Should Marijuana be treated like alcohol?

While both Marijuana and alcohol are considered drugs, it’s uncertain whether we should treat them on the same level when it comes to crime and criminalization. In the days of prohibition there were speakeasys and moonshine as well as home brewing of beer. Today, where weed is still illegal and/or not decriminalized there are Joe Somebody’s who grow marijuana in their homes or backyards. The reality is that people are going to consume marijuana whether it is illegal or illegal, much in the same way they did alcohol during prohibition. So should we treat weed like alcohol?

The simple answer is yes. We should regulate the sales of marijuana, the age for use, and the means of purchasing it legally. Regulation will not stop minors from consuming marijuana just like it has not stopped them from drinking alcohol… but it may make it a little harder to get their hands on. In most states where weed is legal there is an age minimum requirement for usage, where I live in Massachusetts, that age restriction is 21 just as it is for alcohol. Living in a state where weed is treated the same as alcohol I can honestly say I think it’s a great idea. As with anything in life, too much of a good thing (in this case weed or alcohol) can be a bad thing- so my vote: keep weed and alcohol regulated on the same level.