Category: Cannabis/Medical Marijuana

Marijuana grows in different parts of the world, and the initial production of the non-psychoactive hemp supported the development of fibers. At the start of the 18th century, Europe was introduced to marijuana when it was brought to the continent by Indian and African travelers, making it one of the last regions to encounter the plant and its properties (Madras 4). France would later pursue the psychoactive role of the plant to identify its medical purposes (Madras 4). However, during this period; it was notable that Cannabis caused anticonvulsant and sedative effects. The influences significant in its users came from the unpredictable doses, short shelf life, and composition from its preparation. The governments would later introduce restrictive laws due to the rising cases of intoxication, abuse, and high consumption levels of marijuana. From research, it would then appear that marijuana could help in relieving pain and handling chronic diseases and its symptoms (Madras 4). There has been a debate on the safe use of marijuana for medical purposes and its influence in economic growth. This paper provides support for the economic and social benefits of marijuana legalization in North America.

The use of marijuana for medicinal value is showing improved results in the population, especially concerning the health of a society that is eager to try a replacement for traditional prescription drugs. Research shows that marijuana is effective in the treatment of psychiatric illness that relates to depression (Drug Policy Alliance 3). It is undeniable that there are evident improvements in cognitive levels for individuals who rely on marijuana for medical purposes. Cannabidiol, a chemical element present in Cannabis, helps relieve psychotic problems in the population (Drug Policy Alliance 3). Through the use of marijuana, there are reportable lowering rates of schizophrenia in the community (Drug Policy Alliance 3). The chemical in the plant works through influencing a balance of hormones that induces relaxation in people. Therefore, marijuana offers a trustworthy and reliable solution to mentally related illness evident in the population. Patients who report using marijuana can resume their work relatively fast after a period of suffering from pain (Grinspoon 1). Besides, marijuana helps in managing weight loss and incidences of nausea on people. The plant also supports in muscle soreness by relaxing soft tissue, thus helping individuals avoid constant tremors if they have Parkinson’s disease (Grinspoon 1). Veterans exposed to traumatic experiences in war zones also reports high effectiveness of relieving from PSTD after using marijuana (Grinspoon 1). The different medical and leisure uses of marijuana influences the legalization of the drug in some states, especially those in North America, where new laws are being currently discussed.

Some of the social benefits of legalizing marijuana are the reduction of unnecessary arrests of the users. Reports indicate that there where over 60,000 persons arrested each year in Canada for possession of marijuana (Leyton 75), this number has been lowered since the plant was legalized in 2018. Through legalization, the number of such arrests will go down, and this will reduce the pressure on government prisons. Indeed, through incarceration of persons using marijuana, the government uses a significant amount of money for their upkeep. The funds saved from reduced arrests can help the government to support other development projects in the country. Besides, legalization ensures that there are adequate people in the economy to sustain its growth. It also helps reduce the social problem of breaking homes when one spouse is in prison. Such situation denies families, especially children, an opportunity to enjoy life and participate in social development through schooling. The children who lack such opportunities are likely to turn to criminal activities in the future. The overall impact is a generation result of an insecure society; by reducing incidences of arrests, the productivity of a community can be stimulated, where people can work to earn a living. It is detrimental to jail individuals with unique skills required in some industries (Leyton 76).

Further, the legalization of marijuana also influences a decline in the consumption of other drugs such as alcohol. In fact, people who consume Cannabis are unlikely to take drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol (Graham 1). The effect is reducing cases of illnesses such as liver diseases associated with alcohol abuse. According to the CDC, about 800,000 deaths related to alcohol consumption take place in the United States (Graham 1). The continued use of alcohol further leads to issues of violence in households with heavy users, resulting in the breaking of families where the alcoholics turn violent to their spouses. Legalizing of marijuana can reduce alcohol consumption by an approximate 10%, neutralizing the negative influence on public health caused by alcoholism (Graham 1). The improved health of society reduces the money spent on handling illnesses from drug abuse. A 2014 research in Germany documented that there is relatively no acute death directly related to marijuana use (Graham 1). The negative health consequences of marijuana are relatively low in comparison with hard drugs and alcohol. Therefore, marijuana legalization offers a reliable alternative to alcohol for the public, making it an exit rather than a gateway drug.

Besides, through legalization, the cost of marijuana will go down. Therefore, people can access the plant with relative ease, helping patients that require THC and CBD related medications but do not have the means to receive such treatments. Through legalization, it is possible for the governments to monitor the use of the drug in society. The authorities can offer training and seminars that guide people on how to regulate their intake. The result is an empowered society that understands both positive and negative impacts of the use of the drug and how they can control its consumption. While the use of marijuana remains illegalized, users will get misleading information from their peers, resulting in misuse (Graham 1). It is also possible for the population to identify the effective use of the drug and its adverse effects. Indeed, when marijuana remains legalized, it becomes easy for users to seek treatment when experiencing its harmful effects. The doctors will be eager to help such victims, especially those with addiction without any concern about the legality of their actions.

