Why should cannabis be legalized? There are so many reasons, but here are the ones on top of our list:
1. Cannabis can generate revenues.
Legalizing cannabis means that the government can regulate the sales of the drug. It means taking the power out of the hands of illegal cannabis growers and distributors, and disabling the black market. Because, let’s admit, the drug has been a part of so many cultures around the world for thousands of years, it is almost impossible to successfully prohibit its use. Plus, there is no denying its medical benefits.
Regulating the sale of cannabis means the government can impose reasonable taxes on the drug. Being able to generate revenues, governments will have more money to spend on various projects.
Just take a look at those states that have legalized cannabis and the tax revenues they have earned. Colorado, for one, earned $247 million, according to its latest figures. Alaska earnedd $4.7 million, Washington earned $319 million, and Oregon earned 465.4 million.
2. Cannabis can help combat the opioid crisis.
Canada and the U.S. are facing an opioid epidemic, with opioid overdose deaths at sky-high levels.
The good news is that, according to studies, legal cannabis has led to a 25% drop in fatal opioid-related overdoses. Legalizing cannabis provides people with a more natural and more effective alternative to pharmaceutical painkillers and conventional drugs in the treatment of debilitating and crippling medical conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, cancer, and many others.
3. Majority of Americans want cannabis legalized.
According to surveys, 64% of Americans want cannabis to be legal. That, in itself, is reason enough.
4. Legalizing cannabis provides pharmaceutical companies a worthy competition.
The reason why prescription medications are overpriced is because the big pharmaceutical companies that develop and manufacture these drugs dominate the market. Not having enough competition gives these companies the freedom to dictate their own prices.
Take for example conventional cancer treatment. Cancer patients spend up to $30,000 in out-of-pocket treatment expenses every year. The cost of cannabis is way less than that.
With cannabis being effective in treating a wide range of conditions, it will surely give big pharmas a run for their money. A constantly growing number of people turning to cannabis might lead to pharmaceutical companies dropping their prices.
5. Cannabis reduces alcohol consumption.
According to research, states in the U.S. that have legalized medical cannabis have shown a 15% drop in alcohol sales.
6. Others
There are so many other reasons why cannabis should be legalized. These are:
– Cigarettes are more dangerous.
– Cannabis helps you relax.
– Cannabis helps fight obesity and diabetes.
– Cannabis helps fight HIV.
– Cannabis can improve your sex life.
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