Increasing Trend of Medical Marijuana Legalization – What’s the Main Reason behind It?

Any discussion by supporters of medical marijuana dispensaries around hints that medical marijuana legalization has become quite trendy across the nation. As with all such individual opinion, the reasons behind it must be considered carefully. While considering this, let’s have a look at the name of states where medical marijuana is legalized and whether there is really any trend of medical marijuana legalization. The facts on medical marijuana legalization are quite clear as following 16 States of USA have legalized marijuana for medicinal uses: 


1.    Alaska    
2.    Arizona
3.    California
4.    Colorado    
5.    Delaware    
6.    Hawaii
7.    Maine    
8.    Michigan    
9.    Montana    
10.    Nevada    
11.    New Jersey    
12.    New Mexico
13.    Oregon    
14.    Rhode Island
15.    Vermont    
16.    Washington


All jurisdictions have their own specific rules regarding the use of medical marijuana.  Also, it is worth mentioning that the federal government has not legalized marijuana even for medicinal use. 


So, do we have a trend towards medical Marijuana Legalization or not? The facts hint that we do, but for a strange reason. Out of 16 States of USA, only 3 States has have legalized marijuana for in the last 3 years. While this highlights an increase in medical marijuana legalization that can be called a trend, the sudden change seems to hint a special reason than just offering medicine to the needy patients. 


The sudden increase in medical marijuana legalization correlates with the great recession, and, more significantly, states and municipal corporations suddenly facing huge budget deficits. Just take Arizona as good example. The political interests of Arizona have been quite conservative since long time. You can consider the immigration laws passed in the state to learn more. In spite of that, the state decided to legalize and tax medical marijuana in 2010, a time when it was facing huge budget deficits.  


Thanks to this economic benefit, it is quite obvious that the trend of marijuana legalization for medical uses mainly depends on the economy of states. If the economy of states continues to stagger along and they keep on facing huge budget deficits, we can see more medical marijuana legalizations in future.  However, if the economy improves dramatically, we can see the opposite as well. Only time will tell!