It is just after the 4th of July and Maryland is a few days into the ability to access adult-use cannabis legally. As we celebrate independence with this great nation, it’s important to acknowledge how far cannabis legalization has come in terms of freedom for adults to access and enjoy it safely. Currently, almost half of the United States has legislatively approved the legal adult use of recreational cannabis, with Minnesota as the 23rd state. The push for legalization is not just about the freedom to get high. It is also tied to social justice, such as expungement of marijuana-related charges, and healthcare, providing safe access to medical cannabis for patients. However, just because laws have passed that support the legalization of cannabis does not mean that cannabis is readily available. There’s still much work to be done in ensuring safe access and dismantling the stigma associated with cannabis.
The path to cannabis legalization has been long and arduous. Initially illegal in every state, cannabis use was criminalized and stigmatized for much of the 20th century. Only in the past decade has the tide turned, with more and more states legalizing it for medicinal and recreational use. And, even in states where it’s legal, there’s still an ongoing fight to ensure safe and just access.
One of the key issues that legalization aims to address is the expungement of cannabis-related convictions from people’s records, particularly those involving nonviolent drug crimes. These convictions have had devastating effects on people’s lives, making it more difficult to get jobs, housing, and loans. Legalization is essential for lifting this burden and giving this group of people the freedom to move on with their lives without the shadow of a criminal record hanging over them.
Another critical issue that legalization addresses is providing safe access to medical cannabis for patients in need. Medical cannabis has been used to support a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. In states where cannabis is legal, patients can access it without fear of legal repercussions, making it an essential part of their treatment plan. Legalization allows for more research into the potential medical benefits of cannabis, further expanding its potential uses. Legalization of cannabis leads to more freedom in healthcare.
Despite the prevalence of cannabis in popular culture, there’s still a significant stigma associated with using it. Legalization is a critical step in dismantling these stigmas and educating the public on the benefits of cannabis use. Cannabis is not a gateway drug, nor does it cause the violent behavior that opponents often associate with it. Legalization stimulates freedom for more open and honest dialogue about cannabis and helps break down the barriers that have been preventing many from accessing its benefits.
Finally, legalization is essential for ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can safely access cannabis. The war on drugs has disproportionately affected minority communities, who have been unfairly targeted by drug laws and enforcement. Legalization aims to address these inequalities by providing equal access to cannabis and promoting equity in the cannabis industry. Freedom for all!
National cannabis legalization is an issue that’s closely tied to celebrating freedom and independence. It represents a major step forward in addressing the stigma, inequality, and harm that has been associated with cannabis use for far too long. There’s still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has equal access to cannabis and its various benefits. We must continue to push for a more just and equitable society, where the safe and responsible use of cannabis is celebrated as a personal freedom. Let’s celebrate our independence by working towards an inclusive, equitable, and open society where cannabis is freely available to those who need it.
