Weed is our friend: 4 reasons why legalizing marijuana could solve some of America’s biggest problems
If legalization is your state’s ballot this year, make you vote count
This article originally appeared on AlterNet.
For a few years now Americans have disputed on the legalization of cannabis, also known as marijuana. Recreational cannabis is legal in four states: Oregon, Colorado, Alaska and Washington state. This November, five states will vote to legalize recreational cannabis: California, Massachusetts, Maine, Arizona and Nevada. We’ve heard all the research and the majority of adults will admit to having tried cannabis at least once in their life. In a world where substances like alcohol and tobacco remain legal, it’s just illogical that cannabis stays illegal. Both the Republican and Democrat parties have recognized the value of cannabis, at least medically, however there is bigger picture. Legalizing cannabis could be the solution to America’s social, economic and even some foreign problems.
1. Marijuana is medicine. Of course.
Now, we don’t need to keep listing all the health benefits of cannabis. There are already tons of articles about cannabis being an all in one medicine with only a tiny, tiny percent of a chance of an overdose.
Even though 23 states have legalized cannabis medically, physicians still don’t have national guidelines on how to prescribe it. High Times, a magazine publication advocating the legalization of cannabis, recently quoted Dr. Jean Antonucci who told CNN that she still feels “completely in the dark” about medical marijuana treatment, dose, and whether a patient should smoke, eat or vaporize it. Most physicians have never been trained to prescribe marijuana and it is still not covered in medical schools. Only some states are beginning to require doctors to take additional medical courses on medical marijuana.
2. Cannabis is a cash.
So let’s talk economy. Depending on your views you either see America’s economy as bad, or really bad. Cannabis/Hemp could be the biggest cash crop since cotton. Cannabis is such large and profitable industry that legalization could boost the economy and create American jobs. Colorado has brought in nearly $73.5 million in selling marijuana and marijuana related products in just a few years. Colorado was the first to allow recreational marijuana sales in January 2014, followed by Washington in July 2014, and then Oregon sales began October 2015. Since then Headset Inc, found that the average recreational consumer spends $647 annually on marijuana.
3. Weed out the international drug trade.
Follow Us!