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Policy Analysis: Options and Recommendation

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Policy Analysis: Options and Recommendation

In the debate surrounding the legalization of recreational marijuana in Mississippi, two primary policy options have emerged. The first strategy is the progressive decriminalization of marijuana use for leisure, and the second is the current legal status where the use of marijuana for leisure is prohibited. Following that, this paper aims to evaluate each of the options with the view of highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of the chosen strategy for the state: Policy Analysis: Options and Recommendation.

Option 1: Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Pros Cons
Economic Growth: Legalization has the potential to bring in a significant amount of tax income for the state of Mississippi, which may be used for social services, education, and other initiatives (Brown et al., 2023). Increased Consumption: Legalization may lead to increased marijuana use, particularly among young adults, with possible adverse effects on mental health, including anxiety and psychosis.
Job Creation: The legal marijuana business may also strengthen employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, retail and even law enforcement sectors. This will be especially advantageous in rural areas. Impaired Driving: Legalization is an affection that may lead to more incidences of impaired driving that is dangerous on the roads. This risk could, however, be reduced through increased testing and more vigorous training programs, though the problem persists.
Reduced Law Enforcement Costs: Legalizing marijuana would reduce the burden on law enforcement, freeing up resources for other criminal activities. Potential for Increased Addiction: Even though marijuana has lesser potential than alcohol or opioids, one can develop a dependency on it if one indulges heavily. This could put pressure on the available health facilities and equipment.
Public Health Benefits (Regulated Use): With legal marijuana, Mississippi could regulate the quality and safety of products, reducing the risks associated with black market marijuana, such as contamination. Federal Legal Challenges: Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, which could create legal and financial challenges for businesses in the state, with potential federal enforcement actions.

 Option 2: Do Not Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Pros Cons
Public Health Protection: Using the justification of keeping marijuana as an illegal substance, Mississippi will forgo the tendencies that are likely to come with the use of marijuana, for instance, addiction, driving while under the influence of the substance, and even mental altercations. Missed Economic Opportunity: The state would forgo the potential tax revenue and job creation opportunities associated with the marijuana industry, which could significantly benefit the state’s economy.
Reduced Social Costs: The restriction of recreational marijuana use eliminates social issues witnessed in some states that have legalized the use of the drug, such as public nuisance or crime (Hall, 2020). Continued Criminalization and Disproportionate Impact: The criminalization of marijuana continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly people of color, leading to unjust incarceration rates.
Avoiding Complications with Federal Law: By maintaining the ban, Mississippi avoids the complexities of the conflict between state and federal laws, which could create legal and financial uncertainty. Black Market Activity: Keeping marijuana illegal does not eliminate demand. The black market would continue to thrive, often leading to unsafe products and associated criminal activity.

 Recommendation

According to the assessment, the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Mississippi should be recommended. Legalizing it presents both drawbacks and benefits. Potential disadvantages include increased consumption and impaired driving, while advantages encompass economic gains such as job creation and tax revenue, along with reduced law enforcement costs (Wilensky & Teitelbaum, 2023). These benefits outweigh the challenges because of the current economic situation in Mississippi, as well as the general improvement of the funding of public health.

Furthermore, this option correlates with the objectives of creating employment and the minimization of the pressure on the criminal justice system, which is an essential criterion for the state’s legislators and voters. The decision also caters to the current trends in the United States, where a good number of states have embraced marijuana legalization with measly repercussions.

Thus, the negative aspects of legalized marijuana could be countered by developing other aspects of regulation within Mississippi, such as making potent Marijuana available for sale only by and to people of appropriate age, providing necessary public awareness, and better technology integrated into the detection of vehicles driven by impaired individuals. This way, it will be possible to get the maximum advantage for the state while ensuring that there will be no threat to the health and lives of the people.

References

Brown, J., Cohen, E., & Felix, A. (2023). Economic Benefits and Social Costs of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana. Research Working Paper, 89(1936-5330). https://doi.org/10.18651/rwp2023-10

Hall, W. (2020). The costs and benefits of cannabis control policies. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(3), 281–287. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2020.22.3/whall

Wilensky, S. E., & Teitelbaum, J. B. (2023). Essentials of health policy and law. Jones et Bartlett Learning.

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Question

Policy Analysis

Section 3- Options & Recommendation (50 points)

PH 528

Introduction: Mississippi State Senator Hob Bryan has asked you to write a policy analysis on whether recreational marijuana use should be legal in the state of Mississippi.

A policy analysis contains five sections: problem identification, background, landscape, options, and recommendation. You have already completed the problem identification, background, and landscape. For this assignment, you will complete the options and recommendation sections.

  1. Options (~1.5 pages)
    1. State the two options (legalize recreational marijuana use or do not legalize recreational marijuana use) and give the positive and negative aspects of each
    2. Both options should be analyzed equally (pros and cons) using a set of chosen criteria
    3. See textbook Ch. 14 “Assessing Your Options” and “Structuring the Options Section” for sample options criteria, a sample paragraph, and information on how to use side-by-side tables in this section
  1. Recommendation (~0.5 pages)
    1. Choose one of your options as your recommendation and state why it is favored over the other option
    2. State why, despite the drawbacks, this is the best action to take based on your client’s value and power
    3. Identify what, if any, actions may be taken to mitigate or overcome the negative aspects of your recommendation

      Policy Analysis: Options and Recommendation

      Policy Analysis: Options and Recommendation

Format:

Other Notes:

Due Date: Submit through Blackboard as a .doc or .docx file by 11:59 PM on Sunday 2/16.

Textbook:
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