Is Marijuana Legalization a Good Idea?

Legalize It?

Legalization of marijuana in the United States is one of the hot-button issues of modern times. It seems as though answers as to why marijuana was classified illegal in the first place is mired in the smog of propaganda and conspiracy theories. Proponents would have you believe that marijuana is a miracle drug that is capable of curing anything from an ingrown toenail to brain cancer. Opponents call it a gateway drug that leads its victims down a path of apathetic misery and lifelong addiction. Whether or not you support the legalization of cannabis in Massachusetts, you will have to make an informed decision.

 State’s Rights

Although still federally regulated as an illegal substance, cannabis has been legalized for recreation use in a number of US states. Other states have passed legislation accepting cannabis as legal in various forms but have stopped short of full recreational legalization. These latter states have made these decisions based on evidence that as a pharmaceutical, cannabis has been shown to have strong medical benefits. Cannabis in Massachusetts has passed the necessary legislative hurdles, and will soon be available to the general public for recreational use.

 Where Can You Buy?

The availability of different blends and types of recreational weeds in Massachusetts will be slow to come to fruition at first due to licensing issues. Medical marijuana distributors who can procure a recreational license will more than likely be the first suppliers to have a saleable supply.

 The Benefits?

The medical benefits of cannabis are well documented, but what should you expect when it hits the streets? Opponents would love nothing better than to paint a picture of slow, staggering, long-haired, degenerates aimlessly shuffling through the streets like zombies. Most of those same opponents enjoy wine, beer, and other spirits on a regular basis. Prior to legalization, their only argument to justify that fact was that alcohol was legal. What you probably didn’t hear was that more people smoked marijuana than the government would ever know or care to admit. Successful business people, care workers, trades people, and just about every other occupation and walk of life.

 The Cons?

Marijuana has always been decried as a gateway drug, likely to lead the individual user to harder drugs.  The reality is if marijuana didn’t exist, these people would have found another way to distort their reality. Cannabis in Massachusetts is part of the future now and individual responsibility is necessary in all aspects of your life.