Marijuana has been one of the most debated topics in the USA for more than 50 years, as it was a banned item in the country. However, many of the states have now lifted the ban on this. Till the month of April of the last year, already 38 states of the country have lifted the ban on Marijuana. The following states are also among them:
- District of Columbia
Ohio State has also joined this bandwagon on November 7, 2023. As a result, politicians are these days discussing the following:
- Public health
- Workplace safety
- Criminal justice reform
- Economic benefits.
It showcases the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization policies across the country. The issue continues to shape perspectives on both a state and federal level.
The following states of the USA have approved the use of recreational marijuana:
- Alaska
- California
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Guam
- Delaware
- Maine
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Montana
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- New York
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Ohio
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Why so many states are interested in legalizing Marijuana?
The following are a few reasons for legalizing marijuana:
1. Medical purpose
One of the major reasons for legalizing Marijuana is its usefulness in treating many diseases. The following diseases can be treated by using Marijuana.
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain.
All these reasons have forced many states to approve medicinal marijuana.
2. Can create new jobs
Legalization and government regulation of marijuana medicine doctor
have the potential to boost the following:
- Economic growth
- More jobs
- Bring in more tax money for both local and state governments.
It is expected that by the end of 2023, the Marijuana market will grow further and may reach more than $33.5 billion.
3. Increased tax revenue
California’s tax and revenue department has released a report that says that in the last five years, California has collected tax revenue worth $4.6 billion. The same is the story of many other states that have legalized the use of Marijuana.
All these benefits have become the main reasons why many other states may also legalize Marijuana in their states too.
Political landscape on marijuana legalization
Surprisingly, both the rival political parties in the USA support Marijuana legalization in some way or another. Recently, during the political debate, the following developments were noticed:
- House approved a decriminalization bill in April 2022
- Subsequent federal bills, like the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, were introduced.
- Despite Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s endorsement, progress has stalled.
- President Joe Biden’s October 2022 pledge to pardon federal convictions for simple marijuana possession marked a notable shift.
- Legalization is viewed as an economic and social justice catalyst.
- A December 2022 study shows decreased marijuana-related arrests, even in states with prior decriminalization.
Conclusion
Marijuana legalization has turned out to be a popular topic in the USA within the political circle. So far, 38 states, including the District of Columbia and Kentucky, are among the states that legalized Marijuana. States like California show substantial tax revenue from legal Marijuana, highlighting the economic potential. The political landscape reflects bipartisan support, with ongoing debates and policy shifts at both state and federal levels.
