Altering Marijuana Classification Affects Young Male Population Adversely
In recent discussions, the possibility of reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III on the federal list of controlled substances has been raised. This move, if implemented, could have significant consequences for the industry and society as a whole.
Patrick T. Brown, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, has voiced concerns about the potential commercialization of the industry and its impact on employment and marriage outcomes, particularly for young men without college degrees.
One of the key arguments against reclassification is the overselling of marijuana's benefits and the understatement of its harms, particularly for young men's job, marriage, and family-formation prospects. Research indicates that marijuana use among the youth is associated with lower educational achievement, lower levels of earnings and connection to work, and a reduced likelihood to marry.
Moreover, there is evidence that marijuana use can lead to cannabis use disorder. One in five lifetime marijuana users exhibit some sign of this disorder, which can have detrimental effects on an individual's life.
In addition, there have been increasing reports of cannabis-related incidents, particularly involving children. In Philadelphia, cannabis poisonings involving children have become "almost a daily occurrence." Similarly, cannabis poisonings reported to poison-control centers have increased over 23 times since 2009, with three-quarters of the cases involving children or teens.
If marijuana is reclassified, it would be equivalent to substances like anabolic steroids, testosterone, and ketamine. This equivalence raises concerns about the potential for increased access and use, especially among young people.
Rescheduling marijuana would also open the door for Big Weed to go mainstream. This would allow businesses to deduct business expenses, access capital, and advertise openly. With full legalization, national brands could arise, advertising during football games, offering introductory deals via popular podcasters, and delivering marijuana to customers' doors.
However, it's important to note that there isn't much money in standalone weed shops. The real profits could come from chains, brands, and retail distribution. This commercialization of the industry could lead to increased access and use, especially among young people.
The White House is urged to seriously consider these downstream impacts before making it easier for weed to go mainstream. The potential negative impacts on employment and marriage outcomes, particularly for young men without college degrees, should not be underestimated.
As the debate around marijuana reclassification continues, it's crucial to consider the potential impacts on society and public health. A balanced approach that takes into account both the potential benefits and harms is necessary to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities.
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