It is also notable that legalizing marijuana lowers the number of drunk driving, which is a significant cause of road accidents. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Law and Economics reports that 19 American states that legalized marijuana reported low road fatalities (Graham 1). Previously, before the enactment of the law, there was a high number of road accidents during weekends, especially at night. Laboratory tests suggest that people who take marijuana have their psychotic activity improved, and this boosts their attentiveness (Graham 1). The component makes such persons remain cautious as they carry their activities such as driving. It is uncommon to find such users underestimating the degree of danger as they drive along busy highways. The persons take precautionary measures such as driving slowly. Besides, the intake of marijuana mostly takes place at homes; therefore, the users do not need to move to towns or travel long distances. The low mobility of such persons reduces their potential to use automobiles as they move between different bars as alcoholics do. Through marijuana legalization, there is also a reduction of unnecessary police intervention on drivers to check their intoxication levels. It becomes relatively difficult for prosecutors to show that a driver decision suffered from impairment because of using marijuana (NHTSA 8).

States such as Colorado and Washington passed their marijuana legalization in 2012, and this has positively affected the study of adolescents using drugs in the country (Cerdá et al. 145). Before the legalization, it was difficult for the government to determine the extent of marijuana use in society. However, these states have enacted laws that allow people to plant marijuana for personal use. The move enables the authorities to provide information guided training on the population on how to use the plant responsibly. Therefore, issues of misuse of the drug in such states are relatively low. After the passage of the legislation, the non-user prevalence lowered in Washington (Cerdá et al. 146). The result is from recognition and availability of adequate data about the drug, and its associated adverse effects. The availability of information detailing the limitations and benefits of marijuana makes it possible for youths to make conscious decisions. However, when the commodity remains illegalized, information about its adverse effects on human health lacks enough theoretical basis. Therefore, teenagers get exposure to misleading information from the drug dealers, and this result in many of them becoming addicts. In Colorado, there was no major increase on teenage users of marijuana even after legislation, which shows that the move had no negative influence on non-users (Cerdá et al. 146). Indeed, the step was relevant in creating awareness of a drug that has been in use for long in society. The adolescents can now access positive information that boosts their responsibility in taking care of their behavior.

Economically, allowing marijuana use will increase profitability and generate income for the government through taxation. When it is legal, the farmers of Cannabis have to pay taxes to the government from the sale of their product (Leyton 76). The authorities get some money as a percentage of the products sold in the market. Besides, through legalization, the stores that handle retailer or wholesale activities for marijuana will also pay for licenses. The government gets significant money from the laws that allow these businesspersons to carry out their marijuana sale. Besides, these stores stimulate the need for the development of business premises, helping and sustaining economic growth (Leyton 76). Several people also get opportunities to work in these stores, allowing them to get money to cater for their basic needs. Therefore, there is stimulation of the economy for both citizens and their government.

In addition, by allowing marijuana use, it is possible for individuals to engage in large-scale farming for the commodity. Therefore, farmers get an opportunity to diversify their farming activities and target a broader market. The effect is the stimulation of products sold in the local and international market. Through the export of such products to countries legalizing marijuana, the governments achieve foreign exchange (Leyton 76). The result is the stimulation of economy and improvement of trade balance due to the rising exports. Large-scale cultivation of marijuana also stimulates the economy through the high demand for seeds and amenities such as fertilizers to grow the product. The influencer is raising the circulation of money in the marketplace that has the potential to boost the economy of the people. When operating on large scale farming of the produce, individuals also benefit from the economies of scale, which increases their profit even more. It is also possible for people to afford basic needs and create employment for others who work in their marijuana farms. The legalization further supports the availability of cheap raw materials for drugs that rely on marijuana as their primary component, especially those related with pain relief.

Legalization of marijuana in North America has several benefits that relate to the economic and social improvement of a community. The enactment reduces pilling of inmates in prisons due to the use of marijuana, lowering government expenses on hosting such people. Besides, the legislation ensures that people who consume Cannabis are responsible and understand its side effects. It certainly reduces the incidences of young people suffering from peer influence, thus resulting in taking the drug. The move further lowers the reliance on hard drugs and alcohol in the population. The substitution of alcohol with marijuana lowers the extent of impaired decisions, thus reducing road accidents for drivers. Economically, the legalization stimulates the creation of opportunities for marijuana farmers. The farmers also employ several people to work in their firms. Besides, the government gets a source of extra income through taxation and licensing of marijuana farmers and sellers. Therefore, the process contributes significantly to the improvement of economic conditions.

