WBA Debate Topic: Marijuana Legislation

President Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possessions” of marijuana under federal law. He says it is a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. What is your position on the federal legalization of marijuana?

• According to an American Civil Liberties Union review of marijuana arrest records from 2010 to 2018, Black and white people use marijuana at similar rates nationwide. But a Black person is more than 3 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than a white person.
• A recent Marquette Law School Poll shows A majority, 69%, favor legalization of marijuana, while 23% are opposed.
• Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act. That classification is defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” In addition, Drugs classified under this schedule go through much scrutiny before research related to medicinal purposes and be conducted.