Cannabis Legalization
The Different Impacts of Marijuana Legalization
Many groups across the world have been discussing the legalization of marijuana, with a focus on the health effects of the plant. However, it is important to remember that legalizing it can have different impacts, aside from making it an available option for medicine and recreation. It has implications on science and technology, as well as the society and the environment.
To know more about the various effects of marijuana legalization, read on!
The Impact of Marijuana in Medicine, Science, and Technology
Let’s start with something more apparent. With the medicinal properties of the plant, marijuana has been making an impact on these areas. Here’s what we know so far:
The State of Medical Legalization
Marijuana is completely legal in a few parts of the world, namely Canada, Uruguay and some parts of Europe and the United States. The non-medical use of the plant has been decriminalized in these places. Meanwhile, Thailand has been implementing medical marijuana laws since the beginning of 2019.
In the US, more than 11 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational use, while more than 30 states allow medical use. Meanwhile, the plant remains in the list of Schedule I substances, making it federally illegal. For some, the illegal status of the herb makes it more difficult for various researchers to conduct further studies about what the plant has to offer.
Federal Legalization Can Help in Cannabis Research Progress
Because of the restrictions posed by the lack of federal laws legalizing the plant, many advocates are pushing for the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019. This bill will decrease the hurdles faced by would-be researchers, making such studies regulated and legitimate.
According to The Hill, the proposed act makes obtaining the right licenses for research easier and more accessible. If you are worried about the implementation of rightful limitations to these studies, this law is expected to maintain safety measures that prevent misapplication and abuse of licenses.
An anticipated effect of the potential growth in marijuana research is that it can increase the quality and quantity of medical cannabis supply in the country.
The best thing about this proposal is that the bill will create a body of research on the plant. If this law gets passed, the US Department of Health and Human Services will issue a report discussing the status and results of the studies.
Cannabis as an Energy Crop
With the mounting concern about climate change, bioenergy is taking the forefront of energy research. The herb is becoming a point of interest for these types of development. According to experts, hemp (scientific name: Cannabis sativa L.) is potentially a great energy crop, which can replace currently used biofuel crops.
According to reports, crops that are currently used to extract biofuel is are actually bad for the environment. They disrupt biodiversity, require too much water in light of water crises in many parts of the world, displacing people and generate bad emissions.
On the other hand, hemp is a high-yielding crop that has a less environmental impact, which makes it a great alternative. Moreover, this can help in the production of CBD oil which is essential for the legalization and supply of medical marijuana. With the recently passed Farm Bill, this may be possible!
Social Impact of Cannabis
Aside from the medical, scientific and technological effects of marijuana legalization, the plant can also contribute to various social developments. Take a look at some aspects of the society that marijuana has affected.
The Racial Implications of Marijuana Prohibition
One of the most important things you should know about marijuana prohibition in the US is that it is closely related to racism. Before the great influx of Mexican immigrants in the 1900s, the plant was not prohibited. There was no federal law in place outlawing the herb. Come the 1900s, Mexican immigrants fled the grave political climate in their home country, leading them to go to the US.
After propaganda against “marihuana” was released in 1936, the Marihuana Tax Act sponsored by Harry Anslinger was passed in 1937. Anslinger claimed that cannabis was a “violence-inducing drug” connected to ethnic minorities, specifically black and Hispanic people.
Purging of Minor Offenses
Aside from the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, the Boggs Act was also passed in 1952, criminalized the possession and use of the plant. In fact, you can get jailed for two to five years and fined for $2,000 if you are caught with cannabis on your person. Combined with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which made the plant a Schedule I substance, the penalty for minor offenses became graver.
With the current developments in marijuana-related laws, some states are now allowing residents with minor cannabis infractions to appeal for the removal of such offenses from their records. Illinois, Michigan, and California are taking initiatives to make such expungements possible. This is good news for residents with minor cannabis-related violations as it can expand their employment opportunities.
Other states with such programs include Colorado, Maryland, New Hampshire and Oregon.
More Open Mainstream Perception
The media plays a huge role in shaping public perception, just like what happened with the anti-marihuana propaganda in 1936. As the media portrayed the plant in a negative light, the public tended to view cannabis negatively, as well. With the more positive exposure of the plant in various media platforms today, many individuals are now seeing the herb differently.
