The Impact of the Decriminalization and Legalization of Marijuana: An Immediate Look at the Cannabis Reform Movement (Aspatore Special Report)

California's Proposition 19, an initiative on the 2010 statewide ballot to legalize marijuana, was defeated. However, this is only one setback in the movement to legalize marijuana use. Although it remains illegal under federal law, a number of states have already decriminalized the possession of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational uses. Is decriminalization a stepping stone to federal legalization? What are the pros and cons of decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana? What potential marijuana reform laws may come as a result of state-specific decriminalization movements? The Impact of the Decriminalization and Legalization of Marijuana provides feedback from some of the nation's leading legal minds on the cannabis debate and its social and economic impact on the nation. These experts share their predictions on the potential for legalization and offer thoughts on how changing marijuana laws may affect attorneys and their practices. This in-depth report offers readers an on-the-spot look at this issue as it continues to unfold. Chapters Include: 1. Sam Kamin, Associate Professor, Sturm College of Law, University of Denver - "The Challenges of Marijuana Law Reform" 2. Christopher S. Morris, Partner, Aguirre, Morris & Severson - "Decriminalization: The Gateway to Legalization"