Reasons Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized
Over the past few years, marijuana has been a topic of great interest to many people, but it is now in the spotlight more than before. We have seen many people debate if it should be made legal or not due to its increased popularity. A recent study has shown that marijuana is the most used drug in the globe.
There have been suggestions that marijuana can treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other fatal diseases. People in pain have been given marijuana to soothe this pain, and it has also worked. Medical officers have prescribed small doses of marijuana to patients who have difficulties in sleeping and eating.
These special effects of marijuana have seen a rise in the demand by citizens, calling on the government to legalize it. By July 2014, two states in America had legalized the use of marijuana, with four more states reportedly about to do the same. When asked for his say on the legalization of marijuana, a former police officer said that it should happen because it is a much safer drug compared to others. Below we look at the reasons why marijuana should be made legal.
- Marijuana has medical importance.
With close to 24 states in America that have already legalized marijuana, we have seen an increase in the number of people who are turning to marijuana to treat various diseases. This importance has not started in the recent past as it can be traced back to the 2800 B.C, where the traditional doctors used it to treat digestive complications, rheumatism, and preventing memory loss. In the past years, we have seen hundreds of researchers conduct studies to show the importance of marijuana and how it can be used to treat diseases such as cancer and numb pain.
- It is an excellent source of revenue for the authorities.
Not only is the marijuana of importance to the body, but also to a country’s economy. Take an example of medicine and other government; marijuana can make significant profits that are essential in these times. In the first half of 2015, there was a whopping $30 million profit in Colorado from cannabis sale alone with expectations of the sales to trigger by the end of the year. Come to think of the profit the government would make from the whole country.
- It can be used in various ways and has a significant nutritional value.
Unlike most people believe, people do not only use marijuana as a defense mechanism to stray away from their problems, but the cannabis plant grows naturally, and it has numerous uses. In case you might not have heard about it, it is rich in disease-fighting abilities. You are advised to drink cannabis to have the maximum result out of it. Marijuana has an active ingredient known as THC, which contains most of the cannabis strain’s healing property. Its seeds have been found to contain high protein levels, which help in ensuring you are healthy. It also has fiber that can be used for industrial purposes, thus bringing revenue from all sides.
- It can easily be planted and can do well in most environmental conditions.
Suppose you have tried planting the cannabis plant; you have found it is such an easy task. It is quite tricky initially, but it becomes more comfortable the more you familiarize yourself with it. Planting them is so easy that you can do it in your small garden’s comfort at home. What makes it even more appealing is the fact that they can do well in almost all conditions. All you have to do is to ensure that their roots do not lack nutrients. Unlike other crops, it has a high frost tolerance rate, and it does not require chemicals or fertilizers upon planting. One of the main benefits of growing marijuana is that it eliminates toxins located underneath the ground, thus making the soil healthier. Cannabis’ fiber is significantly more potent than cotton, making it possible to make all cloth types using it.
- More job opportunities will be created when it is legalized.
Cannabis growth is rapidly being considered one of the best businesses to venture in currently. With close to 24 states have already legalized it, and sales being allowed, we have witnessed a massive growth in the marijuana sector. Not only does it make huge profits, but also many job opportunities come along with it. In Colorado, where marijuana was legalized six years ago, we have seen 11,000 people have new jobs, and those numbers are expected to shoot up by the end of the year. Now think of this number in a single state, those people would be doing other things for a livelihood. Legalizing it nationwide would see more people having a source of income.
- The country would be much safer after its legalization.
The authorities have tried to get rid of marijuana for centuries now, but it has all been in vain. They have included strict punishments for people using it, but we have still seen it in use. Illegality has made many people, especially teenagers, urge to use it, thus making them indulge in violent activities in case the money required for purchasing runs out. The legalization of cannabis by the government would significantly eliminate the pressure that these people have to use because they will no longer be excited about using it. This will reduce the cases of its abuse and other violence-related activities that have previously been linked with it. Legalizing it will enable the government to include laws to ensure it is used appropriately and not abused.
Conclusion
We live in a free world, and it’s a shame to see the government hinder us from utilizing our rights, such as the right to do what we want with our bodies. With the above point elaborated, it is crystal clear why marijuana should be legalized mainly due to its health benefits and the revenue we will collect from it.