and loves it very much. Result? Grammy. He also has a shelf full of awards from just about every show imaginable, which is definitely a thumbs up for all the stoners out there. Another one of these adored celebrities is Jamie Foxx, who just so happens to have one Oscar under his belt. It’s safe to argue the fact that he may just be the most talented person on this earth; whether it’s a chart-topper, blockbuster, or having you crying and on the edge of your seat from laughing, Foxx has mastered all of his many professions, while being somewhat open about his use of marijuana during interviews and other times involving him being in front of the camera, and not being too shy about it either.
So while Mary Jane is clearly not for everybody, is it really that terrible of an idea? Think about it.
by Rose