By legalizing the plant, governments will also regulate the harvest of hemp, Cannabis industrial brother. This subspecies has industrial properties rather than psychoactive and, as previously mentioned, it is widely used in the production of fibers. Hemp has many other purposes for making more ecologically conscious products, yet its cultivation is heavily regulated and traditional farmers cannot harvest it without several compliances (Cherney et al.). This plant, contrary to sativa or indica strains, grows without flowers and at a faster rate without needing too much water. Its industrial uses range from the making of fibers from its foliage to isolating protein from the seeds in order to make nutrient-rich foods (Cherney et al.). On a higher scale, hemp can be processed to the point of obtaining biodiesel and ethanol, relieving the industry from the dependence of fossil fuels while benefiting growers and their crops. The main economic impacts are providing considerable impulse in these increasingly promising industries. The current market value for only hemp related produce is well over $1 billion, making it a potential source of revenue for economies that allow its production (Cherney et al.).

With the information analyzed previously, it is appropriate to assert that by legalizing Cannabis, further studies will be made about the effects and benefits of the plant in order to make a reorganization that will contribute many sectors of the economy, while allocating resources for technological advances that will result in a more controlled usage. Despite Cannabis becoming a major player in the production of goods, its environmental impact is not concerning ecological agencies, as it has an overall relatively low carbon footprint (Cherney et al.), making it a superior alternative to oil related products and even other types of crops used in the food industry. If favorable decisions are made, Cannabis can replace industries that are harmful for the environment, making a shift into a greener society while benefiting all its members.

Works Cited

1. Cerdá, Magdalena et al. “Association of State Recreational Marijuana Laws With Adolescent Marijuana Use.” JAMA pediatrics, vol. 171, no. 2, 2017, doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.3624. Accessed May 26 2019.
2. Drug Policy Alliance. “Marijuana: The Facts.” drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/TenFactsAboutMarijuana.pdf. Accessed 28 May 2019.
3. Graham, Ruth. “Is Marijuana Good for Public Health?” JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2014. JSTOR, Daily, daily.jstor.org/marijuana-and-public-health/. Accessed 26 May 2019.
4. Grinspoon, Peter. “Medical Marijuana.” Harvard Health Publishing, January 15 2018. Harvard Medical School, health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085. Accessed May 28 2019.
5. Leyton M. Legalizing marijuana. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2016;41(2):75–76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764483/. Accessed 26 May 2019.
6. Madras, Bertha K. Update of Cannabis and Its Medical Use. Expert Committee on Drug Dependance, 2015. who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/6_2_cannabis_update.pdf. Accessed May 28 2019
7. Todd, Tamar. “The Benefits of Marijuana Legalization and Regulation.” Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law, 2018, doi.org/10.15779/Z38NK3652D. Accessed 26 May 2019.
8. Cherney, Jerome, et al. “Industrial Hemp in North America: Production, Politics and Potential.” Agronomy, November 2016, mdpi.com/2073-4395/6/4/58. Accessed June 5 2019.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as part of the federal government, regulates and controls the medicine markets throughout the United States. Consumers are not able to buy whatever they want, unless it is approved and deemed legal and safe by the FDA, regardless of the benefits to consumers’ health. Therefore, social problems happen when markets are not allowed to function freely. Consumers will find work-arounds in the system to get the medicine, or drugs, which they desire, regardless of the consequences, which then leads to increases in crime rates throughout the country. This system of both regulated and unregulated markets for medicine, or drugs, is a major societal issue existing today. The government has a history of not approving medications that have been developed to cure certain diseases. A contentious debate around this practice claims that the government often refusing the approve, or legalize, some medications so that they do not lose money by curing diseases, instead of just treating them. An example of this is marijuana, a natural medicine that has some proven results, but remains banned at a federal level throughout the United States. Some states have individually lifted bans on marijuana, some for medicinal purposes, and others for both medicinal and recreational use.

Marijuana, or cannabis, is the dried leaves, flowers, and stems of the hemp plant. This plant has been proven to provide several health benefits for people, while being 100% natural. These health benefits have been proven within studies to help treat some of the following conditions: chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, nausea, weight-loss, glaucoma, and PTSD (Grinspoon, 2018). As a result of these studies, doctors’ stances on the uses of medical marijuana for patient treatments have been changing. According to Dr. David Casarett, a palliative care specialist, “…I really thought medical marijuana as a joke, I’ve come to realize there really are medical benefits to medical marijuana…It’s a treatment that they’ve [patients] come to rely on (National Public Radio, 2015).”