Various television shows, documentaries, podcasts, and social media content are shedding light on the benefits and cautions pertaining to marijuana use. With discussions about legalization showing up on many media platforms, more and more viewers are warming up to the idea of legal recreational and medical cannabis.
Increased Influence on Cultural and Intellectual Production
As mentioned, the warmer acceptance of the plant from media producers is contributing to the gradual open-mindedness of media content consumers. However, marijuana as inspiration for cultural and intellectual production is not a new practice. In fact, the plant has been used by various artists across human history.
From our ancestors to William Shakespeare to various legendary musicians from the 60s and 70s up to the artists today, the herb has been contributing to cultural and intellectual production for millennia. So, artists and thinkers from the height of cannabis prohibition are able to produce masterpieces with the aid of the herb, you can bet that legalization can increase the rate of marijuana-inspired production.
Legal Recreational Cannabis Increased Safer Use
If there’s one thing cannabis enthusiasts advocate, it is for the safe and responsible consumption of the plant. This includes consuming the herb only when you are of legal age. Well, legalization for recreational purposes just may facilitate responsible use among teens. According to CNN, states with recreational cannabis laws saw a decline in the number of teenagers using the herb.
Moreover, the legalizing it makes high-quality, certified and safe cannabis products available for consumers. With legitimate dispensaries, you can uphold a more responsible use of the plant with the help of highly knowledgeable budtenders. Legalization can also make cannabis-related informational resources available to individuals who want to know more.
Environmental Impact of Cannabis
As an energy crop, hemp is a great alternative to conventional crops planted for biofuel. However, there are parties who express concerns about the effect of expansive legalization of the plant. Check out some of them.
Exo-Related Concerns
- Water Supply
According to JSTOR Daily, cannabis is a “water-hungry crop,” requiring 22 liters of water per crop. This is just during the growing season. Some studies show that during low flow periods, these crops can even require water more than a flowing river can offer. So, hemp may be less water-hungry than traditional energy crops, but the fact remains that it requires a lot of water to grow.
- Wildlife Habitats
Another concern is that the large demand for the plant requires more land area than available. Some critics say that some companies might clear our forests to make way for crops. Moreover, the use of rodenticides and other toxic substances to protect the crops lead to the killing of various wildlife.
- Pollution
Because the crops need copious amounts of water, expansive cultivation can lead to the drying up of bodies of water. There are also concerns about huge emissions from cultivation facilities, making the industry a contributor to air pollution.
Regulation Follows Legalization
Now, it must be remembered that industrial cultivation is only allowed in some states, which means that these territories have laws pertaining to marijuana growing. However, federal legalization can help demarcate limitations to facilitate the responsible and non-abusive cultivate of these plants. With proper regulations in place, the government will be able to outline standards that can make growing the plant safer and more efficient, with minimized negative ecological effects.
Now that you know how legalization can impact various areas such as medicine, science, and technology, as well as the society and environment, you can responsible form your stand regarding marijuana legalization. After all, nothing beats a cannabis advocate who is aware of the advantages and disadvantages of their advocacy.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
Cannabis Legalization
UK Cannabis Legalisation – Where Are We in 2024?
In the evolving tapestry of global drug policy reform, the UK’s stance on cannabis legalisation remains a subject of considerable debate. As we approach the midway point of the 2020s, it is crucial to examine the nuanced progress and prevailing impediments that characterise the cannabis legalised UK landscape. Amid Europe’s second-largest market for medical cannabis, the nation continues to confront a labyrinth of regulatory hurdles and disparities that influence both patient access and industry development. Despite the advent of electronic prescriptions for medical cannabis UK law-compliant products, pivotal questions linger regarding the extent of prescriptive authority for General Practitioners. Moreover, the burgeoning role of industrial hemp in meeting environmental objectives further entrenches cannabis within a broader socio-economic context. Economic stressors, notably inflation and logistical bottlenecks, add layers of complexity to an already intricate CBD sector. Grasping the current state of affairs is essential for stakeholders keen on navigating the future trajectory of cannabis policy in the UK.
