Marijuana Drug Abuse

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in America -marijuana is 'illegal' in the sense that it is a controlled substance under federal law, with no recognized legitimate value.” There were heavy consequences if found being in possession of marijuana or even storing it.Under federal law, possession by itself is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and up to $1,000 fine for a first offense. When possession is tied with sale or other criminal enterprises, federal penalties are much harsher and categorized as felonies.

As California opens the world’s largest legal marijuana market.Though the state has had a massive medical marijuana industry for more than 20 years it is just now that some states have started to legalize medical and recreational use. There are also a multitude or rules and regulation being implemented as well to control the cannabis industry. As of January 1 of this year anyone with a valid ID of 21 or older can go into a dispensary and purchase up to 1 ounce of weed but no more than that. You can also even get Cannabis deliver to your doorstep but you must input a valid state ID online as well as show your ID on arrival of the item. Not only did they tighten up the ID rules they also just recently implemented taxes on the seller, consumer and grower.

All cannabis sold legally in California from Jan. 1 will include a special 15% tax. And recreational cannabis will also be subject to state sales tax, which is around 8 percent. Local governments that allow businesses also can tack on their own taxes, which are expected to be around 5% to 10% . Growers are also being taxed $9.25/ounce of flowers and $2.75/dry leaf. Since cannabis has been taxed and regulated it has become much more of a controlled substance in which it is obtainable but not to the younger population. For now we don't expect to be seeing people smoke it in public as its only allowed on private property right now. Even still the tax on cannabis has been able to create a much more controlled market in society as it is no longer illegal to have as long as you are over 21.

Since the increase of vaping users in young teens since 2011 the F.D.A has done very little to stop this problem till now. Even Though the F.D.A are placing new limitations on vaping companies we should still be taxing and regulating vaping products, we have seen other products being taxed and in turn have decreased in sales. As well as having similar health risk as cigarettes it has become a new trend sweeping over the nations young adults.

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