Implications of Legalizing Cannabis: The Good and the Bad – Bonza Blog

Brief History: Spread and Acceptance

Historically and culturally, growing and consuming cannabis did not have the kind of reputation it has now. Despite movements to legalize both medicinal and recreational Marijuana, some people still regard it as taboo.

In the ancient times, cannabis use was favorable towards healing and livelihood. The production of hemp, for instance, was needed in textile and paper enterprises. Its fiber elements were also used in cultivation and animal husbandry.

As the years passed by and curiosity got the better of human beings, another kind of cannabis was discovered. This type alters the mood of the person who uses it. Because of this capability, the plant was used to relieve pain during childbirth and surgery.

Brief History

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From being a source of livelihood to being a part of rituals and treating various ailments, cannabis use spread from Asia to Europe and eventually reached America. Cannabis has a long-standing character not only as a multi-purpose plant but also beneficial.

It was only in the 1920s when word spread that cannabis is damaging and destructive to the society. Laws were enacted to prohibit its production, sale, and use. In the past decades, however, lawmakers, law enforcers, and leaders have looked into the latent approach on prohibiting cannabis. While this is the case, others have found ways of tolerating it and sanctioning its presence in communities.

Positive Implications

A. Economy

Positive Implications in Economy

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1. Income Increase

If a state or country opt to legalize the use of production and use of cannabis, the revenue will boost national income. Since processes will be streamlined, the conduct of businesses will also be organized.

There could be an upsurge of legitimate dispensaries. There could be a rise in specialized cafes serving cannabis edibles. Because of this, training centers can be built to offer courses and certifications.

There will be opportunities for software development and transportation management to manage inventories and handle deliveries. Further research can spur discoveries and innovation.

Legalization will prompt job creations. There will be a need for dispensary assistants, specialized chefs, scientists, software developers, drivers, journal/magazine publication companies, farmers, teachers, nutritionists, entrepreneurs, and many more. As the cannabis industry proper under regulation, the taxes imposed on businesses can be used for the more pressing needs of the country.

2. Disbanding of Illicit Market

Given that the production and consumption of cannabis are illegal, users and sellers tend to extract supply from the black market. No government can completely stop it as there is always a demand.

If a country would pursue legalization and impose appropriate taxes, the unlawful markets will be dissolved slowly. Quality cannabis seeds, final products and paraphernalia from legitimate sources will be accessible. Those people intending to work for criminal groups selling drugs will resort to having a legally recognized job. People won’t choose to do stealthy jobs or open underground businesses. This will gradually disband the illicit market.

B. Health

Positive Implications in Health

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1. Quality Assurance

Legalization will bring about quality assurance and safety. Users who intend to take it as a medicine can be properly inspected by a specialist doctor and be given the right prescription. With this, there will be control and overdoses can be prevented. A series of check-ups can be carried out to monitor the progress of medication.

Also, with decriminalization of cannabis, ailing people who need it won’t have qualms in approaching doctors for help. Both could get educated more about the cannabis effects without feeling uncomfortable discussing it. Patients don’t have to resort to self-help information or do-it-yourself methods of treating themselves. Physicians will be more responsible for increasing their knowledge.

2. Accessibility

Legalization will also enable the provision of accessible cure/remedy. Cannabis has been known even in the ancient times to heal certain human maladies. If it is readily available, patients or ill people can go to a dedicated legal depository and buy them with a prescription.

They don’t have to buy it secretly with chances of getting conned with low-quality marijuana or fake ones.

3. Triggers further research

With legalization comes growth and awareness. Many people, especially, the ones involved in the cannabis industry would yearn for more knowledge and understanding. Breeders will do more research on the best possible hybrids for certain diseases. Physicians will also take time to educate themselves about cannabis. Professors in the medical field will do the same.

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C. Law Enforcement

Positive Implications in Law Enforcement

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1. Less Violence

The existence and the boom of cannabis in the illicit markets causes tension among illegal traders. As such, when there are grievances among them, the way to manage them is through unlawful means, too. Revenge killings, robbery, and syndicate fights happen. These causes instability in the overall safety of the society.

