Marijuana Legalization

Will more states decriminalize the drug?

Abstract

Legal sales of marijuana in the United States grew 7 percent between 2015 and 2016 — from $5.4 billion to $5.8 billion, according to the latest data from research firms that track the industry. While marijuana remains illegal under federal law, 26 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of marijuana use. Twenty-one states have legalized medical marijuana, eight allow both medical and recreational use and four states and the District of Columbia no longer impose jail time for possessing small amounts. While President Trump’s position on marijuana legalization is unclear, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has long opposed marijuana use and has called for reinstating mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has warned that states allowing recreational usage will see “greater enforcement” of the federal law.

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