American Federalism

American Federalism

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American Federalism

            Marijuana legalization policy has undertaken several changes over the years. The federal government of the United States had limited marijuana use from the period of 1937. In the proposition 215 dispensation, California voters had passed the legalization of medical marijuana. The policy then came into effect with notable changes on its jurisdiction according to different states in the year 2012. The policy states on the given conditions for its use, subsistence, tests, supervision and subsequent taxation as means of increasing the revenues attributed from its legalization. Thus, several states have increased in the embrace of the changes towards the policy s the years pass by.

            States’ rights are ascertained by the providence of independence according to sovereignty of the union through federalism. After the progression of federalism, the shift of power was realized into the national government (Bellia, 2011). On the policy of marijuana legalization, the issuance of jurisdiction has eroded the progress of federalism. The latter is distinguished by focus on the centralized dimensions of attributing power and control of all measures within the union. By each state facilitating its own decision-making powers the subject of marijuana, it weakens the national government’s stand.

            The policy on marijuana legalization should be regulated at the state level. All the different states have their own mandate to serve the interest of the people according to their concerns and rights. By deciding on the jurisdiction towards the growth, usage, testing, and subsequent legalization, the state focuses on enhanced measures to avoid abuse and malpractice. According to Caulkins, Hawken, Kilmer, and Kleiman (2012), all the proceeds obtained from taxation and securities can then be directed in effective law enforcement of any kind, while providing for other necessary developmental aspects. The national government should act as an overall oversight.

References:

Bellia, A. J. (2011). Federalism. New York: Aspen Publishers.

Caulkins, J. P., Hawken, A., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2012). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford: New York. Oxford University Press.