What Is Making Marijuana Legal And Why Is It So Popular?
The legal marijuana industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. In 2017, sales of legal cannabis reached $9.7 billion in North America, and they’re expected to grow to $24.5 billion by 2021. With more and more states legalizing the drug – both for medical and recreational use – it’s clear that marijuana is here to stay. But what is making marijuana legal? And why is it so popular? In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the legalization of marijuana and its sudden surge in popularity. From the economic benefits to the potential medical applications, there are many reasons why this once-illicit drug is now being embraced by the mainstream.
History of Marijuana
Marijuana has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In ancient China, it was used to treat a wide variety of ailments including gout, rheumatism, malaria, and absent-mindedness. In India, it was used to relieve anxiety and induce sleep.
In the United States, marijuana was widely used medicinally prior to the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. It was prescribed for a variety of conditions including pain relief, nausea, and asthma. After the passage of the CSA, marijuana’s status as a Schedule I drug made it illegal to prescribe or possess.
Despite its illegal status, marijuana continued to be used medicinally by many people in the United States. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana with the passage of Proposition 215. Since then, 33 states and Washington D.C. have legalized medical marijuana.
The trend toward legalization of marijuana began in 2012 when Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational use of the drug. Since then, 10 states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana use. The most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana is Michigan which did so in 2018.
Current Legal Status of Marijuana
As of now, marijuana is illegal in most states. There are a handful of states, however, that have legalized it for medicinal purposes. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. In these states, patients with certain medical conditions are able to obtain a doctor’s recommendation for marijuana.
In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Since then Alaska, Oregon and Washington D.C. have also made recreational marijuana legal. As of now there are no plans to make it legal on a federal level but some believe that could change in the future.
Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana
Since marijuana is still illegal in many states, there’s a lot of debate surrounding its legalization. Some people believe that marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes, while others believe that it should be legalized for recreational use. Here are some pros and cons of legalizing marijuana:
Pros:
1. Legalizing marijuana would allow the government to regulate and tax the drug, which could generate new revenue for cash-strapped states.
2. Marijuana has been shown to have medicinal benefits for certain conditions like cancer and chronic pain. If it were legal, patients would have easier access to treatment.
3. Legalizing marijuana could help reduce crime rates by taking the drug trade out of the hands of criminal gangs.
4. It would allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes instead of wasting resources on arresting people for possession of small amounts of weed.
Cons:
1. There is a risk that making marijuana legal could lead to more people using the drug recreationally, which could increase health risks associated with its use.
2. Many employers require employees to take drug tests, and if marijuana were legal, more workers could test positive and lose their jobs as a result.
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Economic Impact of Marijuana Legalization
Marijuana has been illegal in the United States for over seventy years, but that may all change in the near future. Several states have already legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, and a few have even legalized it for recreational use. With public opinion shifting in favor of legalization, it seems likely that more states will soon follow suit.
So what is making marijuana legal? And why is it becoming so popular?
There are a number of reasons for the changing attitude towards marijuana. For one, there is an increasing body of evidence showing that marijuana has a number of potential health benefits. It can be used to treat chronic pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with conditions like cancer and AIDS.
In addition, many people are beginning to see marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol or other drugs. Unlike alcohol, marijuana is not known to cause any overdoses or fatalities. And while it is possible to abuse marijuana, it is much less addictive than substances like heroin or cocaine.
Finally, there is the economic argument for legalization. If marijuana were legal, it would be regulated and taxed like any other product. This would create jobs and generate revenue for cash-strapped state and local governments. Legalization would also put an end to the costly and ineffective war on drugs.
It’s clear that there are a number of compelling reasons to legalize marijuana. With public opinion shifting in favor of reform, it seems likely that we will see more states taking this step in
Social Impact of Marijuana Legalization
The social impact of marijuana legalization is far-reaching. It not only changes the legal landscape surrounding the drug, but also has a profound impact on society as a whole.
From a legal standpoint, marijuana legalization opens up a whole new can of worms. It brings with it a host of complex issues that need to be addressed, from regulation and taxation to law enforcement and public health. There are pros and cons to legalization, and it’s important to consider all of them before making any decisions.
From a social standpoint, marijuana legalization is sure to have a major impact. It could lead to increased use of the drug, which could in turn lead to more people developing addictions or experiencing other negative side effects. It could also normalize the drug in the eyes of many people, which could make it more accessible to minors.
There are many unknowns when it comes to the social impact of marijuana legalization. It’s important to weigh all of the potential consequences before making any decisions.
Conclusion
While there are many benefits to making marijuana legal, it’s important to understand why it is so popular before making a decision. With more and more states legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, it’s important to have an understanding of the plant and its effects. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not legalization is something you support.