Last year, 50 percent of Washington state voters approved the legalization of marijuana use.
Since then, other states have considered legalizing the use of marijuana. However, if that were the case, then the other state legislatures should consider laws to accommodate those who use weed and the effects on the everyday lives of individuals.
Looking at our current economic problems, legalizing pot could potentially be an economic boost. Not only would it boost the economy tremendously, the herb has been used by nearly 100 million Americans, so it would also funnel money back into the economy. A good example of something that mimics this issue is bootleggers during the Prohibition era. The government eventually funneled money back into its economy by lifting the ban on alcohol.
That being said, marijuana use should be regulated.
Laws such as those placed on alcohol and cigarettes should be placed on marijuana. Individuals who want to buy should be 18 years or older. Also those who choose to smoke should not be allowed to operate machinery, and those who smoke on the job should be fired, just as if they were to drink on the job.
Although some people have mixed feelings on the subject, most believe marijuana reasonably harmless. But lawmakers should consider the fact that marijuana is a drug that causes one to relax and become less motivated. So how would it affect businesses and the workforce?
According to an article in the Huffington Post, almost two-thirds of Americans think it would be unacceptable for a company to fire an employee for off-the-clock marijuana use in the states where it is legal.
Those who’ve been affected by cancer and other illnesses such as HIV and AIDS could benefit to make their conditions less painful.
But lawmakers should be the ones planning the infrastructure needed to organize businesses that plan on solely selling marijuana and determining how it should be used as well as how much it should be taxed.
A lot of money could be made off the natural product and if lawmakers and businesses were to market marijuana in the correct way, America could gain more income. So if the use of marijuana were to be legalized, lawmakers should regulate sales.
We believe the laws placed on marijuana presently should be lifted. If marijuana were legal, it would be easier for sick individuals to access better means of managing their illness.
Legalizing the herb can truly benefit America and the economy.