What portion of Americans support legalizing marijuana?
Current Event Friday
Critical Analysis
According to the data from the chart, what portion of Americans currently support the legalization of marijuana?
Describe one trend in the chart regarding support for the legalization of marijuana.
What is the best explanation for that trend?
As you know, The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 is the federal U.S. drug policy under which the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain drugs (including marijuana) is regulated. What Article I power gives congress the constitutional right to pass this law?
As everyone on earth knows, the CSA was signed into law by President Richard Nixon (crook) on October 27, 1970. The addition, deletion or change of controlled substance schedule of a medicine or other chemical may be requested by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or from any other party via petition to the DEA. The DEA implements the CSA and may prosecute violators of these laws at both the domestic and international level. Describe how drug policy is an example of checks and balances.
This week, 57% of voters in Ohio, a Republican leaning state, supported legalizing the use of recreational marijuana for those age 21 and above. As you know, marijuana is now legal, in one way or another, in 39 states. At the same time, according to the CSA marijuana is illegal in the United States. Explain how both these things can be true and how that relates to federalism.
Based on your knowledge of American politics, especially focusing on the legislative process, explain how something supported by over 2/3 of all Americans is illegal.
Current Attorney General Merrick Garland is in charge of enforcing the nation’s laws, including the 1970 federal law outlawing marijuana. Imagine that A.G. Garland was opposed to this anti-drug law. What could the Attorney General do to avoid enforcing the law?
How much do you think political party affiliation impacts opinions on the legalization of drugs and are you surprised that 55% of all Republicans are for legalized marijuana?*
As you may have heard, President Biden is taking executive action to pardon people convicted for simple marijuana possession under federal law or D.C. statute — and will review whether pot should still be classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This will only apply to federal prisoners. Listen to the 3 minute NPR story below and make a claim about whether you agree with Biden’s decision.
Learning Extension
Watch the documentary below about federal enforcement of marijuana laws in states where marijuana is "legal" then complete the federalism and marijuana worksheet below.
Action Extension
Check out this interactive map of the legality of marijuana in the 50 states. (pro tip: marijuana is illegal according to federal law), then contact your state legislators and tell them what you think about your state drug laws.
