Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, has been a topic of controversy for decades. Despite its many potential benefits, it remains illegal in most parts of the world, including the United States. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the reasons why cannabis is still illegal and why it should be legalized.
Why Cannabis is Still Illegal?
- Historical Stigma
Cannabis was demonized during the 1930s by government officials and the media, who portrayed it as a dangerous drug that led to addiction, insanity, and crime. This propaganda led to the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized cannabis. The stigma has persisted to this day, making it difficult to change people's perceptions about the plant.
- Federal Laws
The United States federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, which means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification makes it difficult to conduct research on the plant and develop new medicines.
- Lobbying by the Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry has a vested interest in keeping cannabis illegal. The plant has been shown to have many potential medical benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-seizure effects. If cannabis were legalized, it could threaten the profits of pharmaceutical companies that sell drugs to treat these same conditions.
Why Cannabis Should Be Legalized?
- Medical Benefits
Cannabis has been shown to have many potential medical benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-seizure effects. It has been used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD. Legalizing cannabis would make it easier for patients to access these treatments.
- Economic Benefits
Legalizing cannabis would create a new industry and generate tax revenue for the government. According to a report by New Frontier Data, the legal cannabis industry could be worth $146 billion by 2025. This would create jobs and boost the economy.
- Criminal Justice Reform
Criminalizing cannabis has led to the arrest and incarceration of millions of people, particularly people of color. Legalizing cannabis would reduce the number of people being arrested for possession and distribution of the plant, and could help to address some of the racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
- Personal Freedom
Adults should have the freedom to choose whether or not to use cannabis. The government should not be dictating what individuals can and cannot put into their own bodies, as long as they are not harming others.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why cannabis is still illegal, including historical stigma, federal laws, and lobbying by the pharmaceutical industry. However, there are also many compelling reasons why cannabis should be legalized, including its medical benefits, economic benefits, criminal justice reform, and personal freedom. It is time for society to have an open and honest conversation about cannabis and to explore the potential benefits of legalizing this plant.