Marijuana in America
Many Americans support legalization and many states already permit medical use. An end to prohibition would generate billions in tax revenue and relieve the criminal justice system. But is it the right thing to do?
Marijuana & Money
The Business
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The legalization of medical marijuana in several states has paved the way for a budding edible medical marijuana industry. Small businesses in states such as Colorado and California are making treats such as candy, cookies or soda.
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Pill vs. cigarette. They both have pros and cons as consumer products. But if there is a battle to bring recreational cannabis to market, most believe tobacco companies would have the upper hand over drug companies.
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If pot becomes legal, local, artisanal growers—perhaps along with farmers' collectives—are likely to dominate in the early stage, as big firms ramp up to enter the market years later. Think Starbuds vs. Maxwell House.
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Medical marijuana dispensary owner Sierra Neblina knows about a pain. She's had more than enough of her own. Now the former soldier and contractor is trying to ease the pain of others along with her own.
The Law
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Labs like Full Spectrum and Steep Hill are springing up to serve the medical marijuana dispensaries and patients in states like Colorado and California to test the strength and purity of the drug.
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The case against licensed marijuana grower Chris Bartkowicz in Colorado epitomizes many of the contradictions and much of the confusion surrounding the enforcement of marijuana laws these days.
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The pro-pot lobby is basically like any other: PACs and big-name contributors, and meetings at The Capitol, even the White House. It's the new Norml, so to speak. And the new message? It's the economy, dude.
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Portugal and Spain provide as good as an example as The Netherlands. In both countries, the drug is illegal, but you'd never know it based on some quirky technicalities. The general trend is about prevention, not punishment.
The Consumer
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Prices have been dropping nationwide over the past three to four years, with medical marijuana states like Oregon and Montana home to the lowest prices.
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Is marijuana a harmless giggle, as John Lennon once called it, or a dangerous and illicit addiction? The debate has once again been pushed to the forefront, thanks to a couple of timely factors.
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Taking a pocketbook approach to marijuana consumption, black-market prices make the weed more expense than alcohol and tobacco, but legalization could change that.
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Some places have significantly decriminalized marijuana or have turned a blind eye to personal use, encouraging travelers from around the globe to visit.
Commentary
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My feelings concerning the use of marijuana as a recreational drug have gone back and forth over the years. We should examine the question of legalization with a new national commission.
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Veteran anti-drug activist and Drug Free kids founder, Joyce Nalepka talks about her four-decade battle with the drug industry in and out of court and her work with Nancy Reagan.
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Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana
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Various constituencies within the American Bar Association have discussed following the lead of one county bar association in Washington state, whose position is states should have authority over marijuana law.
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Unlike performance-enhancing drugs, marijuana really doesn't have any benefits. By many accounts, it inhibits performance, impairs memory, hurts coordination and could affect the heart rate.
Featured Video
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An in-depth look at medical marijuana dispensaries in Southern California, including operators, users, and critics, with CNBC's Jane Wells.
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Video
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A marijuana superstore in Oakland, California, sells everything you need to grow pot at home, with NBC Bay Area's Jodi Hernandez.
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An in-depth look at medical marijuana dispensaries in Southern California, including operators, users, and critics, with CNBC's Jane Wells.
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An Oakland, California, lab tests medical marijuana for contaminants such as mold and pesticides, with NBC Bay Area's Jodi Hernandez.