Cannabis Legalization: The Stuff You Want to Know
Now that recreational cannabis is legal in no less than 17 states, including Alaska and Oregon, and medicinal marijuana is legal in 36 states including Alabama, there are probably a few things you would like to know about cannabis legalization, but which you may feel too embarrassed to ask, so let us take care of some of the most pressing questions right now.
What are the differences between legalization, medical marijuana, and decriminalization?
Although there is no fixed legal definition for these cannabis-related terms, it is fair to say that legalization typically means that any adult who is over the age of consent to use cannabis can do so without fear of prosecution from the federal government or law enforcement.
Medical marijuana states will only permit the use of cannabis by people who have been subscribed to the substance by their doctors or other licensed health professionals.
Cannabis decriminalization typically means that anyone caught with cannabis will not end up in jail or do any prison time, which is one of the main reasons why the Last Prisoner Project is trying to quash the cannabis possession convictions of every last person in the US. I mean, if it’s deemed as not a problem in most states, why should they still be in prison, right?
Obviously, if you are going to use cannabis, you should check the legal status in your state and what that means before you go ahead, but in most cases, the above should be about right.
In states such as Georgia, the use of cannabis is limited to medical patients only. To legally obtain medical marijuana there, individuals must undergo a medical evaluation with a licensed physician and acquire a valid Georgia medical marijuana card. This process ensures that patients are receiving proper medical care and advice, and are using cannabis products safely and effectively.
Why is cannabis legalization considered to be okay?
Although not everyone agrees, supporters of legalization often cite the fact that prohibition has not only failed but failed miserably to stop people from both accessing and using cannabis. That’s billions of taxpayer dollars wasted.
Another factor is that minorities are far more likely to be arrested and do jail time for using cannabis, with black Americans being almost 4 times more likely to be arrested than whites, despite cannabis usage being similar across the board
Then, there is the fact that cannabism when regulated, is relatively safe, and when sold officially can raise significant tax dollars.
Is there a case against legalization?
The main case against legalization is that it will make cannabis all too available and that the “big cannabis” industry will market it too aggressively, which means that more people who would not have used the substance will rake it up.
Is cannabis bad for your health?
There’s never been a record cannabis overdose death, which means it may be less dangerous to use than other drugs. However, cannabis can become psychologically addictive in some cases (about 9 percent of regular users), Not only that, but if it is smoked, it could potentially damage the lungs, especially if it is mixed with tobacco before consuming. That being said, many experts believe that it is no more harmful than that very legal substance, alcohol.