Changing Minds about Cannabis

Changing Minds about Cannabis: Rough Draft
There has been a prevalent discussion over the legalization of marijuana over the last few years and it has been gaining momentum. There has been much enlightenment given on the legalization of marijuana in certain states although it is not legal on the federal level. States like Colorado and Washington have legalized it. However, state level legalization does not supersede federal laws and regulation. There have been many factors in these states that have made possible the success of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Normally, when stories like this hit the main stream media people only hear about the financial prosperity that the state has gained from the legalization of marijuana. However, what doesnt reach those front page attention getters are how the attitude and perception and overall facts on marijuana are coming to light and ever so changing. The attitudes and perceptions of the public can only be changed through learning the truth about cannabis. These facts have been, and are being publicized on the national level so that people can become educated and actually know the facts. Clear and concise regulations need to be introduced in tandem with the legalization of cannabis in order for it to become socially accepted by the vast majority of skeptics. Although each state may differ on the specifics of the regulations, they should be able to agree that strict regulations need to be implemented for the protection of the very young so the rate of pediatric incidences involving cannabis does not elevate to a level that is extreme.
There have been many concerns raised about the benefits of legalizing marijuana, the possibility of increased crime rates and the adverse effects it could have on young children.

The legalization of marijuana has many financial and medical benefits. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, over a four-year period starting in 2014 when they first legalized cannabis, revenue from marijuana sales has now topped $4.5 billion (White, Deborah. 2019, 8 July). If that revenue is taxed at the relatively normal 8% rate, the state was able to bring in approximately $360 million in taxes. These funds could be used for various programs from education to healthcare, thus relieving the burden on its citizens.
Medically, marijuana shows promise for many illnesses and diseases such as in the relief of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, HIV, neuropathic pain and the side effects of chemotheraphy. It does not have to be smoked in order for the patient to receive its benefits. However, studies show that more research is needed in order for its proper medical use to be determined (Morrow, Angela. 2019, 29 November). Again, the benefits of legalized medical cannabis could save citizens billions in medical costs as well as providing relief to chronic pain and unwanted side effects of certain medicines or procedures.
However, it is not prudent to just legalize marijuana without reviewing statistics in states that have legalized it first. Regulations should then be based on the issues cited in accordance to those statistics along with that states particular needs. Although many attempts have been made, we are far from legalization. One can only hope that the proper steps along with judicious regulations are being put in place to make legalizing cannabis the right choice for its citizenry and not just caving in to pressure.

In a recent study called cannabis and crime it was found that there was no evidence that suggested a significant increase in crime by way of cannabis usage. To be clear in most states possession of marijuana is illegal, but in these cases no further crime was committed because of marijuana (Pedersen, Willy, and Torbjrn Skardhamar 2010). In 2016 there were more marijuana related arrested than all violent crimes (i.e., murder, rape, etc.) combined. This, more than half-million arrests placed significant stress on our judicial system. It could therefore, be theorized that legalizing cannabis would greatly reduce the stress on our law enforcement systems. Of course, more detailed studies are needed before a solid determination can be made. If this were highlighted in todays media coverage when it comes to the conversation of marijuana, it could be seen as a very persuasive argument for marijuana legalization. Taylor West, former deputy director for the National Cannabis Industry Association, said, “We’re not seeing any increase in crime rates through marijuana. In fact, he stated that crime rates had fallen since the legalization of cannabis in Washington (state) and Colorado (ProCon.org 2018, 13 November). Studies over longer periods of time will verify or deny these findings. It would be in the best interest of all citizens to identify the exact reasons for the drop in crime before a link to legal cannabis can be made.
Simply legalizing marijuana will not be enough, regulations must be implemented at the same time that legalization is granted. Pediatric marijuana exposure is something to consider when legalizing cannabis on a federal or state level. Since the legalization of medical marijuana in some states, the pediatric exposure to marijuana has increased. There is not much that has been done as far as regulations regarding this issue which raises red flags (Wang, G. S., G. Roosevelt, and K. Heard 2013). However, no fatalities were associated with any of the exposures. Cannabis should never be given to a child without first consulting a doctor. There are recommendations to remember when there is legal cannabis products in the home. They include, putting the products up and away where small children cant get to them, purchase a medical lock box, talk to your children about marijuana safety and be prepared in case of an emergency. As state and federal governments investigate the merits of legalizing cannabis, they should treat it like all other medications by requiring that it is sold on child resistant packaging, that it doesnt resemble candy or childhood other treats and limiting the amount of THC allowed in edibles.
Many are changing their minds opposed to how they used to be in the early 90s and early 2000s about the legalization of marijuana. In those years it was perceived that marijuana was harmful even more so harmful than the use of alcohol. Still today, conservative religious demographics do not support the legalization of marijuana. Evangelical protestants a pose legalization by 59% and Hispanic Catholics oppose legalization by 55% however African-American practices tilt slightly towards legalization 53% to around 45% (Galston, WilliamA., and E.J. Dionne, Jr 2013). Growing up many children were told that marijuana was a gateway drug and it could not be legalized for that fact. However, there is no study proving that marijuana is a gateway drug and it is not a fact.
More than one study has shown that legalizing marijuana has not caused an increase in the crime rates in the states where it has already been approved. As more studies are conducted, a lower crime rate may prove to be the case as other states legalize cannabis. Also, since legal cannabis can be taxed, states might find the funds they need for projects and programs that will make life better for its citizens. In keeping with making life better for its citizens, ensuring that cannabis products are secure from the hands of children would go a long way toward garnering support for it legalization.

References
Galston, WilliamA., and E.J. Dionne, Jr., The New Politics of Marijuana Legalization: Why Opinion Is Changing, Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution, May29, 2013. As of December12, 2014: http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2013/05/29-politics-marijuana-legalization-galston-dionne
Pedersen, Willy, and Torbjrn Skardhamar, Cannabis and Crime: Findings from a Longitudinal Study, Addiction, Vol.105, No.1, January 2010, pp.109118.
Wang, G. S., G. Roosevelt, and K. Heard, Pediatric Marijuana Exposures in a Medical Marijuana State,
JAMA Pediatrics, Vol. 167, No. 7, July 2013, pp. 630633.
White, Deborah 2019, 8 July, Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana in the U.S. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/pros-and-cons-legalizing-marijuana-3325521
Morrow, Angela. 2019, 29 November, Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana, https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-medical-marijuana-1132484

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