To legalize or not legalize marijuana (aka cannabis) has been a topic of debate for not only years and decades but for centuries. In fact, regulations on the sale of marijuana began as far back as the 16th century. Although the world has made many concessions since that time, it’s still a topic with lawmakers both nationwide and worldwide.
What’s made it more difficult is that some states have made it legal while others have not. Some states or countries want it legalized for medicinal purposes, others want it legalized for recreational use. Yet, others feel it should just be legalized period with no restrictions. Here are just a few of the many reasons why marijuana should be legalized worldwide.
Marijuana Used for Health Reasons
For years, marijuana has been successfully used to help people with serious health issues, particularly with cancer patients. Cancer patients should not have to travel to states where it is legal just to get treatment that can make their lives better and allow them to feel better. Because of the stigma attached to marijuana, many sick patients are afraid to get marijuana. Additionally, legalizing marijuana will allow sick patients to have it without having to jump through hoops just to get it for medicinal purposes. Marijuana has proven to have health benefits for more than just cancer patients.
More Stress-free Travel
If an individual lives in a state where marijuana is legal for medicinal or recreational purposes, they’re safe from arrests in that state but not when traveling to other states. Legalizing marijuana would make traveling with marijuana safe and stress-free.
Safer than Alcohol and Legal Prescription Drugs
While alcohol and prescription drugs are responsible for almost 200,000 deaths each year, marijuana is safe to use and will not kill you. Before marijuana could even begin to be harmful, an individual would have to consumer more than it’s even possible to consume.
Legal Sale Would Be Helpful to Young Adults
Marijuana is used by more than 25 million people annually, and the number is increasing every year, particularly with teenagers and young adults. While illegally purchasing marijuana, teenagers are having access to more harmful and illegal drugs. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate this danger-causing problem.
Save on Court Costs
Every day thousands or more individuals are arrested for using or possessing marijuana, which results in filled courts and excessive court costs. Legalizing marijuana will eliminate the court costs and allow the courts to concentrate on serious legal cases.
Fewer Full Jails and Prisons
With so many arrests and incarcerations due to marijuana arrests, our jails and prisons are filled. Feeding and providing for this prisoners costs taxpayers a lot of money. Additionally, more money is always needed to build new and larger jails and prisons to house these prisoners.
Additional Revenue
Whether it’s for cities, states or countries, revenue is always important. Marijuana is the largest crop in the nation and legalizing marijuana can bring more jobs into an area or a country. More jobs equal more revenue, which is needed to help our sagging economy. Just think of the taxes that can be charged on the sale of marijuana. This type of large revenue can be extremely helpful in paying for many government programs. Legalizing marijuana will keep revenue in your own country where it can help your residents.
Product With Many Uses
One form of marijuana known as hemp can be used for various practical purposes such as fabric, rope or even bedding for animals. The uses for hemp are almost unending.
Filled with Nutritional Value
The seeds from hemp are highly nutritious and are rich in omega 3, calcium and iron. Hemp is used in many foods, including salad dressings, nutrition bars and chips.
Personal Hygiene and Health Purposes
Hemp can also be used as a personal hygiene product and is used in some body lotions, shampoos, moisturizers and soaps. The oils that are in these products are not only good for our skin but can help prevent heart problems.
Easy to Grow & Environmentally Friendly
Unlike many other crops that require fertilizer and chemicals to grow, hemp requires very little fertilizer or chemicals. It’s also pest-resistant, which means there will be no harmful insecticides going into the soil, making it extremely good for the environment. In fact, in some areas hemp is used to clean up soil.