Nixon’s war on drugs in the 1970s and the passage of the Controlled Substances Act made marijuana illegal across the nation at the federal level. This act placed marijuana, or cannabis, as a Schedule 1 substance, alongside drugs like heroin and LSD. There was no scientific, medical, or legal reasoning for this placement, it was more to do with Nixon’s association of marijuana with its counterculture (Martin, 2016). Recently, states have begun to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational uses disregarding the Nixon-era regulation, since there hasn’t been concrete proof showing harmful effects.

However, even with more states legalizing use marijuana is still not easily accessible to those in need for medical use since it’s use is strictly regulated by government regulations. As shown in the map below, only a handful of states have passed legislation deeming use legal for medical or recreational use.

In addition to the states that have legalized the use of marijuana for medical, or recreational uses, many states have taken the initiative to decriminalize the substance instead. Currently, twenty-two states have legislated that small amounts of marijuana, generally small, personal-consumption amounts, are considered local infractions, instead of a state crime. This lessen the punishment and avoids the possibility of jail time (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2018).

As a consequence of this market being so tightly regulated, it creates a social problem of accessing marijuana legally and thus creates a thriving black market for the substance. Due to current regulations, legal supplies of marijuana are controlled and is not available equally to everyone, while the demand for marijuana is increasing. As a result, marijuana is primarily still being acquired through illegal black markets, which then lessens the demand for marijuana supplied through legal markets to fall.

Through studies in crime rates, states that have legalized marijuana have been found to have decreases in their crime rates. In a 2014 study, after the legalization of marijuana the homicide and assault rates fell by approximately 2.4% for each year the law was in effect (Morris, 2018). Morris also found that legalization of medical marijuana appears to reduce the number of alcohol-related driving incidents (2018).

Marijuana legalization can also become a great income generating industry for states who legalize it both for medical and recreational use. The state of Colorado, the first state to legalize recreational use, reported tax revenue from the sale of marijuana for the 2017 tax year at $247,368,473. Colorado has used this additional income source to fund capital projects throughout the state, such as building new public schools, as well as dedicating a large portion to other public-school funds (Chevalier, 2018). The introduction of recreational marijuana has also created additional jobs within the state of Colorado. The Governor’s Office reported as of July that there were approximately 40,334 people working within the marijuana industry within the state (Chevalier, 2018).

If marijuana was legalized at the national level, the government would likely benefit greatly. If marijuana was introduced into the free market and the stigma associated with the drug was removed, demand within the market would increase, and producers would be able to grow more and increase supply as well. With illegal drug production, the costs associated with production are extremely high, thus creating a high price for the product as well. If marijuana was legalized then the price would be predicted to fall since the costs of production would decrease (Hunt & Pacula, 2017).

In Colorado, when only medical marijuana was sold the price was $7.98 per gram, but once recreational marijuana became legal the price fell to $7.19 per gram. Although as demand grew after implementation, Colorado’s supply remaining the same and caused a shortage in the market, which then caused the costs to increase to $10.20 per gram (Hunt & Pacula, 2017). The rise in prices in the legal market for drugs poses a risk that consumers might turn to the black market, or illegal markets, to purchase the drugs at a potentially lower price, thus circumventing the government regulations.

Risks will still exist with the introduction of market mechanisms of supply and demand whenever there are situations dealing with ethical issues. There are currently still many states that have not legalized marijuana, or even decriminalized it. One risk that can be posed with the legalization is not being able to control the amount of consumption. An additional risk would be the need to create a uniform set of consumption and sales laws across the nation to make sure only the correct consumers can purchase marijuana. Another potential risk would be if suppliers of legal marijuana were unable to meet the new levels of demand due to national legalization, which would cause consumers to still utilize black market options to get their product.

Until marijuana has been legalized throughout the nation, it will remain a controversial topic, with almost equal people lobbying for the legalization and against the legalization of the drug. Eventually the benefits of legalizing marijuana, such as health benefits, and increased tax revenues, and opening it up to a free market should become clearer. It has been a proven positive result for states, such as Colorado, where they’ve had legalized medical and recreation forms of the drug for a few years now. In allowing the product into the free market, this should create an increase in demand and increase the supply to consumers, which in turn would decrease the cost to consumers and slowly cripple the existing black markets for marijuana. The legalization would hopefully change how consumers view marijuana and marijuana-users. This would also allow states and the federal government to increase their revenues through taxes and to decrease expenses associated with pursuing illegal marijuana growers and dealers and those expenses associated with jailing those convicted on marijuana-related crimes.

