Most states that have legalized marijuana use it for recreational and medicinal value. In the US, 24 states and DC have legalized marijuana. On March 21, 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Colorado’s marijuana law (Nelson, 2016). The States of Nebraska and Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against Colorado’s use of marijuana for recreational and medicinal use. The three states argued intensively with regards to the benefits and effects of Colorado’s marijuana law. The state of Colorado argues that it has legalized the use of marijuana because it provides a recreational and medicinal advantage (Nelson, 2016). As a medicinal substance, marijuana plays a role in stimulating appetite and relieving nausea in cancer and AIDS patients. Similarly, the drug is not addictive hence; it does not result in side effects. Moreover, the recreational benefit of legalizing marijuana is that it boosts the economy of Colorado State by increasing revenue. On the other hand, Nebraska and Oklahoma argued that since Colorado opened its recreational marijuana stores in 2014, crime activities have increased across the border (Nelson, 2016). Colorado has done nothing to prevent the flow of marijuana to Nebraska and Oklahoma resulting in violence, drug trafficking, and use among children and this violates the federal law. According to the Supreme Court’s statement about the case, Nebraska and Oklahoma used a rare procedure to address their issue. They based their argument on the Colorado’s law that was at odd with the federal law instead of challenging the decriminalization of marijuana possession and use. Therefore, if marijuana does more good than harm, then it should be legalized.

Reference

Nelson, S. (2016, March 21). Supreme Court kills anti-pot legalization lawsuit. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/supreme-court-kills-anti-pot-legalization-lawsuit

 
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