Advantages of legalizing cannabis in the United States

Cannabis, also called marijuana, is an illegal psychoactive plant almost everywhere but used globally.

The cannabis plant includes more than 100 different cannabinoids, the most important being cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, while CBD contains relaxing and non-psychotropic properties.

There are also synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) developed by pharmaceutical companies, which have psychoactive effects similar to those of real cannabis, available in blends, powders, tablets and capsules, which are used to combat many conditions such as insomnia and anxiety, or to relieve the muscular pain.

It is precisely the studies and uses made of cannabis in the medical field that have contributed to the legalization by some states, Americans who with their in-depth studies have proven its effectiveness and total safety.

Cannabis is legal in 36 states for medical use, and legal for recreational use in 19.

Under the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE), the federal ban on cannabis has been lifted, however, the decision on the legalization of cannabis is being transferred to the states. And given the hypothetical revenues, we have no doubt that other countries will give the green light to regulate the cannabis sector in their state.

Reports reveal that cannabis legalization generated sales of up to $ 25 billion in 2021, representing a 43% increase in sales generated. Table 1 lists the states where recreational cannabis use for adults is legal.

Cannabis was first legalized for recreational use in 2012, in the states of Washington and Colorado.

According to reports, the current employment status for the cannabis industry is around 250,000 full-time jobs. With the federal legalization of cannabis, it is estimated that it could lead to the generation of $ 128.8 million in tax revenue. The generation of these tax revenues involves the replenishment of state funds and the management of the economic and pandemic crisis. Enforcement of cannabis legalization also tends to antagonize drug trafficking and significantly impacts drug cartel revenues. Criminal justice also benefits from the legalization of cannabis in the United States. The relatively minor burden of drug banning cases can make it easier for the justice system to handle other cases. The legalization of cannabis also diverts time, money and other resources towards real crimes.

The effects of legalization certainly benefit consumer safety.

In fact, in the states where cannabis is illegal, consumers are still forced to turn to the black market, often finding a low quality product, certainly treated with pesticides and perhaps also with other toxic substances.

The legalization of cannabis, on the other hand, causes the governments of the states in question to institute laws and regulations regarding laboratory tests on the quality, the concentration of cannabinoids and the guarantee that cannabis is free of dangerous substances. The legalization of cannabis only affects the adult population (21 years old).