Justice Department moves forward with easing federal restrictions on marijuana
CBSMAY 2024
The Spin
Left narrative
Marijuana ought to be legalized, even for recreational use. Its legalization could reduce disproportionate penalties and contamination risks. Such a move would also undercut drug cartels and the illegal market, although aggressive regulation and enforcement must be put in place alongside any change in legal status.
Right narrative
Marijuana legalization has already been a policy failure, with limited impact on reducing incarceration and no evidence of reducing racially discriminatory policing. The rise in non-casual users, with around 16M Americans suffering from marijuana use disorder, highlights the potential for personal degradation.