Why won't the federal government decriminalize marijuana completely?

Answer 1

There is a general guiding philosophical principle, that drugs should be used only for medical reasons, and not for recreational reasons. If people can obtain happiness simply by using a drug, this is a distraction from genuine accomplishments in life which bring a more genuine type of happiness. There is also the concern that when people are under the influence of recreational drugs, their judgment is impaired and they may do foolish or destructive things. Recreational drug use is simply not good for people. There are better forms of entertainment. Marijuana is a complicated case, because it is used both for medical purposes and for recreational purposes. Also, it is not as addictive, and is less destructive to sanity, than many other drugs. One could argue that even alcohol, which is legal, is more dangerous than marijuana. But there is a lingering sense that legalizing marijuana would be just a surrender to foolish (if not sinful) hedonism.