Medical marijuana has become legal in thirty-five states, including Illinois, as a treatment for various diseases and specific health problems.
In Illinois, medical marijuana can be used to treat thirty-four different ailments, including glaucoma, HIV/AIDS and Tourette’s Syndrome. Doses for these patients are limited to two and a half ounces during fourteen day periods.
In a study of 1,446 doctors from 72 different countries and 56 different states and provinces in North America, 76% of doctors approved of marijuana being used for medical purposes. This study appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The legalization of medical marijuana should become a nation-wide act, because in addition to significantly helping those suffering from sickness and disabilities, it could also open the door to the legalization of marijuana for all of its possible uses.
According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, marijuana has the potential to be used for much more than just medicinal purposes.
The list of adaptations includes being used to make paper. This would stop deforestation, an ongoing issue that affects nearly all parts of the world.
Economically, all cannabis products could provide a large boost that is much needed. Based on an ArcView Market Research report in 2013, the national legal marijuana market is worth about $1.53 billion.
In the first two months of 2014, the state of Colorado collected $6.17 million in tax revenue on legal marijuana sales. This is significant evidence that marijuana products could generate much needed revenue.
Efforts are already being made across America to raise awareness of the legalization of cannabis in all of its forms.
Groups such as NORML, MPP (Marijuana Policy Project), and the Marijuana Legalization Organization can all provide more information on the subject. They can also be contacted if you wish to play a part in the possible legalization of cannabis.