Is the grass greener on the other side of the world? : – En studie om hur företrädare för socialt arbete i Colorado ser på legaliseringen av marijuana.

Sammanfattning: Abstract Title: Is the grass greener on the other side of the world? Accommodation – A study about how representatives of social work in Colorado view the legalization of marijuana. Authors: Rina Bacaj & Nina Buquku Supervisor: Peter Hultgren Assessor: Anette Lundin   The purpose of the study was to investigate how representatives of social work in Colorado, based on their professional roles, view the recreational use of marijuana after the legalization took place in the state.   The questions in focus were: What opinions and views are expressed by representatives of social work in Colorado, about the legalization from a professional perspective? What do social workers base their arguments on, regarding the legalization?   This thesis is based on structured email interviews, with eight representatives of social work in Colorado. We have analyzed the results by using Brante’s and Svensson’s theoretical concepts about profession and legitimacy. These theoretical concepts have been used to analyze and find out what the representatives base their arguments on. The results and analysis indicate that representatives of social work have a positive attitude towards the legalization of recreational marijuana. One of the disadvantages that is highlighted is the consumption of marijuana among children and adolescents. While one of the benefits with marijuana is the tax revenues contributed by marijuana retail stores in Colorado. The representatives base their opinions and arguments on education, experiences and research. What is evident, however, is that their professions are dependent and influenced by norms which ultimately are also decisive for what becomes acceptable in a society.