With illegal cannabis transactions, syndicates will always be greedy of the profits they can enjoy. Police officers will always be on the look-out catching them unless they are on the take. If countries would legalize the use of cannabis, there is a possibility that there would be less hostility and tension amongst the people. The cannabis underground cartels won’t flourish, and the police can better protect the citizens.

2. Energy Shift

Fewer hostility yields to less violence. When this happens, law enforcers will be able to use their knowledge, time, and energy on more productive police activities. Rather than running surveillance on underground businesses or conducting arrests, the police force can allocate themselves in safeguarding citizens from other crimes.

Negative Implications

While legalizing cannabis brings potential benefits, there are also negative implications. Below are what could happen on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Negative Implications

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A. Unwanted Exposure to Minors

With the legalization of cannabis, there will be a surge in consumption. It will be a little trouble-free to secure edibles, drinkables, and the cured crop. There will be more dispensaries and retailers selling the products. If the surge continues, minors such as children and teens may be susceptible to unwanted exposure.

There may be accidental consumptions, too, if adults around the house are not responsible for storing cannabis properly. Such exposure may lead to consuming, causing minors to feel addicted towards it. The effects of cannabis on the youth’s brain development are not at all good.

B. Risk on Respiratory System/Illnesses

Authorized use of cannabis gives users a green light to consume more because it is accessible and permissible. Inhaling it puts the mouth, throat, lungs, and other pulmonary parts at risk. Problems such as gooier phlegm, cough, bronchitis, lung irritation, infections occur.

C. Leads to Use of Other Drugs

Because of the health benefits of cannabis, many users perceive it to be non-offensive and not detrimental to them. This thinking pushes them to try other heavier drugs. The craving for a euphoric experience, for example, may lead some to try out other drugs – the prohibited ones.

D. Addiction Rate May Surge

Without restrictions, users may get addicted to the pleasure they are getting from inhaling or ingesting cannabis. Cravings might be difficult to control and can lead to dependence.

Marijuana Drug Laws Implemented Globally

Marijuana Drug Laws Implemented Globally

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Across the world, there is a growing discussion about legalizing cannabis production, manufacturing, possession, trade, and consumption. Some understand the advantages and are in support of relaxing the laws. Some are still skeptical and are not in favor of tolerating its use in the society.

It is a great opportunity to be aware of countries who are revolutionizing or remodeling their laws to benefit from the legalization of cannabis. Already, many countries are finding ways to strike a balance between optimizing the medicinal value of cannabis and at the same time preventing addiction and violence.

A. Netherlands

In the Netherlands, selling cannabis to buyers above 18 years old is tolerated in a number of registered coffee shops. However, this is only limited to soft drugs. In addition, a buyer is only permitted to purchase a maximum of 5 grams per day. Smoking it in certain public places is not permissible.

Large-scale trade is prohibited, and coffee shops get their supply from third-party vendors. They cannot cultivate nor market it.

B. Japan

Japan imposes a strict policy when it comes to cannabis. However, lawful use, sale, possession, and cultivation are permissible. It is possible to get a license to research about and grow cannabis in Japan. The country encourages scientific advancements and, as such, they can grant licenses to people who wish to do so.

Amidst this provision, Japan’s laws when it comes to cannabis are very stringent, but they are fair to both residents and non-residents.

C. Spain

In Spain, people have enough liberty to enjoy cannabis. In terms of consumption, the country does not forbid it so long as it is done in private areas, such as cannabis clubs. Users have to be referred by a club member in order to lounge around the place.

Cultivation is another rule altogether. Growers can plant and care for cannabis but only with the intention of personal use., It should also be on private property. Cultivating cannabis for smuggling or trafficking, though, is considered an offense.

Many people perceive the legalization of cannabis as an undesirable decision because of the negativity associated with it. The beauty of differences in opinion surrounding this topic is that leaders are continuing to find ways.

While it is true that there are risks connected with its legalization, prohibition also instigates risks. In the end, people involved in the cannabis industry have to conduct themselves rightfully. Users have to exercise accountability. Law enforcers have to establish public safety. Leaders have to ensure well-planned laws.

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