Context of Cannabis Legalisation in the UK Amidst Global Changes
As nations around the world continue to reform their cannabis policies, the United Kingdom observes and reacts to shifting paradigms that influence both perception and legislation of cannabis use. With countries like Germany making considerable strides towards a more liberal stance on cannabis, the UK’s position on cannabis legalisation remains a topic of robust debate and contemplation. Here we delve into the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation in Europe, emerging markets that impact the UK context, and comparisons with Germany’s policy approach.
Shift in European Cannabis Policies and Trade Dynamics
Recent years have witnessed a tangible shift towards a more progressive attitude regarding cannabis legalisation uk, with European neighbours like Germany signalling a broader movement towards normalisation and integration of cannabis into regularised frameworks. Such developments are poised to influence the dynamics of trade and policy within the UK, especially considering the critical role that Germany plays in setting precedents for liberalisation efforts. This shift, undeniably, prompts reconsideration of the current state of medical cannabis UK law.
Emerging Medical Cannabis Markets and Their Impact on the UK
The emergence of new medicinal cannabis markets within Europe, including potential frameworks being explored by Ukraine and France, offers an array of possibilities and challenges for the UK’s domestic cannabis industry. These burgeoning markets could serve as influential models and catalysts for change, suggesting that regulations surrounding cannabis legalised UK markets may feel a ripple effect. Such global movements emphasise the need for the UK to scrutinise and perhaps recalibrate its policy and market strategies to stay competitive and current.
Comparative Analysis with Germany’s Regulatory Landscape
Germany’s rapidly evolving approach to cannabis regulation, with its more lenient laws around home cultivation and possession, starkly contrasts with the UK’s relatively conservative stance. This juxtaposition brings to light the imperative for the UK to re-evaluate its regulatory approach amidst global changes. The pace at which cannabis legalisation is developing in Germany could serve as an influential benchmark for the UK as it navigates its own legal terrain on medical cannabis UK law and explores the possibilities of wider cannabis legalisation. This comparative lens underscores an evident divergence in direction and a call for potential adjustment within the UK’s cannabis policy outlook.
The Current State of UK Regulations and the Medicinal Cannabis Framework
In the sphere of British drug policy, the status of cannabis has long been a subject of contention and gradual shifts. As it stands, the country’s approach to cannabis legalisation in the UK remains cautious and splintered, despite the substance’s classification as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Since the resurgence of this classification in 2007, the UK government has maintained a rigorous stance on possession and distribution, levying severe penalties against offenders. However, beneath the surface,, a significant dialogue is brewing, especially around medical Cannabis legalisation in the UK.
Since November 2018, medical cannabis has carved out a legal existence, yet its presence within the National Health Service has been minimal. For patients, this often translates into the pursuit of expensive private healthcare. The irony does not escape us that while the domestic framework for prescribing medical cannabis remains tight, the UK is recognised as a substantial exporter of medical Cannabis on the global stage. Political figures like London Mayor Sadiq Khan are taking note, advocating for a reassessment of current laws, which may signal a forthcoming alteration in policy. While scattered police forces are opting for softer approaches, such as diversion programs, the legal constructs surrounding Cannabis, particularly medical cannabis in the UK law, are unyielding, with explicit criteria for eligibility and a marked avoidance of inhaled formats.
The industry’s evolution, juxtaposed with the intricate legal nuances, highlights a broader story of incremental change. Regulatory authorities and stakeholders find themselves at a crossroads, balancing patient access against a well-entrenched legal frame. Although reluctant to embrace a fully-fledged cannabis legalised UK status, there is observable movement towards reassessment and reform. The medicinal cannabis framework thus remains rigid but is undeniably being drawn into increasing dialogue, scrutiny, and, potentially, evolution.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
Cannabis Legalization
How YOU Can Support The Cannabis Legalization Movement
As you may know, cannabis legalization has been controversial for decades. Supporters of legalization argue that it’s about time we recognized the potential medical benefits of marijuana and stop spending so much money trying to fight the war on drugs. But opponents argue that legalizing cannabis would result in more teens using the drug and cause an increase in crime rates—and they have plenty of evidence to back up their claims. It’s easy to get lost in all of this information, but here’s something you should remember: You can make a difference! Every day, people all over the country are getting involved in discussions about cannabis legalization and making sure their voices are heard by elected officials who need to hear them most. Here are five ways YOU can support the legalization movement:
Learn about the history of cannabis legalization.
Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, and there are many positive reasons why it should be legalized. To begin with, cannabis is a versatile crop that can be used in a variety of ways. Cannabis has been grown for industrial purposes, food, and medicine.
Cannabis was used medicinally in ancient China as early as 2737 BC – far earlier than any other civilization considered to have an advanced medical system. The Chinese found that cannabis was effective in treating many ailments, including malaria, insomnia, constipation, and rheumatism (painful muscles and joints). In India, over 2,000 years ago, it was used by Hindu priests at religious ceremonies because of its calming effects on the mind (aided by its euphoric properties).
Educate yourself on the medical benefits of cannabis.
Cannabis is a natural medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, from depression and insomnia to nausea associated with chemotherapy. It’s also been shown to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels (this is why cannabis is often prescribed for individuals with hypertension), reduce inflammation in joints and muscles (which may explain why people who regularly smoke marijuana report less joint pain), delay aging (which also might explain why some very old people seem younger than they really are), increase appetite (that’s right—cannabis actually helps you eat more!), reduce neuropathic pain (i.e., nerve-related chronic pain that doesn’t respond well to other treatments), improve sleep quality etc.
It is important to be educated on the benefits of cannabis, and Deven Darnel is a clothing brand on a mission to continue to support cannabis legalization and decriminalization as well as amplifying the research done on it through those who support their brand initiatives.
Support candidates who support cannabis legalization.
In order to support candidates who support cannabis legalization, you have to know which ones they are. You can find that information through a variety of sources. For example:
- Ballotpedia has a complete list of all current and upcoming marijuana-related ballot measures in all 50 states. This includes not only whether or not a given state supports legalization but also what their laws are with regard to possession limits and other restrictions on the use and possession of cannabis products for medical purposes.
- Find out if your state has already legalized recreational cannabis; if so, research how it was done (i.e., did voters approve it at the ballot box? Was it part of an existing legislative bill?) and look into how effective those policies have been thus far (i.e., do people still get arrested for small amounts?)
Put pressure on elected officials to vote in favor of legalizing cannabis.
Did you know that you can contact your elected officials directly? Even if you’re not a US citizen, there are ways for you to make your voice heard.
If you’re in the United States, it’s as easy as visiting [https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative](https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative) and entering your zip code to find out who represents you in Congress. From there, all it takes is sending an email or calling their office with the following script:
- “Hi! My name is ____ and I live in ____ [town]. As a constituent of yours, I’m calling today because I believe that legalizing cannabis would be beneficial for our community.”
- “I urge [Congressman/Congresswoman] to vote yes on H.R., S., R., or whatever legislation will legalize cannabis nationwide.”
Join a national organization that supports cannabis legalization.
If you want to support cannabis legalization, there are a number of organizations you can join and help.
One organization is DCMJ, which was founded in Washington D.C., and has chapters in other states as well. DCMj’s mission is to educate the public about the benefits of cannabis legalization and lobby for reform at both the state and federal levels. The group also hosts events such as Smoke Out 4/20 gatherings on Capitol Hill to raise awareness about their cause.
Other national organizations include NORML (National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws), Drug Policy Alliance, Marijuana Policy Project, etc…
Spread the word with friends and family.
It’s important to spread the word about cannabis legalization. You can do this by sharing articles and videos on social media or starting a conversation with friends and family. If you have children in your life, it is especially important that they understand what is happening in the world of weed! It’s never too early to start educating them on the topic.
Get involved in your local community through volunteerism.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make positive connections with your community. You can volunteer at local events and festivals or find organizations that focus on the same issue you care about. Volunteering is also an excellent way to learn new skills and gain experience in your field of interest.
If you’re interested in volunteering for cannabis legalization, there are several ways you can get involved:
- Local groups like NORML or DPA often need volunteers for outreach programs, canvassing for signatures on petitions, phone banking campaigns, and other activities where they need help from people who live near the event. It’s important to contact these organizations in advance, so they know when a certain event is happening so that there aren’t any conflicts between what’s happening locally and what’s going on nationally/internationally (i.e., if one organization needs someone during a specific week but another needs them during another time).
You can help change laws that impact people’s lives and make the world a little bit better.
Now, you can help change laws that impact people’s lives and make the world a little bit better. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Join a local organization in your community. For example, if an organization in your area advocates for cannabis legalization, join it!
