Marijuana use represents a type of contested deviant behavior. Some people feel that using marijuana is no more deviant than smoking cigarettes (perhaps less deviant), while others feel it should be criminalized. The debate surrounding marijuana exemplifies that what is considered deviant behavior changes over time and is dependent on context.

Recognizing that some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, others have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, and others, including the federal government, hold fast to marijuana’s criminal category, do you believe that marijuana use is a deviant act?  Why do you believe what you do?  What are some common arguments to support the notion that marijuana should be considered deviant?  Should not be considered deviant?  In what way are these contradictions indicative of a pluralistic society?

Have you ever been negatively labeled?  In your case, what were your primary deviation and secondary deviation?  Did you internalize the label you were given?  Did the label channel you into further deviance?  Or did you reject the label you received? What do you think about the power of labeling? An example could be either from your own experience or from someone else’s experience.  You can also discuss a hypothetical case.  Your example should illustrate how labeling works or it may reveal weaknesses of Labeling Theory.  Make sure to identify the primary deviation and the secondary deviation in your example. Analytically evaluate Labeling Theory.