Federal law states that under the Controlled Substances Act passed in 1970, marijuana is a schedule I controlled substance. This would imply that marijuana is more dangerous than cocaine and opiates. This classification has not changed since 1970, but there has been a ton of research on marijuana in the past 46 years. Not only has the plant been researched, but it has been legalized in four states for adults age 21 and older. This conflict between federal and state governments is just the evidence of the necessity to readdress old laws often, especially in the wake of research. States should be in charge of making marijuana laws within their borders. The understanding local governments have for their community, and the knowledge of how to best use local taxes put states as the right authority to govern marijuana legislation. The land of Lincoln is a great poster child for this historic political topic.
States and localities should be in charge of marijuana legislation. The local government, if functioning properly, should make proper local legislation in regards to marijuana. Similar to how some counties in states prohibit the sale of alcohol on certain days or all together, certain areas can choose to make marijuana legal or illegal. For example, Sedgwick County in Colorado prohibits all forms of marijuana businesses (Fuego). Granted, this could lead to conflict when cities within the county allow marijuana businesses, but this conflict could lead to new legislation within the county. If the majority of people in the county end up thinking that the county should change their ruling, they can organize and participate actively and constructively. The people could contact officials within their government to advocate their political standpoint. Doing campaign work for someone running for a local official that shares their desire to change the ruling is another form of action. If push comes to shove the supporters of marijuana could always move to somewhere it is legal, but this is a destructive form of participation. The political system functions much better if the citizens within it engage in constructive responses.
A properly functioning state government also knows what to do with their local taxes in order to fund their local districts and pay debts. Last fiscal year Colorado collected more tax dollars from marijuana than from alcohol. Marijuana sales generated $70 million in taxes while alcohol taxes brought in $42 million (Basu). This extremely exemplifies why state government should handle marijuana laws. If the people in the area are more likely to buy marijuana and alcohol, that means that a new business has come into play against alcohol. A new thriving business industry filled with new jobs that have not been available. And it makes much more money for the state. While the amount of taxes collected differs depending on the source you check, there is a question at the end of all of it. What is Colorado doing with all this tax money? A majority of it will go to the state’s general fund, but a portion of it will go towards something everyone can agree needs more money. Schools (Hughes). This shows that there can be a clear answer to funding issues. It seems funding public education and other government programs has become harder and harder to find the funds for. But with a new industry that generates a large amount of tax income, the state can pay off debts and put the citizens tax dollars to good work.
Illinois is quite the state. More than 12 million people were living in Illinois in 2014 (US Census Bureau). At the time of this writing Illinois debt is more than $147 billion (State of Illinois Debt Clock) But what does Illinois have to do with marijuana legislation? Quite a bit actually. House bill 4276 calls for legalization and taxation of cannabis (Dunkin). If this bill gets through the House and the Senate, and ends up on Rauner's desk, he could be the decider on whether or not Illinois goes pro-pot. One can only hope that Rauner will see this as an opportunity to turn the state around from immense debt and political distrust to one of compromise and proper political representation. Of course his party might not like it too much, but if it works out for him, and the state is able to pay off debts, he gets to have the legacy of fixing the state. Being known for creating a plethora of jobs and possible millions of new income is a great way to get your foot in politics.
A proper local government understands how to make legislation within their area, and knows how goods and services within their state should be taxed. Now we need to hope that the Illinois Senate and House pass this bill that would make Illinois the first state to legalize marijuana through the legislature instead of through popular vote. Maybe Rauner will realize that this is the way he will be able to fix the state and leave a better reputation for Illinois Governors. In conclusion, leave it to the states. Let the communities decide what the best process is for them, and remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act.
Works Cited
Basu, Tanya. "Colorado Raised More Tax Revenue From Marijuana Than Alcohol." Time. Time, 16 Sept. 2015. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.
Dunkin, Kenneth. United States. Rules Committee. Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB4276. 99 Cong., 1st sess. Cong. Bill. Illinois General Assembly, 25 Sept. 2015. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.
Fuego, Herbert. "Marijuana: Here's What You Can Buy Where in Colorado Today." Westword. Westword, 15 Sept. 2015. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.
Hughes, Trevor. "Colo. Pot Users Helping Build Schools with Tax Dollars." USA Today. Gannett, 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.
"State of Illinois Debt Clock." State of Illinois Debt Clock. Usdebtclock.org, n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.
United States of America. US Census Bureau. Illinois QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau. N.p., 1 Dec. 2015. Web. 4 Feb. 2016.
-Dylan Donohue
