Last updated : November 18, 2024
The great debate of marijuana has been happening for years in the United States. This natural plant has caused political strife, jail time, charges, division of viewpoints, and it’s debatable lure is just as strong as it’s potent and natural qualities. Marijuana is from the cannabis plant. The leaves of the cannabis plant are used along with the dried flower clusters to prepare to be eaten or to be smoked. Usage in this manner induces a certain euphoria and can be used pointedly as a psychoactive drug or as medicine.
The legalization of this green plant has been a debate for a long time and the debate continues. Colorado has ended, or started another phase, of the debate by legalizing its usage. Akin to the past 1912 argument of legalizing alcohol, the leafy substance is blazing an American trail.
In November, 2012, Amendment 64 was voted and passed by the people of Colorado for recreational usage. One month later Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper signed the executive order which then made an official declaration of the vote. Amendment 64 was voted on by 50,000 more people than who voted for the President of the United States. The legalization gives the thumbs up for personal usage, possession, and limited home growth for those 21 years of age and older, but still holds to and enforces federal law which states that this drug usage is not legal. Usage of the substance in public is still prohibited as well as buying or selling the drug. The Controlled Substances Act is still being enforced in the state of Colorado. The people have spoken and the votes have been declared, but the Amendment 64 word usage is still cloudy.
Businesses in Colorado are among the confused as they are uncertain as to how to go about changing their own company rules and still recognize the new Colorado rules. The chances of a company having employees who use marijuana is still possible. All sides agree that workers or employees showing up for work should not be high on any substance. Medical experts state that the high from cannabis lasts for two to three hours, but can stay in the body’s system for up to one week.
Usage of the substance in Colorado could mean more workers being fired by companies now that the citizens of Colorado have been give the go-ahead to partake. Of course many companies do not want to fire good workers as they are hard to find, but under their own company rules and regulations they cannot tolerate employees putting themselves or others in harm’s way due to the new Colorado rules.
Employers are no longer forced to perform drug tests for hiring workers. The Amendment does not require nor authorize drug testing. Many companies may still have employees who participate in this drug’s usage due to the confusion and new ground being laid. Until the educational task force that has been formed has put in to effect the meaning of how Amendment 64 will be enforced, the rules of engagement will continue to be hazy.
