Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in marijuana legalization across the United States. Currently, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana, while 21 states and DC have legalized recreational marijuana. Here at Cannaleaf Health, we foresee legalization will continue to expand in the coming years. We wanted to talk about some reasons for the increased legalization of cannabis across the United States.
History of Marijuana Legalization
The history of marijuana legalization in the United States is long and complex. Before the 20th century, marijuana was legal and even used in medical treatments. In the 1930s, the federal government began to crack down on marijuana use. The war on drugs in the 1980s and 1990s resulted in increased criminalization. However, in 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana; in 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. In the following ten years, more states followed with their own legalization.
Medical Benefits
Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In recent years, research has supported its use as a treatment option for various medical conditions. Many states have legalized medical marijuana to provide patients with access to this treatment option. Some potential medical benefits of marijuana include pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, nausea and vomiting, anxiety and depression, and more.
Economic Benefits
Many states have legalized marijuana partly because of the potential revenue it can generate. States that have legalized marijuana have seen significant tax revenue from sales. The legalization of marijuana can also create jobs in the cannabis industry. Additional jobs can be a source of income for individuals, lead to increased economic activity, and generate tax revenue for governments.
Increase in Consumer Demand
Public opinion on marijuana has shifted significantly in recent years, with more and more Americans supporting legalization. Many Americans use marijuana recreationally or medicinally, and legalization can provide them with safer and more regulated access to the product. Various factors, including medical benefits, recreational use, product innovation, and reduced stigma, drive consumer demand for medical cannabis.
Legalization in Other States
As more states legalize marijuana, it pressures other states to do the same. When neighboring states legalize marijuana, it can create cross-border commerce, as consumers travel across state lines to purchase marijuana legally. This can lead to lost tax revenue and economic opportunities for states that have not legalized marijuana. Lawmakers feel political pressure to legalize marijuana, especially in states where public opinion already favors legalization.
Consult with a Professional Medical Marijuana Provider
Whether you’ve used marijuana in the past or have never touched the drug, you can learn a lot by speaking with professionals at the forefront of the medical cannabis industry. At Cannaleaf Health, we have an entire team of medical cannabis doctors, with each member having the experience and knowledge necessary to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about Cannaleaf Health or to schedule an appointment with us, you can call us at (443-800-0670).
