Recreational Marijuana on the Ballot

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/07/health/marijuana-legalize-ballot/index.html

Despite being shoved under the rug, 5 states will be voting this Tuesday about whether or not Marijuana should be legal for recreational use. California, Massachusetts, Maine, Arizona and Nevada. Currently it is legal in four states, as well in the District of Columbia (Washington D.C). Each of the states would possess its own laws and regulations in respect to possession amount and the excise tax on the good, seeing how the law would be left to the states. Currently, Marijuana is still illegal as a federal law.

The issue of marijuana can be seen as two-sided. On one side, consenting adults should have the freedom to intake whatever they choose to, as long as it does not impede on other pursuit of happiness. In addition, legalization of marijuana may help with efficiency in the economy. According to the CNN report, it created over 18,000 jobs as well as added $2.39 billion to the economy. With less money needing to go towards enforcing the law, our economy can use our money more efficiently. However there are concerns about legalization in respect to recreation. Those who advocate for a more paternalistic government may find the legalization to be too much risk for a society that needs to look out for its citizens. If an individual is in favor of a larger government, they may find the legalization reckless. Thus, it depends on the individual. In my opinion, it is not the government's responsibility to enforce morality onto its citizens. Individuals have rights to do as they please as long as they do not harm others.