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GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 5, 2024)(CNBNews)--"Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict" is a compelling documentary that seeks to raise awareness among students and young adults about the perilous nature of addiction. This impactful film is a collaborative initiative between the FBI and the DEA, combining their expertise to deliver an important message.

Throughout the documentary, a disturbing pattern emerges: each individual struggling with addiction recounts how their descent into more dangerous substances commenced with the seemingly innocent act of smoking marijuana. This revelation highlights the potential pathway from casual drug use to more severe addiction.

In the United States, the landscape of marijuana legality is intricate, with 50 states in total; 38 of these states allow some form of marijuana use. Among them, 24 states—including New Jersey—have taken the step to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes.

However, the long-term implications of legalizing marijuana remain largely uncertain, and the public may not yet grasp the full extent of its potential ramifications for future generations. 

At the federal level, cannabis is classified under the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I drug, indicating that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and lacks an accepted medical use, which effectively prohibits its use for any purpose. Yet, despite this stringent classification, federal law enforcement tends to overlook activities related to the possession, cultivation, or domestic distribution of cannabis in states where these practices have been legalized, leading to a complex and often contradictory legal landscape.