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How legalisation of Marijuana will lead to a healthier society

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Hemp, a strain of cannabis, widely known for its industrial uses, is being used in industries ranging from textiles to body care. However, with THC content less than 0.3 percent, the uses of hemp is not limited to industrial purposes. Cannabis, apart from consisting THC, has several other constituents in it, such as CBD. CBD, another component of cannabis that has been distinctly identified and studied. Based on the concentration of these constituents, the properties of cannabis varies. Whenever the subject of cannabis legalisation comes to the fore, it is CBD in its various forms such as oils and tinctures to capsules and pills, due to the health benefits that it brings to the table, contributes strongly in favour of the subject. However, due to the stigma associated with the idea of cannabis and its uses, the process of legalisation across the world, has been slow but steady. Dissociation of the stigma, by establishing facts about the same, would accelerate this process.

Medical cannabis and its benefits

Research evidence and clinical studies state that Medical cannabis, significantly constituted of CBD, has been found effective in treating multiple sclerosis, menstrual cramps, due to its anti-inflammatory property as well as it’s binding affinity to receptors, which help in relaxing the muscle contractions. It is also known for alleviating chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain as well as in repairing tissue injuries. Alternative medication for chronic pain are strong opioids, which when overdosed, works against the disease. Anxiety, depression and PTSD, the first-world diseases that two-third of the world population suffers from, have found their cure in cannabis as well. While THC calms the nerves, CBD helps in reduction of these symptoms. Seizures and epilepsy medications are being merged with particular forms of CBD for a better cure. Series of case-study results have procured benefits of controlled usage of CBD in treating Parkinson’s disease and Tourette’s syndrome, both considered as neurological illnesses.

Cannabis vs Tobacco, Alcohol

Keeping aside the therapeutic and health benefits of cannabis, it also has a strong foot in fighting against use and addiction of alcohol and tobacco. 80 percent of all deaths is an outcome of cigarette smoking, which causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases(COPD). The anti-inflammatory property of CBD in cannabis prevents the risk of COPD amongst cannabis smokers. Alcohol and tobacco, which contains nicotine, have far more number of cases of addiction than cannabis. However, as these substances are legalised, nobody questions the possession of these substances in bulk amount. Providing legal access to cannabis, would not only lessen the abuse and addiction of alcohol and tobacco but also help prevent harmful effects of these substances.

Regulating the use of cannabis

Although the initial steps towards legalisation of cannabis have been put forth across many parts in the world, it comes with a lot of limitations. For example, many states in US have allowed and approved the use of medical cannabis for a list of medical conditions, released by the government. This implies that it is federally approved based on scientific evidence. One of the leading reasons behind this is the prevalent use of cannabis amongst the adolescents. Studies have verified that regular use of cannabis during the growing years would result in a below par social life, as these adolescents would grow into adults with lack of motivation and easy satisfaction. These symptoms do not show up when cannabis is used after the completion of the growing stage. Hence, it is extremely important that legalisation of cannabis is implemented along with a strict set of regulations and rules. The first and foremost regulation would be giving zero access to minors. Following which, it is vital that the chemical composition, i.e, the ratio of THC to CBD, is modulated and supervised. Taxing the sale of cannabis, upon legalisation would also generate revenue for the economy of the state.

Takeaway

Legalising cannabis would also cause a wreckage of the black market which illicitly supply cannabis to the criminal associations and use the proceeds for funding of various other criminal activities, such as dealing of hard drugs, like, meth, cocaine, etc. which otherwise are very expensive. Legitimating and legalising cannabis use will not only contribute towards creating a healthier society, it will also work towards eliminating the other bane, as mentioned above, that have grasped the society in its clutches. However, until then, efforts for eradicating the stigma associated with cannabis and recognising and understanding the benefits of cannabis, should continue.

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