Tomorrow is April 20 or 4/20, which is the day we discuss marijuana across the US. As of the beginning of 2017, twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Eight of those states, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Maine, California, Maine and Massachusetts have now legalized recreational marijuana. Yet, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug, the most controlled substance according to Federal law. Here is a brief history of marijuana laws from the folks at TruthOnPot. This is truly a travesty given all that modern science knows about marijuana and how it can ease pain and even PTSD. Yet, the pharmaceutical industry lobbies Congress to keep this natural alternative as illegal as possible. Yes, marijuana is not an end-all, cure-all, but an alternative that should be easily accessible by those who need it or want it. It should at least be able to compete on the open market with other drugs and recreational substances such as alcohol.
This is truly a travesty given all that modern science knows about marijuana and how it can ease pain and even PTSD. Yet, the pharmaceutical industry lobbies Congress to keep this natural alternative as illegal as possible. Yes, marijuana is not an end-all, cure-all, but an alternative that should be easily accessible by those who need it or want it. It should at least be able to compete on the open market with other drugs and recreational substances such as alcohol.
Taxed, it has brought in over $1b to the economy of Colorado with a reduction in crime. Isn’t it time we take a good look at marijuana laws across the country? Write or call your representatives today and tomorrow!
