By 
Marijuana has certainly received its fair share of scrutiny and subsequent regulation, but in the past few years, research has proven the benefits of marijuana, especially medical marijuana. Some states have legalized the possession of marijuana for both recreational and medical uses. Others allow it for medical uses only. Still, others have simply decriminalized possession of marijuana, keeping its status illegal but choosing not to prosecute if the guilty party is found carrying less than a specified amount. And, of course, in some states, marijuana remains fully illegal. Despite the varying civil and criminal approaches to marijuana possession across the country, however, the market for marijuana, particularly medical marijuana, continues to trend upward. Why?
Table of Contents
Increased Government Investment in Studies
For years, legal and social roadblocks have hampered large-scale medical research studies on the potential effectiveness of cannabis in the medical industry. But that situation has been slowly changing.
Here’s but one example of the avalanche of studies that have come out in recent years. John Hopkins University was recently awarded a hefty government grant ($1.25 million per year for five years) to conduct a national study to explore how cannabis might be used to treat emotional and psychological conditions in patients. In this study, the team of experts at Johns Hopkins will be working closely with Veriheal, an organization that champions access to alternative medicines, as well as Realm of Caring, a non-profit that supports cannabis research. National studies with renowned and respected research organizations like John Hopkins, Veriheal, and Realm of Caring help inform public policy.
Proven Medical Benefits
Say what you will about those states that took the first initiative to legalize marijuana and other cannabis products for medical use, their forward-thinking policies have opened the door to proven medical benefits. Today, Epidiolex (cannabidiol) is often effectively prescribed for the treatment of some convulsive seizure disorders. Likewise, FDA-approved prescriptions for Marinol and Cesanet, two cannabis-based oral capsules that treat chronic pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy, are today medically available in states that permit medical marijuana products.
In states where medical marijuana is legal, patients are typically required to obtain an approved medical marijuana card which grants them the ability to obtain prescribed cannabis products for the treatment of many other chronic and debilitating conditions, such as anxiety, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, migraines, Crohn’s disease and more. As always, laws vary from state to state, but patients in need of relief can usually obtain a medical marijuana card from a trusted, certified medical marijuana physician in their area.
Shifting Attitudes
Once upon a time, state and local governments regarded the use of medical marijuana and related products with suspicion and sometimes outright scorn. Today, many see the market growth as a positive for local tax rolls. While medical marijuana is not necessarily taxable in every state, non-refundable dispensary application fees, licensing fees and other registration or annual fees are a net positive. In short, local leaders often find that medical marijuana, when properly regulated, can be a boon to the local economy. Before anyone uses medical marijuana, it’s best to speak with your doctor to determine what your best options are.
Comments