Photo Credit: thcfinder.com

Still waiting on a federal response to the recent legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado, the government’s role in marijuana legalization remains unclear. Even among those in favor of legalization, different methods and restrictions continue to cause disagreement, with solutions seemingly out of reach.

To discuss the difference of opinions in marijuana policy reform, we hosted a Tweet Chat on the government’s role in marijuana legalization. Our discussion reached beyond the topic of state versus federal power, as we discussed the necessary regulations on use, the risk of legalization to the youth, possible programs to prevent dangers of addiction, medical marijuana policy, marijuana’s impact on the war on drugs, and current and potential prison sentences associated with marijuana policy.

Joining us was the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, (NCADD) and LEAP, United Patients Group, Diane Goldstein, drug policy reform activist and LEAP Speaker, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), Drug Policy Alliance, Deputy Director Betty Aldworth of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), Jodie Emery, owner of Cannabis Culture, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), Greg Newburn representing Families Against Mandatory Minimums, FAMM, and many more active voices involved in the marijuana legalization debate.

Here are some of the highlights:

A1: Even Pres Obama recognizes that it’s time to reconcile state and fed policy. #IVNChat

— TheCannabisIndustry (@NCIAorg) March 8, 2013

RT @showmecannabis: A1: As Justice Brandeis said, the states are meant to be laboratories of democracy. #IVNchat

— SSDP (@SSDP) March 8, 2013

When its easier for a 16 year old to buy weed than beer, something’s wrong with the system #ivnchat

— Chad Peace (@ChadPeace) March 8, 2013

I think decriminalization is the our best bet… prevents monopolies #IVNChat

— Eddie Lozano (@EndProhibition_) March 8, 2013

This isa great visual explanation about #drugwar and #prohibition bit.ly/S7uVVh #ivnchat #mmj #mmot #cannabis

— UnitedPatientsGroup (@upatientsgroup) March 8, 2013

Medical is OK IF studied more and FDA approved like any other drug would beMJ should be treated like any other medication #ivnchat

— ECCPASA (@ECCPASA) March 8, 2013

@responsiblemj what will it take to get feds on board with individualized approach to state by state legalization? #ivnchat

— AlexG (@A_Lex_G) March 8, 2013

RT @leafcouncil: The Prevention Science tells us that when a substance is available to young people, associated problems increase. #IVNchat

— NCADD National(@NCADDNational) March 8, 2013

an unregulated market on both extremes is chaos, no one is advocating access to kids #IVNChat

— Diane Goldstein (@dianemgoldstein) March 8, 2013

A5: Prohibition made criminals of people, destroyed countless lives, & has NOT stopped people from using or being harmed from drugs #IVNchat

— SSDP (@SSDP) March 8, 2013

A3: Recognizing the issue of defining impairment, legal cannabis use should be regulated and restricted similarly to alcohol. #IVNchat

— Joe Hunter (@MrJoeHunter) March 8, 2013

Pro #MJ advocates cannot have it both ways – you can’t regulate it “like” alcohol, but then say its “different” from alcohol #IVNChat

— LEAF (@LEAFcouncil) March 8, 2013

A6: possession and distribution I see as different levels of offenses.#IVNchat.Distribution much worse

— Gary Reinhardt (@garyreinhardt) March 8, 2013

A4: How about a class on drug/alcohol abuse. If we can have Sex-Ed, why not have a conversation in schools so kids know the risks. #IVNchat

— Beatrice Elizabeth(@MissBeaE) March 8, 2013

If *everyone* – legalizers & prohibitionists – agrees long prison terms 4 marijuana offenders are bad policy, let’s get rid of ‘em. #IVNChat

— Greg Newburn (@gnewburn) March 8, 2013

The pro #MJ argument should decide if #MJ is “like” alcohol or not.Want it regulated like alcohol, but assert they are different. #IVNChat

— LEAF (@LEAFcouncil) March 8, 2013

A big thank you to everyone who participated and stay tuned for more information on next month’s #IVNchat!