The Rise of Legal Cannabis: An Overview of the Growing Movement Towards Marijuana Reform
Legal Marijuana |
History of Cannabis Prohibition
The early twentieth century saw the rise of anti-cannabis sentiment in the
United States. Fueled by racial prejudices and misinformation about the effects
of marijuana, numerous states began outlawing cannabis in the 1900s and 1930s.
In 1937, Congress passed the Marihuana Tax Act, effectively banning the
possession and sale of cannabis nationwide. Marijuana was classified as a
Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, indicating it had
"no accepted medical use" and a "high potential for abuse."
This cemented its status as an illegal substance under federal law.
Early Signs of Reform
However, views on cannabis began to slowly change as more research emerged
contradicting many of the earlier claims used to justify prohibition. In 1996,
California became the first state to legalize medical Legal
Marijuana through a ballot initiative. Since then, many more states
have enacted similar laws, showing increasing public acceptance of cannabis for
medical purposes. Another tipping point came in 2012, when Colorado and
Washington became the first states to legalize recreational use of marijuana
for adults through ballot measures. This kicked off the current wave of
cannabis legalization spreading across the country.
The Emergence of a Legal Cannabis Industry
With more states ending cannabis prohibition, a new legal industry has taken
form. Regulated markets for both medical and recreational marijuana have
emerged with varying degrees of oversight. Licensed dispensaries, cultivators,
manufacturers, and testing labs must comply with strict rules governing
security, labeling, potency testing, transportation, and more. Several US stock
exchanges have also allowed companies involved in legal cannabis to list
publicly. Billions of dollars are now generated annually as more consumers gain
access to a variety of products like dried cannabis, edibles, topicals, and
concentrates. Tax revenues are providing welcome boosts for state and local
governments as well.
Continued Expansion of Legalization
The movement towards legalization has continued gathering momentum in recent
years. As of 2022, recreational use is permitted for adults in 19 states as
well as Washington D.C. and Guam. Medical cannabis programs operate in 38
states. Public opinion has also shifted dramatically, with over 90% of
Americans now supporting legal medical use and about two-thirds backing full
legalization. Pressure on the federal government remains as its stance of
banning marijuana clashes with state laws. In late 2020, the House of
Representatives voted to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level, but the
bill stalled in the Senate. President Biden has expressed openness to reform
but has not aggressively pursued rescheduling marijuana. Meanwhile, new states
keep ending cannabis prohibition through legislation or ballot initiatives.
Medical Marijuana Progress
While recreational laws gain more attention, medical cannabis programs have
profoundly helped patients and transformed how many view the plant. Qualifying
conditions allowed under state medical marijuana programs continue broadening.
Serious conditions like cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic pain, and opioid
dependency are commonly included. Some states have also legalized medical
cannabis for more subjective conditions. The expansion of qualifying conditions
reflects an acknowledgement by more physicians of marijuana's medical viability
and reports from patients seeing relief. Increased research has demonstrated
cannabis' ability to treat symptoms or provide an alternative to prescription
drugs with harsh side effects like opioids. This positive medical impact has
served to further legitimize cannabis and weaken the arguments of remaining
prohibitionists.
Challenges of the Legal Industry
Despite progress, many challenges remain for the legal cannabis industry. At
the federal level, marijuana’s Schedule I classification presents regulatory
headaches and denies operators access to banking services. This cash-only
problem poses public safety issues. States have also struggled establishing
proper regulations and tax structures that curb the illicit market without being
overly burdensome. Further, the lack of randomized clinical drug trials means
many insurance companies do not cover medical cannabis. Stigma persists
regarding marijuana use as well. Concerns also exist over issues like potency
increases, youth access, impairment testing methods, and dependence risks
requiring ongoing research and policy refinement. How the industry interacts
with social equity mandates impacting communities most harmed by the drug war
is another complex discussion. Overall, as the legal sector matures, balancing
priorities of public health, safety and social justice will be crucial.
Future Trajectory of Reform
With more states projected to legalize or expand programs in upcoming years,
the total US market value for legal cannabis could reach over $30 billion by
2025. Popular support will likely continue pushing the movement forward.
However, federal action remains pivotal for realizing the industry's full
economic potential and resolving ambiguities that complicate interstate commerce.
Recent proposals to decriminalize or reschedule marijuana have shown bipartisan
support but face uphill battles. As research clarifies marijuana’s risks and
benefits, and regulated markets demonstrate responsible usage is possible,
reform advocates’ hope the US will eventually legalize and regulate cannabis
similarly to alcohol at the federal level within this decade. Overall, while
imperfect, the rise of legal cannabis exemplifies how public views and policies
can evolve drastically in a relatively short period.
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