Decriminalization of Marijuana

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/california-marijuana-decriminalization-_n_2205997.html

The above article reviews the details of a study conducted on the effects of the decriminalzation of marijuana on juvenile justice offenders in California. Here is a link to the actual study. http://www.cjcj.org/news/5996?utm_source=%2ffiles%2fCA_Youth_Crime_2011.pdf&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=redirect

Per this study, the violent crime rates have dropped due to a lesser penalty for small amounts of marijuana. Controversy has arrised for the state not putting an age limit on this crime. In other states such as Colorado where marijuana has been legalized there has been an age limit of 21, similar to alcohol laws. This article discusses the controversy over age in more detail and zero tolerant schools. http://www.cjcj.org/news/6995

The statistical results speak for themselves. But what effect will the decriminalization of marijuana, or in cases such as Colorado, the legalization of the drug actually have on youth in the school system, and the juvenile justice system?

According to the study the effects on juvenile justice are showing positive outcomes, at least as far as juvenile arrest go, but is this sending mixed messages to the youth of this country? The war on drugs has proved to be extremely costly and with some programs such as DARE ineffective. But what does this mean for the message behind the war. Personally I think it is confusing. And I also feel if we want to have a positive role in youth development consistency is vital.

Posted by Angela Weixel