Marijuana has come a long way since being demonized as “Mexican loco weed.” Now, two in three Americans support legalization. Judging by statistics from recent years, support will continue to grow, causing many to look to the future.
What is the future of weed in America, and how will it affect people in the country? Let’s take a closer look.
Marijuana Legalization Goes Widespread
It’s predicted that the majority of states will legalize recreational marijuana use by 2021. Some states are already poised to do so. Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont could legalize weed as early as 2019.
Other states will likely follow suit in the near future. Georgia is also moving closer to legalization. In fact, many people expect the state to legalize weed for recreational use in the next 3–10 years.
Reclassifying Marijuana
The federal government currently classifies marijuana is currently as a Schedule 1 drug. Schedule 1 drugs are not used for medical purposes and have a high abuse potential. Legalization advocates dispute this classification for a few reasons.
First, marijuana has proven effective for treating chronic pain and reducing the tremors experienced in Parkinson’s disease patients. It can also manage nausea and treat glaucoma. It may help alleviate PTSD symptoms.
Second, there is an ongoing debate on abuse and addiction. Medical professionals typically use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SM-IV TR) when defining addiction. This says that addiction is the compulsive use of a substance, even when negative consequences occur. This can cause an increased tolerance to the drug and might create symptoms when people stop.
Using this definition, it’s believed that approximately 10 percent of users are addicted to marijuana. While they do not experience withdrawal symptoms, some people do become psychologically addicted, which affects their lives.
Some experts claim that no one is addicted to marijuana, though, since it isn’t physically addictive.
Regardless of which side you stand on this argument, it is likely that marijuana will be reclassified in the coming years. There is a huge push to reclassify it from a Schedule 1 drug, and some traction has already been made.
The DEA reclassified some CBD medicines from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5. This is the first public acknowledgment from the DEA that marijuana has some medical benefits. It also could be the push the industry needs to get marijuana reclassified. This will pave the way for marijuana to be legalized on the federal level.
Weed for Sale Online?
The United States may follow Canada’s blueprint when legalizing marijuana. While cannabis is legal there, provinces have the power to ban recreational use. Still, people that live in those provinces can order the drug online without any repercussions. That means the provinces don’t have to set up dispensaries, but residents can still partake in the substance.
This could be attractive in the United States where some citizens don’t want marijuana dispensaries popping up next to neighborhoods. These dispensaries will still have a place in the country. However, expect online ordering to take off upon federal legalization.
High Times for Cannabis Fans
It wasn’t that long ago when marijuana legalization was just the pipe dream of a few. Now, it is a reality for several states with a handful more on the horizon. There is no telling what the future will bring, but it is highly likely that legalization will be widespread in the near future. States might keep some legal rights, but people will likely be able to use marijuana for recreational use soon, regardless of where they live.