Reference no: EM133535237

Marijuana legalization enjoys broad support from residents of State A, with a recent poll showing that 59 percent of them believe recreational use of the drug should be allowed under state law. Undoubtedly influenced by public opinion, both houses of the state legislature pass H. 512. For this bill to become state law, only one final step is required-it must be signed by you, the governor of State A.

To make this decision, you must consider several factors, including the broad popular support for legalized marijuana. Furthermore, you are aware that other states with legal marijuana have received a financial windfall from taxes on the sale of the drug. In 2017, for example, Colorado collected nearly $250 million in marijuana taxes and fees. You also know that, without the responsibility of policing marijuana use, local and state law enforcement officers would have more time to prevent other criminal activity.

The main problem, as you see it, regards the federal government. Under federal law, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug, defined as dangerous with no acceptable medical use and a high potential for abuse. That means anybody in your state who sells or uses marijuana would be breaking federal law and would be subject to arrest by federal law enforcement agents. At the same time, under the principles of federalism, the power to make law is shared among the federal government and the state governments. This gives states such as your own, at least theoretically, the ability to pass laws that represent the will of state residents even though they contradict federal law.

What would you do?

What step will you take when H. 512, the marijuana legalization bill, arrives on your desk? Will you sign the bill, or will you veto it?