2016 was indeed the year of great victories and booms for the marijuana industry. Having been considered one of the dark industries for many years, the time for giving it a new look came, and we saw many things happen in favor of marijuana. Not only did many states pass laws to legalize the use of the drug for medical and adult recreations, but there were several types of research conducted to prove that indeed it was not right to place the drug under schedule 1 where everything revolving it was criminal. Some of the findings were a bit interesting, and it would be great for everyone to know what exactly informed the decision to have the drug made legal.
Contrary to the great belief that use of cannabis leads to substance abuse, contributes to crime and all other evils, the fact is that this is a substance that has many health benefits. Besides that, the move by many states including California to legalize the drug will bring many other benefits not only to the dispensaries and farmers but even to the state itself. In fact, some of these benefits are already being enjoyed by those who were quick to join the industry and filled the gaps that existed. It is such positive outcomes that are even attracting more and more people to this big industry. But as we talk about that, there are interesting findings that research conducted found out and helped a lot in the campaign to have the drug made legal in many states in America. Do you know some of these findings? Well, here are the most interesting ones you should know:
#1: Educational Outcome and IQ Have No Association with Cannabis Use
Studies have not found an association between cannabis use and educational outcomes. We all know that for many years, the drug had been labeled as one of those once consumed would affect’s one’s IQ and consequently affect their educational outcome. In fact, it’s one those beliefs that contributed greatly to the decriminalization of its use, especially among teens. However, we ought to note that cannabis is only available to adults. Selling it to teens or minors is still punishable. Therefore, no one should now think that they are free to make the drug accessible to underage individuals.
Studies have found that use of the drug among adolescents had the potential to lead to social adversity. As a result, they should not be allowed to have access to the drug. Behavioral troubles are not good, and they can easily lead to problems we wouldn’t want to experience in our society. So while there’s no link between educational performance and the use of the drug, care should be taken to make sure that those who enjoy the freedom granted by legalization are adults only. Consumption should be among adults, and it’s for medical or recreation reasons.
#2: Marijuana Is Many Times Less Toxic Than Alcohol
Who does not know that for decades, we have all believed that marijuana is toxic? Well, when the drug was legalized last year, studies were carried out to compare it with alcohol. To the surprise of many, marijuana is many times less toxic than alcohol. In fact, one study found that it’s exactly 114 times less toxic than alcohol to be precise. So why have we known it to be a bad drug for many years? Well, for now, we should focus on how we are going to transform this industry into the one it should be. As already projected, the legalization will not only make it available to adults but will also open up other opportunities besides being a big revenue generator to the government.
#3: Workplace Absence Has Nothing to Do with Marijuana Use
A survey carried out by the Census Bureau to find out the relationship between workplace absence and cannabis use found out that the two lacked a clear link. In fact, those found to be notorious absentees were alcohol users and not marijuana as many people thought. Furthermore, the study found that marijuana legalization helped reduce alcohol use and consequently reduce workplace absence. Heavy drinkers had more work absences compared to users of cannabis. All these findings, therefore, prove that the belief that use of cannabis led to absence to perform duties or report to work was untrue.
The above three findings are just a few meant to give you the true picture of what marijuana can do and cannot do. Indeed, the state had enough reasons to legalize the drug. It’s not only one of those rare drugs, but also has unique roles that no other drug can do. Besides its medical benefits, the legalization will no doubt bring many other benefits to the industry, stakeholders and the state as a whole. That’s the true picture about marijuana. It’s a very useful drug but has suffered decriminalization for years due to lack of a clear law to regulate its use.
