How To be A Marijuana Grower: Legalization in the State of Washington

• In Event: Perceptions on Marijuana Legalization, Alcohol Use Patterns and Risk and Protective Factors

Abstract

Howie Becker was the first Sociologist to study the drug culture of Musicians. From his studies, he wrote "Becoming a Marijuana User" which most of us excepted as a bible on the social interaction of persons in learning how to smoke and dope. His second article was "Marijuana use and Social control" which was about mechanisms of social control limit use of the drug and how the use labels one as a deviant.
Little did we know that the "War on Drugs" would evolve into severe Criminal Sanctions and lead to a massive Incarceration rate. Blacks and Hispanics were the persons who suffered from the draconian laws that were subsequently passed. Now, over 52% of the population believe that marijuana should be legalized. 23 states have medical marijuana and four states including Washington have legalization for recreational use.
What brought about the changes? How are those changes affecting the community? What position is the Federal Government taking on the growing and selling of marijuana? How does this process work from Seed to Sale?

Authors

• Julius Debro, University of Washington

• Darlene Joy Conley, Seattle University