Ep 3. The War On Weed

In season 1, episode 3 of the show Weediquette, titled "The War on Weed," host Krishna Andavolu explores the political and social factors that have contributed to the ongoing conflict over the legalization of marijuana in the United States.

The episode begins with a look at the history of marijuana prohibition, which was first implemented in the early 20th century and intensified during the 1970s and 80s under the "War on Drugs" campaign. Andavolu delves into the racial and cultural biases that shaped these policies, highlighting the fact that while white Americans have been using marijuana for decades, black and brown Americans have borne the brunt of the criminalization and incarceration that resulted from marijuana prohibition.

Next, Andavolu travels to Denver, Colorado, where marijuana was legalized for recreational use in 2012. He visits a dispensary and speaks with a budtender about the various strains and products available, as well as the rules and regulations that govern the industry. He also interviews a woman who uses marijuana to manage the symptoms of her chronic pain, highlighting the medical benefits that the drug can provide for some patients.

However, Andavolu also explores the challenges that come with legalization, particularly in terms of the conflict between state and federal law. Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and this has created a number of problems for businesses and users in states where it is legal. For example, dispensaries are often unable to access banking services and must operate entirely in cash, which puts them at risk for theft and other crimes. Additionally, people who use marijuana can face legal consequences if they travel across state lines, even if they are only going from one state where it is legal to another.

To get a sense of the political landscape around marijuana legalization, Andavolu speaks with a congressman who is pushing for legislation that would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances. He also talks to a prominent anti-legalization advocate who argues that there are still many unknowns about the effects of marijuana on the brain and that legalizing it could have unintended consequences.

Overall, "The War on Weed" offers a nuanced exploration of the complex issues at play in the ongoing debate over marijuana legalization. Through interviews with experts and advocates on both sides of the issue, Andavolu illuminates the ways in which the politics, economics, and culture of marijuana intersect and interact to shape our understanding of this controversial drug.