Where marijuana finds itself today in America’s (un)welcoming hands
A bull enters the ring. The spectators, now on their feet, shout out, some in cheer, others in disdain. With an “M” emblazoned on her side, the bull rushes forward to face her destiny.
For so long, the United Stadiums of America had a one-size-fits-all policy: Always kill the bull. That plan seemed to work just fine until the mid-90s, when the Stadium of California decided to go against the grain and invite dear “Mary” into their ring — to stay. But the fierce toro could only remain alive under the constraint of medical specialists, with the express purpose of advancing the health of stadium-goers.
More than a decade and a half later, 19 other stadiums have followed suit (along with the capital), and two have even dared to let this bull called marijuana graze in their stadium-turned-pasture, where any adult can legally enjoy “Mary” for any reason whatsoever.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of Americans aged 12 or older who regularly used marijuana rose from 5.8 to 7.3 percent from 2007 to 2012—a gradual, yet steady incline.
Perhaps in light of the drug’s increasing popularity, last month, Att. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. revealed a key change in the Obama administration’s policy on the drug.
Instead of keeping its focus on taking down large-scale medical marijuana dispensaries, the government has adopted a stance that evokes a parent chaperone more so than a night raider. Under the new guidelines, each state can proceed with its own unique approach on the drug—no longer bombarded by federal forces—so long as it complies with a rigid set of rules.
Thus, “Mary” might roam free in one stadium—penned in, of course—while she’ll assuredly meet the sharp sword of el matador in the next one over. Everyone’s happy, right?
The problem lies in dissonance.
Even as a chaperone-like supervisor, the Law of the Land still has an official position on “Mary’s” place in society: behind bars. It seems that marijuana aficionados currently have an allotted legal allowance, which gives them just enough federal leeway to prove (or disprove) the efficacy of their newfound freedom.
But what if “Mary” happens to stray to another stadium with a completely different verdict on her life? The crackdown on illegal substances begins on neighboring property. What if that state only allows “medicinal” use? Apparently, police officials will have to keep their eyes doubly peeled for interstate vacationers and universal offenders (like vendors to minors).
Even in trailblazing California, a few cities have banned medical marijuana dispensaries, despite the state law (which, in turn, functions despite federal preference).
The issue doesn’t have to do with enacting a cookie-cutter legislation that coerces every community to deal with “Mary” in the same way. It boils down to a more unified approach.
Currently, San Francisco Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D) is advocating a proposal that would impose uniformity on the state’s regulations on medical marijuana dispensaries.
Laws like that would at least put a few more people on the same page. The country—all states included, whether for or against notorious “Mary”—needs to put its foot down and clear up the rough legislative edges. Maybe narrowing the pens would do them good. After all, nobody wants to see a bull in a china shop.
Mark Miller is a senior journalism and Spanish double-major at Azusa Pacific University. Originally from Lancaster, Penn., Mark is currently serving as online editor at APU’s student newspaper, The Clause. He previously edited and wrote for Collide, APU’s magazine, and was a contributor to the Freestyle section of the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal. A musician and poet at heart, Mark loves to travel, learn other languages and meet new people.
bullfighting photo via shutterstock.com