References

1. Chevalier, Z. (2018, August 1). Recreational Marijuana May Be Big Business for States. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2018-08-01/the-legalization-of-recreational-marijuana-an-economic-opportunity-for-states
2. Grinspoon, P. (2018, January 09). Medical marijuana. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085
3. Hunt, P., & Pacula, R. L. (2017). Early Impacts of Marijuana Legalization: An Evaluation of Prices in Colorado and Washington. The journal of primary prevention, 38(3), 221-248.
4. Martin, S. C. (2016, April 20). Marijuana in the United States: How Attitudes Have Changed. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from http://time.com/4298038/marijuana-history-in-america/
5. Morris, J. (2018, September). Does Legalizing Marijuana Reduce Crime? Retrieved from https://reason.org/wp-content/uploads/does-legalizing-marijuana-reduce-crime.pdf
6. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2018, December 14). Marijuana Overview. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from http://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/marijuana-overview.aspx
7. National Public Radio. (2015, July 14). When Weed Is The Cure: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/07/14/422876973/when-weed-is-the-cure-a-doctors-case-for-medical-marijuana

Cancer is a type of illness that should be taken seriously. It is a genetic disease that is caused when cells are out of control, divide, and spread into surrounding tissues. According to the study by Joy and Mack (2000), 30% of all Americans will most likely have cancer in their existence. Many of the patients with cancer will live for years and two-thirds of them will not make it. Because of that, researchers not only aims to prevent and cure the illness but also drugs to create drugs that can make people with cancer’s life more pleasant and warm. Some of the patients with cancer do not have any experience of taking drugs. In 1992, there was a woman who proposed medical marijuana. Even though she never used marijuana, she was convinced to let her husband take marijuana as his medicine because when her husband started his chemotherapy, Their family doctor suggested they use marijuana to make him feel better. Although he died because of his cancer, according to his wife, Marijuana made his last month’s tolerable and he was able to endure the pain ( Joy and Mack, 2000). A singer and actress Olivia Newton was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer which started as a tumor that can be felt as a bump on the breast. After she found out that her breasts had a small limp, she underwent a lumpectomy and mastectomy procedure following the painful chemotherapy. After she had chemotherapy, she discovered that she had a bump in her shoulder so she researched a lot about her treatments on how to endure the pain on her back. She found out that Morphine is a kind of opium that can treat her back pain and also help her with her anxiety and sleeping problems. Morphine is a Cannabis or Marijuana oil that is used for treating pain. There are animal studies that Marijuana can protect tissues against the growth of a definite type of tumor. Also, it is an antitumor that may cause wariness of cell growth and cell death induction.

A 23-year-old, Cheyann Shaw was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in which the uncontrollable cells multiply in the ovary. Her life turned upside down when she heard the bad news. Before she knew her disease, she was a fitness social media influencer. She started her first chemotherapy in 2016 and it was painful. Her family talked about the she can use Cannabis as a treatment for the side effects of chemotherapy. At first, She was hesitant to use it because it is a drug and people would see her as an addict but in the end, she decided to give it a try. It changed her life because it works for her and she rarely experienced pain when she was using cannabis though she experienced hair loss and exhaustion because of the side effects of her therapy, she never gets sick. In fact, on the last day of her treatment, she already goes back to the gym. Another benefit of using medical marijuana is that it helps her in taking her food actually it helps her to bring her appetite back again as her stomach becomes sensitive and small because she underwent surgeries. She became a pro-cannabis because she truly believes that it helps her in fighting her cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the two cannabinoids which is dronabinol and nabilone can treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in patients who have cancer and it is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a therapeutic. A study held by the American Cancer Society has shown that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD can reduce or slow the growth of cancer cells in tissues. Some studies have also shown that smoking marijuana (inhaled or vaporized) can be a useful therapeutic for neuropathic pain and can also benefit HIV patients in developing food intake.

Marijuana grows in different parts of the world, and the initial production of the non-psychoactive hemp supported the development of fibers. At the start of the 18th century, Europe was introduced to marijuana when it was brought to the continent by Indian and African travelers, making it one of the last regions to encounter the plant and its properties (Madras 4). France would later pursue the psychoactive role of the plant to identify its medical purposes (Madras 4). However, during this period; it was notable that Cannabis caused anticonvulsant and sedative effects. The influences significant in its users came from the unpredictable doses, short shelf life, and composition from its preparation. The governments would later introduce restrictive laws due to the rising cases of intoxication, abuse, and high consumption levels of marijuana. From research, it would then appear that marijuana could help in relieving pain and handling chronic diseases and its symptoms (Madras 4). There has been a debate on the safe use of marijuana for medical purposes and its influence in economic growth. This paper provides support for the economic and social benefits of marijuana legalization in North America.

