Federalism and marijuana

Federalism and marijuana

Colorado and Washington state voted in a referendum to legalize marijuana.  Not just medical marijuana, recreational marijuana.  (Oregon defeated a similar measure.)  The problem is, the sale and possession of marijuana are still illegal according to federal law.  The states are trying to figure out what to do and how this would work.

What we have is a crisis of federalism.  Conservatives, who might normally oppose drug legalization, are in the position of championing states’ rights, while liberals, who might normally favor legalized drugs, are in the unusual position of opposing federal regulation.

At any rate, if the states can figure out how to implement that referendum, Colorado and Washington can expect all kinds of drug tourism.  That might not be a pleasant prospect.

 

See  Marijuana approval leaves states scrambling for answers – The Washington Post.

"If you do not see a category difference between tax policy encouraging and discouraging certain ..."

Conservatives in Favor of Socialism?
"DL, Surprise! Amaryllis mentions SI specifically in response to Veith's statement about NYC being (universally) ..."

Conservatives in Favor of Socialism?
"The government has long been involved with business. This involvement included taxation and regulation. These ..."

Conservatives in Favor of Socialism?
"I'm not clear exactly on why you mention Staten Island. I grew up on Staten ..."

Conservatives in Favor of Socialism?

Browse Our Archives

Follow Us!


TAKE THE
Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does the Parable of the Good Shepherd teach?

Select your answer to see how you score.