Legalizing Marijuana in US, a Positive Outlook is the Need of the Hour
Marijuana has been one of the most commonly found drugs in the world. Also, it is considered illegal to consume marijuana in any form and it is liable to bring in penalties and even liable to put you behind bars. Medical uses of marijuana are many and for patients who have consumed marijuana to get relief from their pain from HIV/AIDs, or cancer or diseases like Glaucoma or Multiple Sclerosis, it is a boon in the time of unbearable pain in times of chemotherapy. Patients who have been prescribed marijuana are allowed to buy it in medical stores in 23 states of the US. Lawmakers and activists have been fighting to make medical marijuana legal throughout the US and also make it legal for recreational purposes for adults above the age of 21.
Story of four states
In the recent past, four states in the US have legalised marijuana for recreational purposes under controlled conditions. The states of Alaska, Washington D.C, Colorado and Oregon have brought in legislation which will pave way to adults above the age of 21 smoking marijuana legally. In most of these cases, they are not just allowed to smoke marijuana but also allowed to possess marijuana up to the weight specified by the law. They are also allowed to grow marijuana plants in their private residences for personal consumption. Sale of marijuana is still prohibited under the laws. Only designated shops are allowed to sell marijuana even in these four states.
Push for decriminalisation
There is a constant appeal from activists who have been fighting to decriminalise marijuana possession and consumption in the US. Even on the political platform, several candidates for the US presidential elections have voiced their support for decriminalisation of marijuana and medical marijuana being available in the whole country of the US. Medical marijuana has to be made legal as patients who need it, they swear by the relief it provides in times of intense pain from many diseases. Also, the lowering of marijuana consumption among high school students in the US is a positive sign and will contribute to the growing demand for decriminalisation. States like Colorado have made marijuana legal for sale; it has resulted in a substantial amount of money being added to the taxes of the state and provided employment to thousands across Colorado.