The use of marijuana for medicinal value is showing improved results in the population, especially concerning the health of a society that is eager to try a replacement for traditional prescription drugs. Research shows that marijuana is effective in the treatment of psychiatric illness that relates to depression (Drug Policy Alliance 3). It is undeniable that there are evident improvements in cognitive levels for individuals who rely on marijuana for medical purposes. Cannabidiol, a chemical element present in Cannabis, helps relieve psychotic problems in the population (Drug Policy Alliance 3). Through the use of marijuana, there are reportable lowering rates of schizophrenia in the community (Drug Policy Alliance 3). The chemical in the plant works through influencing a balance of hormones that induces relaxation in people. Therefore, marijuana offers a trustworthy and reliable solution to mentally related illness evident in the population. Patients who report using marijuana can resume their work relatively fast after a period of suffering from pain (Grinspoon 1). Besides, marijuana helps in managing weight loss and incidences of nausea on people. The plant also supports in muscle soreness by relaxing soft tissue, thus helping individuals avoid constant tremors if they have Parkinson’s disease (Grinspoon 1). Veterans exposed to traumatic experiences in war zones also reports high effectiveness of relieving from PSTD after using marijuana (Grinspoon 1). The different medical and leisure uses of marijuana influences the legalization of the drug in some states, especially those in North America, where new laws are being currently discussed.

Some of the social benefits of legalizing marijuana are the reduction of unnecessary arrests of the users. Reports indicate that there where over 60,000 persons arrested each year in Canada for possession of marijuana (Leyton 75), this number has been lowered since the plant was legalized in 2018. Through legalization, the number of such arrests will go down, and this will reduce the pressure on government prisons. Indeed, through incarceration of persons using marijuana, the government uses a significant amount of money for their upkeep. The funds saved from reduced arrests can help the government to support other development projects in the country. Besides, legalization ensures that there are adequate people in the economy to sustain its growth. It also helps reduce the social problem of breaking homes when one spouse is in prison. Such situation denies families, especially children, an opportunity to enjoy life and participate in social development through schooling. The children who lack such opportunities are likely to turn to criminal activities in the future. The overall impact is a generation result of an insecure society; by reducing incidences of arrests, the productivity of a community can be stimulated, where people can work to earn a living. It is detrimental to jail individuals with unique skills required in some industries (Leyton 76).

Further, the legalization of marijuana also influences a decline in the consumption of other drugs such as alcohol. In fact, people who consume Cannabis are unlikely to take drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol (Graham 1). The effect is reducing cases of illnesses such as liver diseases associated with alcohol abuse. According to the CDC, about 800,000 deaths related to alcohol consumption take place in the United States (Graham 1). The continued use of alcohol further leads to issues of violence in households with heavy users, resulting in the breaking of families where the alcoholics turn violent to their spouses. Legalizing of marijuana can reduce alcohol consumption by an approximate 10%, neutralizing the negative influence on public health caused by alcoholism (Graham 1). The improved health of society reduces the money spent on handling illnesses from drug abuse. A 2014 research in Germany documented that there is relatively no acute death directly related to marijuana use (Graham 1). The negative health consequences of marijuana are relatively low in comparison with hard drugs and alcohol. Therefore, marijuana legalization offers a reliable alternative to alcohol for the public, making it an exit rather than a gateway drug.

Besides, through legalization, the cost of marijuana will go down. Therefore, people can access the plant with relative ease, helping patients that require THC and CBD related medications but do not have the means to receive such treatments. Through legalization, it is possible for the governments to monitor the use of the drug in society. The authorities can offer training and seminars that guide people on how to regulate their intake. The result is an empowered society that understands both positive and negative impacts of the use of the drug and how they can control its consumption. While the use of marijuana remains illegalized, users will get misleading information from their peers, resulting in misuse (Graham 1). It is also possible for the population to identify the effective use of the drug and its adverse effects. Indeed, when marijuana remains legalized, it becomes easy for users to seek treatment when experiencing its harmful effects. The doctors will be eager to help such victims, especially those with addiction without any concern about the legality of their actions.

It is also notable that legalizing marijuana lowers the number of drunk driving, which is a significant cause of road accidents. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Law and Economics reports that 19 American states that legalized marijuana reported low road fatalities (Graham 1). Previously, before the enactment of the law, there was a high number of road accidents during weekends, especially at night. Laboratory tests suggest that people who take marijuana have their psychotic activity improved, and this boosts their attentiveness (Graham 1). The component makes such persons remain cautious as they carry their activities such as driving. It is uncommon to find such users underestimating the degree of danger as they drive along busy highways. The persons take precautionary measures such as driving slowly. Besides, the intake of marijuana mostly takes place at homes; therefore, the users do not need to move to towns or travel long distances. The low mobility of such persons reduces their potential to use automobiles as they move between different bars as alcoholics do. Through marijuana legalization, there is also a reduction of unnecessary police intervention on drivers to check their intoxication levels. It becomes relatively difficult for prosecutors to show that a driver decision suffered from impairment because of using marijuana (NHTSA 8).

