Weed, Ganga, Mary-jane, Reefer, Grass, and Bud these are all names for the 3rd most commonly used drugs behind Tobacco and Alcohol, Marijuana. Marijuana has been proven to stop cancer cells and is incapable of causing an overdose. So why is it illegal? It was made illegal back in the 1930's based of claims that it made "Colored men violent and sexually active with white women". This idea was supported by Harry J. Anslinger, head of cannabis prohibition, who believed that "Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, jazz musicians and entertainers." and that their "satanic music is driven by marijuana, and marijuana smoking by white women makes them seek sexual relations with negroes, entertainers, and others" Another reason prohibition was supported is that it was seen as foreign based off the spanish name Marihuana, instead of the common name in the states, which was cannabis. With Cannabis becoming an illegal substance it was viewed as taboo.
With 28 states, including our nations capitol having legalized medical marijuana laws you may find yourself asking "What are the benefits"? Scientific studies have shown that some, not all, of the benefits are reducing chronic pain and chronic seizures, reduce depression, prevent cancer cell development, and reduce anxiety in PTSD patients.
With only half the United states having some form of legalized medical marijuana laws you must wonder how that can effect the families and people going state to state. In the documentary below it shows you families that have been damaged from the state to state changes and variations in laws.
https://www.viceland.com/en_us/video/stoned-parents/57bb7b2df11ea99b2aae7e04
With families being left in ruins constantly you can only try and push for a nation wide legalization of medical marijuana.
With the benefits and support of over half the states in the union you can only wonder why there isn't already a nation wide law. That's why we should push together as a people for reforms on our nations current marijuana laws. Without a change on these laws you could be further disabling your nearby veterans, your elderly grandparents, cancer patients, and so many more. You could be tearing kids from there parents who's last hope for a cure was this so called "drug". The people we love and care about the most is why we should ban together and fight our governments current stance on this substance and create a better future for the generations to come.
Sources
https://www.greenrushdaily.com/2016/05/20/health-benefits-of-marijuana/
http://www.drugpolicy.org/blog/how-did-marijuana-become-illegal-first-place
https://norml.org/aboutmarijuana
http://ssdp.org/news/blog/why-was-marijuana-illegal-first-place/
Credits:
Created with images by rexmedlen - "foliage cannabis marijuana"