Does the US Have a Marijuana Problem?

Outlets across the political spectrum have weighed in on whether marijuana is a problem in America and how to deal with it.

Wrong Predictions: The New York Times Editorial Board (Left bias) has "long supported marijuana legalization." The board has argued for repealing the federal marijuana ban, comparing it to alcohol prohibition. Many articles written have cited supporters of legalization predicting that it would "bring few downsides." Last Monday, however, the editorial board conceded that "many of these predictions were wrong." The article highlighted surveys showing that roughly 18 million people have used marijuana almost daily over recent years, saying "More Americans now use marijuana daily than alcohol." The article also explained that addiction and other problems have been a result of wider use, saying nearly 2.8 million people suffer yearly from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition causing severe vomiting and stomach pain. Marijuana-linked paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders have also landed more people in hospitals. At the same time, bystanders have been hurt "by people driving under the influence of pot." The board proposed that the solution is not to prohibit it, citing the costs of the "war on marijuana." Rather, the Times proposed a more regulatory approach, starting with a federal tax on pot, and increased state taxes that would "deter excessive use."  A second step, according to the board, should be regulating how much of the primary psychoactive compound, THC, is permitted, and increasing taxes on the more potent products, "much like liquor is taxed more heavily than wine and beer." Thirdly, action should be taken on medical marijuana, and the "outlandish [medical] claims" made by dispensaries.

Bait and Switch: Jim Geraghty (Lean Right), writing for National Review Opinion (Right) said that "We, the American public," were informed that "mere decriminalization of marijuana, or use in medical prescriptions, was not enough." The American public was told that "legalization and the development of a commercial weed industry would solve states' budget problems, create jobs, and have no serious harmful effect on children and teens," being "assured that producers, marketers, sellers, and adult users would be responsible, know their limits, and recognize the likely consequences of their actions." The American public, according to Geraghty, has "been on the receiving end of a bait and switch," and "American public life would be better if more leaders of institutions could come out and say, 'Hey, I got that decision wrong,' adding that "The editors of the New York Times did that Monday."

Undermining Legalization: Jacob Sallum, writing opinion for Reason (Center), asserted that the transition between black market marijuana sales and legal sales will not be made any easier by the combination of higher state taxes and a new federal tax. Sullum explained that "the heavy pot taxes favored by the New York Times would undermine legalization" by "compound[ing] the disadvantages that state-licensed suppliers face in competing with the black market." The article noted that the Times "glid[ed] over the point that Congress cannot impose an excise tax on marijuana products unless it is prepared to legalize them," explaining that President Donald Trump did not legalize but rather reclassified the drug from Schedule I to Schedule III.      

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