Why get federally high?

In my previous blog, I discussed the legalization of marijuana, the stereotype of people who oppose it, it as well as some supporting ideas for how we could potentially benefit from the legalization. I continue to believe that making marijuana legal could bring a benefiting turnover at a federal level and state level rather than bringing a harming outcome. I also would like to clarify that I myself am not a consumer, but still support the recreational use of marijuana and would consider being a consumer in the future would a benefit my health in any way.(in case my mom is reading)

Twenty-nine states have a legalized marijuana use for medical purposes including Florida, California, and Washington. These states have shown multiple benefiting outcomes after the legalizations. I strongly believe that if these states have seen positive outcomes at a state level, we could see an even more impacting benefit at a federal level. Dismantling of the black market, improving quality and safety control, increasing tax revenue, and increasing the availability of medical cannabis are benefits which were once only theoretical, but have since been proven true in the states that have gone all-in by legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana sales and use. Breaking the black market thru legalization of marijuana was crucial in either putting them out of business or making them go legit. Now, the black market is almost completely gone. Cannabis dispensaries are registered with the state and are regulated. They are also properly taxed. Speaking of taxes

One of the biggest pros that have come from the legalization debate is that of increased tax revenue. To illustrate the point, legal sales of cannabis products amounted to $996 million in 2015. That’s almost a billion dollars spent! Also, the tax revenue collected off those sales was equally as staggering at $135 million dollars. Now, remember, these are statistics at a state level. Money can be used to fix roads, fund public projects, improve schools, hire more police and firefighters and so much more. Now if we were taxing legal sale of cannabis at a federal level… imagine how much revenue that could potentially bring. In addition, making medical cannabis products available to those who suffer from medical conditions would mean improved public health and less of a drain on our healthcare system. That would result in more public funds being available for roads, schools, and other public safety initiatives. Now you may be questioning what legalization at a federal level would like but its simple. Setting proper policies and guidelines as to what is recreational and what’s medical and taxing it accordingly just like the states are doing would be a start.