by Charles Ray

Created on: March 01, 2009

Has prohibition of marijuana worked?

It is not necessary to be in favor of legalization of marijuana to accept the fact that federal and local laws criminalizing its possession and use have been a failure. In fact, by objective standards, the entire 'war' on drugs has been a failure - or if you must use the war metaphor, has been lost.

Criminalization of marijuana began in the 1920s and 1930s with the movement in America to legally stop people from becoming intoxicated - with drugs and alcohol. Prohibition, a puritanical effort to control behavior that supporters of the bans found offensive, failed, and did more harm than good. Efforts to ban liquor, not only did not succeed in doing that, but contributed directly to the rise of organized criminal networks like the mafia in the United States.

Until the first federal anti-marijuana law was passed in 1937, marijuana was legally cultivated and used, but only by a few people in this country. It was an element in some religious rituals of groups, particularly in the southwest. One has to wonder, with over 70 million users today, if banning it did not contribute to its popularity.

Studies on the harmful effects of marijuana suffer from the bias of the individual or group conducting the study. Pro-marijuana groups like NORML downplay any harmful effects, while those in favor of prohibition ignore any benefits. The facts that do not seem to be in doubt are that marijuana does offer some relief from pain for people suffering from debilitating diseases. From my own observations of acquaintances who use the substance, it also appears to affect short term memory.

So, like any chemical, it has its good side and its bad side. Whether or not it should be the subject of criminal prosecution is something that has never been objectively or dispassionately studied. The issue gets caught up in the heat of passions of the pro- and anti- sides and generates so much smoke, a clear view might never be developed.

What is not in doubt, however, is that federal and local efforts to end its use have not worked. These efforts have, indeed, likely caused more harm than the drug itself. Because of the socio-economic impacts of drug enforcement, low-income and minority individuals tend to be more seriously affected, exacerbating their problems. Young people whose only offense has been the possession of a few 'joints,' have had their lives and futures ruined by zealous police and prosecutors who find convictions for marijuana easier than the pursuit of the distributors of drugs like heroin and cocaine.

For the record, I oppose use of any substance that distorts perception or affects self-control. I oppose it for myself personally, and in a work environment, I oppose it for anyone with whom I have to work or upon whom I must depend. In a private setting, and where there is no harm to anyone else, I view marijuana use like I view the use of tobacco or alcohol; a matter of personal preference that should not be a subject of government concern.

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