There are debates going around about the medical and economic benefits of legalizing cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes. As of now, more than thirty states have legalized the use of cannabis for either recreational or medicinal use.
However, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a schedule drug and a controlled substance, makeing it illegal to possess cannabis in states where they are restricted. The national marijuana sentiment is divided among those who believe it is good for the nation and those who wish to criminalize the use or possession of marijuana completely.
Here is a list of the states where people can consume cannabis for recreational purposes.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
Even if marijuana is fully legal in a state, the individual laws dictate a certain amount one can possess or carry at a given time. Each state has its own restrictions as some only allow consumption for medicinal purposes while some states permit only low THC products.
The Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana
The sentiments regarding national marijuana are in favor and in support of legalizing cannabis. Whereas, according to research by Pew Research Center, more than ninety percent of the Americans support the legalization of marijuana owing to the health benefits.
Here are several potential health benefits of marijuana.
- Nausea: Cannabis is effective in relieving vomiting and nausea. Studies have shown that marijuana can effectively decrease the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, and completely eliminate vomiting.
- Muscle Relaxant: Marijuana can help alleviate muscle spasms and tightness that are often associated with paralysis and multiple sclerosis.
- Appetite: It can help cure appetite loss associated with various conditions such as HIV or AIDS and other common problems. Even patients with anorexia find marijuana useful to stimulate the feeling of being hungry.
- Chronic Pain: Marijuana can relieve a variety of chronic pains caused by different conditions. It can even help alleviate pain caused by nerve damage.
Below are the arguments in favor of using marijuana for medicinal purposes.
1. It Is Safe
Doctors often prescribe different types of medicines made from opioids for pain management. But, opioids are highly addictive and are not ideal for managing long-term chronic pain.
However, marijuana is much safer than opioids and is arguably more effective in managing long-term pain.
2. Multi-Purpose
Contradictory to popular belief, you do not need to smoke marijuana to get the benefits. There are various kinds of products such as cannabidiol oil, topical pain relief treatments, gummies, edibles, and other forms of non-smoking application
3. You Don’t Need To Get High On Marijuana To Attain The Benefits
As researchers start to explore, more and more they are finding the benefits of marijuana in the individual compounds. Isolated compounds like CBD have been identified as treatments that do not cause the “marijuana high” but still provide its benefits.
4. It Is Completely Natural
People have been using marijuana in different forms for centuries as a natural medicinal agent that gives good results.
The use of marijuana remains controversial, but it is surely gaining popularity and acceptance by people around the nation. If you are planning to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, you must consult with your family doctor beforehand. They will help you determine what strain or type of cannabis product is the best for you.