States such as Colorado and Washington passed their marijuana legalization in 2012, and this has positively affected the study of adolescents using drugs in the country (Cerdá et al. 145). Before the legalization, it was difficult for the government to determine the extent of marijuana use in society. However, these states have enacted laws that allow people to plant marijuana for personal use. The move enables the authorities to provide information guided training on the population on how to use the plant responsibly. Therefore, issues of misuse of the drug in such states are relatively low. After the passage of the legislation, the non-user prevalence lowered in Washington (Cerdá et al. 146). The result is from recognition and availability of adequate data about the drug, and its associated adverse effects. The availability of information detailing the limitations and benefits of marijuana makes it possible for youths to make conscious decisions. However, when the commodity remains illegalized, information about its adverse effects on human health lacks enough theoretical basis. Therefore, teenagers get exposure to misleading information from the drug dealers, and this result in many of them becoming addicts. In Colorado, there was no major increase on teenage users of marijuana even after legislation, which shows that the move had no negative influence on non-users (Cerdá et al. 146). Indeed, the step was relevant in creating awareness of a drug that has been in use for long in society. The adolescents can now access positive information that boosts their responsibility in taking care of their behavior.

Economically, allowing marijuana use will increase profitability and generate income for the government through taxation. When it is legal, the farmers of Cannabis have to pay taxes to the government from the sale of their product (Leyton 76). The authorities get some money as a percentage of the products sold in the market. Besides, through legalization, the stores that handle retailer or wholesale activities for marijuana will also pay for licenses. The government gets significant money from the laws that allow these businesspersons to carry out their marijuana sale. Besides, these stores stimulate the need for the development of business premises, helping and sustaining economic growth (Leyton 76). Several people also get opportunities to work in these stores, allowing them to get money to cater for their basic needs. Therefore, there is stimulation of the economy for both citizens and their government.

In addition, by allowing marijuana use, it is possible for individuals to engage in large-scale farming for the commodity. Therefore, farmers get an opportunity to diversify their farming activities and target a broader market. The effect is the stimulation of products sold in the local and international market. Through the export of such products to countries legalizing marijuana, the governments achieve foreign exchange (Leyton 76). The result is the stimulation of economy and improvement of trade balance due to the rising exports. Large-scale cultivation of marijuana also stimulates the economy through the high demand for seeds and amenities such as fertilizers to grow the product. The influencer is raising the circulation of money in the marketplace that has the potential to boost the economy of the people. When operating on large scale farming of the produce, individuals also benefit from the economies of scale, which increases their profit even more. It is also possible for people to afford basic needs and create employment for others who work in their marijuana farms. The legalization further supports the availability of cheap raw materials for drugs that rely on marijuana as their primary component, especially those related with pain relief.

Legalization of marijuana in North America has several benefits that relate to the economic and social improvement of a community. The enactment reduces pilling of inmates in prisons due to the use of marijuana, lowering government expenses on hosting such people. Besides, the legislation ensures that people who consume Cannabis are responsible and understand its side effects. It certainly reduces the incidences of young people suffering from peer influence, thus resulting in taking the drug. The move further lowers the reliance on hard drugs and alcohol in the population. The substitution of alcohol with marijuana lowers the extent of impaired decisions, thus reducing road accidents for drivers. Economically, the legalization stimulates the creation of opportunities for marijuana farmers. The farmers also employ several people to work in their firms. Besides, the government gets a source of extra income through taxation and licensing of marijuana farmers and sellers. Therefore, the process contributes significantly to the improvement of economic conditions.

By legalizing the plant, governments will also regulate the harvest of hemp, Cannabis industrial brother. This subspecies has industrial properties rather than psychoactive and, as previously mentioned, it is widely used in the production of fibers. Hemp has many other purposes for making more ecologically conscious products, yet its cultivation is heavily regulated and traditional farmers cannot harvest it without several compliances (Cherney et al.). This plant, contrary to sativa or indica strains, grows without flowers and at a faster rate without needing too much water. Its industrial uses range from the making of fibers from its foliage to isolating protein from the seeds in order to make nutrient-rich foods (Cherney et al.). On a higher scale, hemp can be processed to the point of obtaining biodiesel and ethanol, relieving the industry from the dependence of fossil fuels while benefiting growers and their crops. The main economic impacts are providing considerable impulse in these increasingly promising industries. The current market value for only hemp related produce is well over $1 billion, making it a potential source of revenue for economies that allow its production (Cherney et al.).

