Our history shows us that the use of marijuana and cannabis was widely accepted all over the world. English royalties used it to ease menstrual cramps at the same time that America’s first founding fathers were required to grow cannabis on their farm land. Even the United States declaration of Independence was written on cannabis paper. However, this once great nation has previously banned and prohibited a substance that was seen as cruel only to reverse the ruling later and reap the benefits from it. Just like the phase that our forefathers went through with alcohol prohibition we too will soon realize the economical and medical benefits that both cannabis and marijuana use can provide for us.
We have come a long way since the early 1900’s when anything related to cannabis was illegalized. Although so has the Federal government with successfully guaranteeing millions of dollars a year is spent in the fight against drugs (primarily marijuana). The biggest obstacle that has been accomplished though is educating the general public about it. Beginning with California for allowing the medical use of marijuana in the 90’s which led other states such as Washington and Oregon to follow suit. Over time 14 states so far have allowed the use of medical marijuana with those states even now proposing state wide legalization. Doctors, Lawyers, and even Judges have all shared their own opinions and all agree that the taxable benefits from cannabis and recreational marijuana could save this nation.
Currently states have taken the initiative to decriminalize marijuana and lighten charges for those caught carrying or possessing the narcotic. States have also allowed for the medical requirements to possess a medical marijuana card to be as simple as having writers block and stress. Meaning that everyone in the United States over the age of 18 is applicable for a medical marijuana card. Slowly but surely the process of decriminalization to legalization is happening before our eyes and on our television sets.
To help with this ‘marijuana culture’ to become successful, Hollywood too has helped in their way. With popular movies like ‘How High’ and ‘Pineapple Express’, Hollywood has shown the general public through the power of media that marijuana is nothing to fear but instead to laugh at. More and more the famous marijuana leaf as become a symbol of pride and freedom. It can be found on clothing, accessories and as stickers and posters. People are no longer afraid to hide the fact that marijuana is just as much a part of this nation as fireworks and hot dogs. The idea of this once believed harmful narcotic coming in on America’s youth through the power of education and being released into our politics as an economical gain that will benefit not only our countries debt, but our limited resources as well is a powerful one.