[Reflection 03: If and When—The Legalization of Marijuana]

In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states in the Union to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. In landmark votes, the peoples of those states not only overturned a decades-long prohibition on Cannabis, they also set the stage for a "states' rights" battle with the Federal government. Additionally, they joined nearly two dozen states with legalized medicinal marijuana mechanisms already in place. Indeed, the mainstreaming of marijuana in American culture has surprised both advocates and opponents of legalization. And while legalization on a national level is far from a sure thing, we are closer to it than at any other point in our history. But what are the implications of legalized marijuana? What does American life look like when pot is made legal?  What would we gain and what would we lose as a society? And what lessons should we learn from alcohol and tobacco? How would legalization affect you?

Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

• "Nine Things to Know Before Smoking Pot in Colorado" (USA Today)
• "Commentary: Marijuana Legalization—It's Time, Congress" (Roll Call)
• "Legally Blind: Why I'm Against Legalizing Marijuana" (Huffington Post)
• "Marijuana Laws are Crippling America, but Millennials Will Lead the Revolution" (PolicyMic) 
• "Marijuana May Hurt the Developing Teen Brain" (NPR)
• "Pivotal Point is Seen as More States Consider Legalizing Marijuana" (New York Times)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Works cited 
• Two full pages in length

Due: Th 03.13