With the information analyzed previously, it is appropriate to assert that by legalizing Cannabis, further studies will be made about the effects and benefits of the plant in order to make a reorganization that will contribute many sectors of the economy, while allocating resources for technological advances that will result in a more controlled usage. Despite Cannabis becoming a major player in the production of goods, its environmental impact is not concerning ecological agencies, as it has an overall relatively low carbon footprint (Cherney et al.), making it a superior alternative to oil related products and even other types of crops used in the food industry. If favorable decisions are made, Cannabis can replace industries that are harmful for the environment, making a shift into a greener society while benefiting all its members.

Works Cited

1. Cerdá, Magdalena et al. “Association of State Recreational Marijuana Laws With Adolescent Marijuana Use.” JAMA pediatrics, vol. 171, no. 2, 2017, doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.3624. Accessed May 26 2019.
2. Drug Policy Alliance. “Marijuana: The Facts.” drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/TenFactsAboutMarijuana.pdf. Accessed 28 May 2019.
3. Graham, Ruth. “Is Marijuana Good for Public Health?” JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2014. JSTOR, Daily, daily.jstor.org/marijuana-and-public-health/. Accessed 26 May 2019.
4. Grinspoon, Peter. “Medical Marijuana.” Harvard Health Publishing, January 15 2018. Harvard Medical School, health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085. Accessed May 28 2019.
5. Leyton M. Legalizing marijuana. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2016;41(2):75–76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764483/. Accessed 26 May 2019.
6. Madras, Bertha K. Update of Cannabis and Its Medical Use. Expert Committee on Drug Dependance, 2015. who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/6_2_cannabis_update.pdf. Accessed May 28 2019
7. Todd, Tamar. “The Benefits of Marijuana Legalization and Regulation.” Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law, 2018, doi.org/10.15779/Z38NK3652D. Accessed 26 May 2019.
8. Cherney, Jerome, et al. “Industrial Hemp in North America: Production, Politics and Potential.” Agronomy, November 2016, mdpi.com/2073-4395/6/4/58. Accessed June 5 2019.

Cancer is a type of illness that should be taken seriously. It is a genetic disease that is caused when cells are out of control, divide, and spread into surrounding tissues. According to the study by Joy and Mack (2000), 30% of all Americans will most likely have cancer in their existence. Many of the patients with cancer will live for years and two-thirds of them will not make it. Because of that, researchers not only aims to prevent and cure the illness but also drugs to create drugs that can make people with cancer’s life more pleasant and warm. Some of the patients with cancer do not have any experience of taking drugs. In 1992, there was a woman who proposed medical marijuana. Even though she never used marijuana, she was convinced to let her husband take marijuana as his medicine because when her husband started his chemotherapy, Their family doctor suggested they use marijuana to make him feel better. Although he died because of his cancer, according to his wife, Marijuana made his last month’s tolerable and he was able to endure the pain ( Joy and Mack, 2000). A singer and actress Olivia Newton was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer which started as a tumor that can be felt as a bump on the breast. After she found out that her breasts had a small limp, she underwent a lumpectomy and mastectomy procedure following the painful chemotherapy. After she had chemotherapy, she discovered that she had a bump in her shoulder so she researched a lot about her treatments on how to endure the pain on her back. She found out that Morphine is a kind of opium that can treat her back pain and also help her with her anxiety and sleeping problems. Morphine is a Cannabis or Marijuana oil that is used for treating pain. There are animal studies that Marijuana can protect tissues against the growth of a definite type of tumor. Also, it is an antitumor that may cause wariness of cell growth and cell death induction.

A 23-year-old, Cheyann Shaw was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in which the uncontrollable cells multiply in the ovary. Her life turned upside down when she heard the bad news. Before she knew her disease, she was a fitness social media influencer. She started her first chemotherapy in 2016 and it was painful. Her family talked about the she can use Cannabis as a treatment for the side effects of chemotherapy. At first, She was hesitant to use it because it is a drug and people would see her as an addict but in the end, she decided to give it a try. It changed her life because it works for her and she rarely experienced pain when she was using cannabis though she experienced hair loss and exhaustion because of the side effects of her therapy, she never gets sick. In fact, on the last day of her treatment, she already goes back to the gym. Another benefit of using medical marijuana is that it helps her in taking her food actually it helps her to bring her appetite back again as her stomach becomes sensitive and small because she underwent surgeries. She became a pro-cannabis because she truly believes that it helps her in fighting her cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the two cannabinoids which is dronabinol and nabilone can treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in patients who have cancer and it is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a therapeutic. A study held by the American Cancer Society has shown that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD can reduce or slow the growth of cancer cells in tissues. Some studies have also shown that smoking marijuana (inhaled or vaporized) can be a useful therapeutic for neuropathic pain and can also benefit HIV patients in developing food intake.