What about decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana for personal use?

  • Even if it were decriminalized on the state or local level, marijuana would still be illegal on the federal level, and federal law trumps state or local law for any kind of use any time.
  • Legalizing small amounts creates an intolerable situation for law enforcement as drug dealers simply carry only the minimum amount on them at any given time and re-supply as needed, making drug trafficking virtually un-prosecutable as well.
  • One ounce of marijuana produces 60-120 joints – hardly a small amount.
  • Advances in horticulture and hydroponics have produced much stronger strains of marijuana that are more addictive.