The Future of Cannabis
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Curtis Fease
The Future of Cannabis
Even as the federal government maintains a strict view on cannabis, many states have recognized the wide variety of uses for the herb. From natural medicine to industrial uses, cannabis is quickly gaining steam and reaching widespread acceptance. This has happened relatively quickly, and it likely means that the future of cannabis is a bright one.
Widespread Acceptance
Just ten years ago, only 32 percent of Americans believed that cannabis should be legalized. In a huge reversal of public opinion, though, a 2016 Pew research poll saw this number now stood at nearly 60 percent. Support for legalization has been increasing since 2006, but Colorado undoubtedly changed plenty of people’s minds.
Once Colorado legalized marijuana use, the state started taking in huge revenues. In fact, they took in so much that they even needed a special vote to decide if the state should give some of the money back to taxpayers. Citizens voted against this and let the state keep the additional revenue.
This shows just how beneficial the cannabis market can be, and since 20 percent of Americans already live in states where cannabis use is legal in some form, the market will likely only improve.
Uses of Cannabis
Many of the people who are against marijuana legalization view the herb as an illicit drug, but in reality, this belief is folly. Cannabis isn’t just teenagers sitting around in their parents’ basements getting high. In fact, there are a variety of medical benefits that don’t even require smoking the substance.
Cannabidiol (CBD), for instance, is a cannabis compound that can be used in a variety of health items. From CBD capsules to balms, cannabis can do everything from relieving inflammation to fighting cancer. As it becomes more difficult for federal politicians to ignore these benefits, they will eventually be forced to reconsider their stance on cannabis.
The Current Outlook
Fortunately, the legalization of cannabis isn’t some fringe idea that only a few states have considered. In March 2017, for instance, a Virginia representative introduced legislation that would remove the federal prohibition on cannabis. One cannabis-focused publication even said the harsh stances of the new Attorney General could result in representatives and senators rushing to get widespread legalization.
In the end, the stigma of cannabis will completely fade away, and the government will accept the responsible and regulated use of medical marijuana products. Other forms of legalization will certainly come later, but for now, it’s very unlikely that those with medical concerns will have long to wait.
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