Student presentation to connect the histories of lotteries and marijuana reforms
The second student presentation in this week’s Marijuana Law and Policy seminar at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law explores parallels between the history of the lottery and the history of marijuana reforms. Here is how he explains his topic and his selection of background reading:
In my presentation, I will be discussing the global history and modern-day regulation of the lottery in the United States, while comparing its history and current status to that of marijuana. I will begin my presentation by discussing both marijuana and lotteries historical presence, starting with ancient times and going through the early history of the United States. I will then detail the public and ethical scandals, backlash, and campaigns that lead to the outright prohibition of both around the start of the 20th century. I will conclude by talking about the successful campaigns launched to counter the public moral opposition both marijuana and lotteries faced in the middle of the 20th century, how the subsequent moral acceptance led to both being legalized and regulated by various states, and the aftermath of this legislation and regulation. In particular, I will focus heavily on comparing the modern landscape, criticism, and state taxation regimes of both of these industries. Given the wider degree of acceptance—among elected officials, individual states, and the American public—the state lottery system seems to enjoy compared to the legalization of marijuana, I will also be analyzing the lessons that can be learned from the legalization and regulation efforts of state lotteries, and how these can potentially apply to that of ongoing marijuana legislation and regulation efforts.
Background reading:
“1999 NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION: LOTTERIES“
“How NH Defied the Feds, Mob and Church to Create the First State Lottery“
“State-Run Lotteries as a Form of Taxation“
“Buying a Dream, Losing a Future: The Financial Fallacy of Lottery Tickets for Low-Income Households“
“Cannabis Taxation: Lessons Learned from U.S. States and a Blueprint for Nationwide Cannabis Tax Policy“
“Cannabis Unveiled: An Exploration of Marijuana’s History, Active Compounds, Effects, Benefits, and Risks on Human Health“
“Cannabis Tax Revenue Can Help Communities“