Legalization of Marijuana – The Debate Continues

The legalization of marijuana has always remained a controversial issue in United States of America. There are people who say yes for the legalization of marijuana and there are people who say no for the same. At present sixteen out of the fifty states of USA have legalized medical marijuana. The remaining states are still in the debate as to whether legalize marijuana or not. The states which have legalized marijuana have passed certain rules which need to be followed by the patients, dispensaries and doctors. These rules relate to the cultivation, transportation, supply, purchase and delivery of cannabis.

The proponents for the legalization of marijuana emphasize on two important points. These points include the medicinal uses of marijuana and the taxation/ revenue on it. In fact, there is no doubt in saying that the medicinal purposes of marijuana are really helpful for the patients of cancer, arthritis, glaucoma, AIDS and several other severe diseases. As a fact, it has been observed many times that these patients found relief when given the treatment through medical marijuana. Another point of contention for those who stand for the legalization of cannabis is that this therapeutic drug can be taxed and used in generating good revenue. The argument also supports that legalization of marijuana will also help in generating job opportunities.  

Now those who oppose the legalization of marijuana say that the continuous use of marijuana will certainly lead towards the drug addiction abuse. These people support their argument by saying that prescription drug abuse came into existence only when those drugs were legalized and commercialized. Those who oppose legalizing marijuana say that drugs are not good in any form, whether legal or illegal. The legalization will further lead to the increased rates of drug addicts and young people will ruin their life unknowingly.

Nobody knows that when this debate of legalization of marijuana will come to an end. But the point to ponder is that if we are able to control ourselves from getting ruined, the medicinal uses of marijuana can be provided easily to those who really need it. 

Legalizing Marijuana can be a Great Revenue Source for California

It requires a lot of money to prevent the unlawful activities in any country. And when these illicit activities are related to the dealing in drugs, the task becomes even more expensive and difficult. No matter how secure are the safety arrangements of any country but the drug mafias somehow take out the ways to induce drug dealing in any country. Various countries like United States of America spend big amounts to deal with such illegal activities. But when we talk about marijuana drug dealing, the fact of expense does not sound justified. The great reason is that marijuana is not more harmful then tobacco or even alcohol. Apart from this, another fact related to the medicinal uses of marijuana puts this drug into a category of therapeutic drug. That is why legalizing marijuana can be a beneficial act. 

In this article, I am just discussing marijuana as a great source of revenue. The other aspects of legalizing marijuana have been discussed many times but I think that the point of revenue should be discussed in detail. Just imagine things that will change after legalizing marijuana. The government will be able to put heavy tax on the sale of this drug. There is full scope for the wide sales of marijuana. Taking a state like California into consideration, the sale of marijuana is sure to win huge revenue. According to an estimate, legalizing marijuana can generate revenues that will be just double of the sales of milk and cream. Milk and cream is the second biggest product of agriculture in USA.

According to another estimate, one billion dollars can be saved on arrest, imprisonment and prosecution of marijuana supply and distribution. The same amount can be used for any other important work related to the safety and security of States. Though, the negatives associated with the legalizing of marijuana cannot be ignored but we need to find out some way which protects us from the adverse effects and provides us the benefits of marijuana.

Marijuana Legalization – Reasons to Support

The debate for marijuana legalization is hot in United States of America since 1972. In fact, the Controlled Substances Act was changed in this year. The new statement said that marijuana has no accepted medical use. After this act, many issues were raised by the people who were against or in favor of this act. But the truth is that there are numerous people in America who think that marijuana has good medicinal purposes and so should be legalized. Therefore, sixteen states of USA have now legalized medical marijuana.  

Marijuana is the name of a drug which is made from the cannabis plant. This drug has been used as a herbal medicine for ages in places like Asia and South America. But controversy arises whenever the question of marijuana legalization is raised. The proponents of marijuana also argue that marijuana is much safer to use in comparison of other drugs. These people say that synthetic drugs have more harmful side effects while marijuana is much better in this regard.

The proponents of marijuana legalization have got different opinions about the subject. Some of them say that it should be taxed like other items which will provide a control over marijuana. Others say that there should be a complete legitimization process for cannabis. There are some strong reasons that are often mentioned by those who are in favor of marijuana legalization. Those in favor of marijuana say that if cannabis is not legalized, the criminalization will put limits on the freedom of a person. It is also said that once marijuana is legalized there will be no job for the drug mafias. Marijuana can also be used in the clothing industry.

Marijuana legalization will result in decreased rate of crime. There are many medicinal uses of cannabis. It can be used in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, arthritis, neuro degeneration etc. The tax revenues can also be generated on the sale of medicinal cannabis. The marijuana legalization has got much more advantages then the drawbacks.  

Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal Uses – Is It Really Worthwhile?

Earlier, known as a gateway drug, marijuana is now recognized for its medicinal values. It seems quite controversial, but we can’t ignore the medical advantages of marijuana by just blaming it for causing addiction for its users. Medical marijuana is not only effective for the treatment of several diseases, but it has also become a medicine that is quite safe – in fact, safer than most medicines prescribed these days.  

Medical marijuana is quite effective in the treatment of many diseases and conditions such as cancer, nausea, diabetes, muscle spasms, appetite loss, vomiting, glaucoma, seizure disorders, spasticity, appetite loss and certain types of pain including chronic pain. The medicine is also effective in the treatment of brain cancer, lung cancer, HIV/AIDS and improving addiction issues related to alcohol abuse and opiate addiction.  Studies and researches have proved that medical marijuana can effectively treat the patients who are suffering from certain chronic ailments. Medical marijuana is an effective treatment for those patients, who need it actually, and, that’s why, legalizing marijuana for medicinal uses is worthwhile indeed.

Although, medical marijuana is available at authorized medical dispensaries, but, patients must have a medical marijuana card in order to buy them for medicinal use. Many states of USA have legalized marijuana only for medicinal uses and they have special registration programs requiring patients and caregivers to get a medical marijuana card. If you caught using marijuana without a medical marijuana card, you could be arrested or penalized by the local or state authorities for the violation of the state states.

It legally compulsory for all patients to have medical marijuana cards first so that they prevent any legal issues later. The biggest benefit of getting medical marijuana card is that you are provided full legal protection under the medical marijuana laws of your state. Getting medical marijuana card is not that much easy as you need a recommendation from a licensed doctor in addition to submitting other required documents to the Hemp and Cannabis Foundation of your state. You must also visit the licensed medical marijuana dispensary in your state. Of course, it require some time and efforts from your side but they are worthwhile for getting this naturally available medicine which effectively cures painful nausea, retard the starting of sight loss from glaucoma and help patients from overcoming the depressing without disturbing the hormonal balance of their body with no long-term side effects.

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!