Is America’s Attitude Towards Marijuana Changing?

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Maggie Lewis

California, Nevada and New Hampshire legalized recreational usage of Marijuana on the November 8 Election Day.

Ben Allen, Social Media Team

On Election Day, California, Nevada and Massachusetts legalized the use of recreational marijuana for anyone above the age of 21.

So far, California is the most populated state to legalize recreational cannabis. North Dakota, Florida, Montana and Arkansas have also passed a vote legalizing the use of medical marijuana.

The legalization of marijuana in some form in these states made the total number of states in America 29; 8 having legalized recreational cannabis, and 21 having legalized medical.

One of the main reasons for the recent boom in marijuana legalization is the impact it will have on the economy. New jobs are being created and tax revenue is increasing. According to The Washington Post, legal marijuana in Colorado was a $700-million industry last year.

The newly passed laws in California, Nevada, and Massachusetts allow recreational marijuana users to carry up to one ounce on them at a time and grow up to six plants in their home. While most states have not legalized marijuana in any way yet, some have decriminalized small amounts.

President-elect Donald Trump is indecisive on the legalization of marijuana. He has been quoted praising its medical benefits and also quoted saying, “That’s a real problem,” regarding recreational marijuana legalization.

Pro-marijuana advocates argue that the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana is providing more advantages than disadvantages. They believe that crime regarding illegal marijuana is decreasing and tax revenue is increasing, more jobs are being provided, individual state income is going up, and the economical benefits of legal cannabis outweigh the criminal disadvantages.

An October 2016 poll showed that 73 percent of Indiana voters support medical marijuana in the state. As of right now, Indiana has some of the most harsh marijuana laws in the country. Possession of a single gram can result in up to a $5,000 fine.

Indiana has denied bills proposed to start a comprehensive medical cannabis program. Hoosier legislators have not proposed any bills regarding the legalisation or decriminalization of recreational and medical pot.