Write a policy analysis on whether recreational marijuana use should be legal in the state of Mississippi.
Section 2- Landscape (50 points)
PH 528
Introduction:Mississippi State Senator Hob Bryan has asked you to write a policy analysis on whether recreational marijuana use should be legal in the state of Mississippi.
A policy analysis contains five sections: problem identification, background, landscape, options, and recommendation.You have already completed the problem identification and the background. For this assignment, you will complete the landscape.
Landscape (~3 pages)
- Provides the overall context for the analysis by identifying key factors that must be considered when analyzing the problem
- Choose 2-3 factors to focus on from the list provided in this document (political, social, economic, practical, and/or legal factors)
- The questions provided do not need to be explicitly answered- they are just a guide of what may be relevant to understanding the problem context
- Consider an example relating to limiting prescription drug purchases made over the internet. The following key factors would likely be included:
- Political factor-Who supports or opposes the limitation and how influential are they?
- Economic factor-Would it be costly to implement this limitation or costly to key constituents who may need more prescription drugs than are allowed by the limit? Would it provide an economic benefit to some stakeholders?
- Practical factor-Is it possible to implement and enforce a restricted purchasing system over the internet?
- Legal factor- Are there legal barriers to limiting internet prescription drug purchases?
As you apply this to the analysis of recreational marijuana use policy, remember that your tone should be neutral and objective- you are identifying the positions of key stakeholders but are not inserting your own opinion
Make sure Senator Bryan is well-informed on all aspects of the issue
Format:
- No title, heading, or title page needed
- Bolded section titles for different factors
- Use in-text citations and include a reference page
- Double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12 pt. Times New Roman font
Other Notes:
Read and use Ch. 14 in your textbook, which outlines how to write a policy analysis
I have included a folder of resources on Blackboard to get you started, but you should also find resources of your own
All information should include an in-text citation and a mention on your reference page
Can reference scholarly articles, news articles, and reputable government, health, or non-profit agencies
Avoid direct quotations from references- paraphrase and cite
All sections of your policy analysis will be run through SafeAssign to check for plagiarism- a SafeAssign score of more than 20% will receive an automatic zero
Due Date:Submit through Blackboard as a .doc or .docx file by11:59 PM on Sunday2/12.
Possible Factors to Include in a Landscape Section
Political Factors
What is the political salience of the issue?
Is this a front-burner issue?
Is this a controversial issue?
Are your client, legislators, and the general public interested in addressing this issue?
Has this or a similar healthcare issue been addressed recently?
Do key constituents, opponents, interest groups, or other stakeholders have an opinion about the issue? Who is likely to support or oppose change?
Is there bipartisan support for the issue?
Is there a reason to act now?Is there a reason to delay action?
Social Factors
Who is affected by this problem?Could include health benefits/concerns
According to the client who assigned the analysis, are influential or valued groups affected by this problem?
Is there a fairness concern relating to this issue?
Is there a stigma associated with this issue?
Economic Factors
What is the economic impact of addressing this problem? Of not addressing it?
Are various people or groups impacted differently?
Are there competing demands for resources that relate to this issue?
What is the economic situation of the state or nation? How does this affect the politics relating to this issue?
How will addressing this issue affect healthcare costs/healthcare spending?
Practical Factors
Is it realistic to try to solve this problem?
Do others need to be involved to be able to solve this problem?
Is the technology available to solve this problem?
Would it be more practical to solve this problem later?
Are other people in a better position to solve this problem?
What do we know about solutions that do or do not work?
If this problem cannot be solved, is it still necessary (politically, socially) to act in some way to address the problem?
Is evidence available to support potential solutions?
Legal Factors
Are there legal restrictions affecting this problem?
Is there a need to balance public health concerns and individual legal rights?
Are there legal requirements that impact the analysis?
Is new legislative authority necessary to solve the problem?
Is there legal uncertainty relating to this problem?
Is future litigation a concern if action is taken?
Answer preview to Write a policy analysis on whether recreational marijuana use should be legal in the state of Mississippi.
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