- Get involved with a national organization such as NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). You can find more information about this group here: [link to NORML]. They have chapters all over the country, so you should be able to find one near where you live!
- Spread awareness among friends and family members by talking about what’s happening with cannabis legalization movements in other states/countries; point out how important this movement is because it involves human rights issues, too, like freedom of choice or self-determination when making decisions on their own bodies/lives (which we’ll talk more about later).
Conclusion
We know that many people out there have a lot of questions about cannabis and what it means for the future. That’s why we want to encourage you to learn more about how this plant can help people in your community, how it was used by ancient civilizations, and even how it might affect climate change if used as an alternative energy source! We hope this article has been helpful in getting started on taking action for legalization as a new activist or supporter of the movement. But if not, don’t worry about it—we all start somewhere. So go forth with confidence, remembering that every little bit counts towards creating change in our world.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
Cannabis Legalization
5 Ways to Support the Marijuana Legalization Movement
The current state of cannabis legalization in the USA is a two-sided coin. On one side, 37 states have legalized medical marijuana, and on the other hand, 18 states where recreational use is legal. The fluctuation between these two numbers can be attributed to our country’s history with cannabis and their varying views on what should happen going forward. A recent report from CBS News found that 61% of Americans now favor legalization, up from 31% back in 2000. With public opinion shifting on this issue by leaps and bounds every year, there’s never been a better time than now to make your voice heard if you want to see an end to prohibition.
As a cannabis enthusiast, you may be wondering how you can help the country push for 100% legalization (at least medically). We’ve prepared 5 ways you can actively support the legalization movement and get the country to a place where the fears and myths about this healing plant are trending in the right direction, which is legalization.
1. Educate yourself about the benefits of marijuana
Marijuana is a plant that grows naturally in many regions of the world. It has been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy and was first documented by ancient Chinese doctors as early as 2737 BC. The medicinal benefits of marijuana are now becoming more well known because it is now legal to use it medicinally in many states. Marijuana helps treat chronic pain, nausea, muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or paraplegia (paralysis), seizures due to epilepsy, weight loss from HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks and nightmares related to trauma experienced during the military.
2. Let your voice be heard by contacting your representatives and letting them know how you feel
So you’re ready to do your civic duty and contact a representative about legalization? Great! Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your experience.
- Find what issues matter most to you in this area of legislation, such as medical use or recreational use. Figure out which representatives cover these areas, then find their contact information and phone numbers.
- Call them up on the phone! Most importantly, be polite when speaking with them so they can understand where you’re coming from. It’s also important not to interrupt them while they are talking because it might make them feel like you don’t respect their opinion or time.
3. Support local businesses that sell cannabis products
Cannabis products are now available in many stores and online. As cannabis becomes legalized, it is essential to support the communities that have been impacted by prohibition. One way you can do this is by supporting your local businesses that sell cannabis products. Another way is by raising awareness by wearing Legalize Marijuana Apparel to show your support!
4. Share articles on social media to raise awareness
Do you want to help legalize cannabis right now? If so, share articles like this one on social media!
The reality is that cannabis prohibition has failed miserably to prevent the use of marijuana in society. Prohibition leads to a black market where consumers don’t know what they’re buying or who’s selling it, which causes serious health risks. Cannabis legalization will create jobs and generate revenue for states with legalized recreational marijuana while simultaneously reducing criminal activity associated with illegal drug distribution. These reasons are more than enough to warrant sharing posts like this on social media.
5. Vote for candidates who support marijuana legalization in the 2020 election
America’s opioid epidemic is killing tens of thousands of people a year, and we are still struggling with the legalization of marijuana. It seems that the country has come to accept that medicinal marijuana can be a valuable treatment for specific conditions such as chronic pain or epilepsy. Still, there is a lot of confusion about whether it should be legal recreationally. The availability of medical cannabis could help reduce our dependence on these dangerous drugs. So do your civic duty and vote for candidates you align with and ones that support the legalization of cannabis.
Conclusion
The movement to legalize marijuana is gaining momentum across the United States. More and more states are considering legalizing the recreational or medical use of cannabis, so we all need to support this change in the law to make a difference. We hope you take these 5 ways and create the change we wish to see in the world today!
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
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