User:Nrdaniel/Cannabis in Louisiana

Background Information

Cannabis sativa, also referred to as marijuana and hemp, is a psychoactive drug that has been harvested and used by people all over the world for centuries . Cannabis is grown as a plant, and can be converted into many different forms. The drug is derived from the resin produced from the flower and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant, and can be converted into many different forms for use. The dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant can be rolled and smoked, packed into a pipe or bong to be smoked, made into oils that are used in vapes, or used in cooking or baking to create edibles. The uses of marijuana vary depending on the region, culture, and individual. However, it is most widely regarded for its production of an altered state of consciousness in the individual who is using it. The Cannabis sativa plant contains over 400 chemicals, perhaps the most significant of which being Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is the chemical that is most associated with the mind-altering effects of marijuana. The female flowers in the Cannabis sativa plant contain the most active THC, followed by the male flowers and the leaves. Additionally, upon fertilization of the flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant, the levels of THC decrease.

History of Cannabis Use

The earliest documentations of marijuana usage was its prescription for physical ailments in 2737 B.C. It has been concluded that the recreational usage of marijuana likely began following its early medicinal prescription. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. As of 2023, the National Conference of State Legislatures recognizes 21 U.S. states to have legalized marijuana for recreational use. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. As of 2021, in the state of Louisiana, cannabis has been decriminalized

The Impacts of the Legalization of Cannabis

The potential effects of the legalization of recreational marijuana on society has remained a widely debated topic in the United States for decades. Currently, it has been found that 58% of adults support the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.

In the early 1930s, the American government was attempting to control the use of marijuana in the United States through the enactment of prohibition laws. Shortly thereafter in 1933, these laws were repealed, which caused frustration among those who were attempting to govern its use. Following these repeals, dramatic stories regarding the effects of marijuana use began to be published, most often correlating marijuana use with violent behaviours. These stories, and the stereotypes in which they perpetuated, led people to the assumptions that they continue to make today about marijuana use. Three areas in which people often believe will become disrupted by the recreational usage of marijuana are crime, healthcare, and education.

The Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Crime

One of the most common concerns about the legalization of marijuana for recreational use is that it will increase the crime rates in the state in which it is legalized. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between crime rates and recreational marijuana use in states that have transitioned from decriminalization to legalization.

Specifically, the article “The Implications of Marijuana Decriminalization and Legalization on Crime in the United States” compared and contrasted crime rates and arrests due to drug abuse prior to and after legalization. This study found that there was no correlation between changes in marijuana laws and an increase in crime rate. Additionally, this study discovered that violent crime rates as well as property crimes are higher in states where marijuana is illegal.

Another article that explored the relationship between recreational marijuana use and crime rates is “From Medical to Recreational Marijuana Sales: Marijuana Outlets and Crime in an Era of Changing Marijuana Legislation”. This article looked at crime data from Denver, Colorado after marijuana was legalized to be sold for recreational use. The study discussed whether the density of marijuana outlets influenced the rates of property, violent, or marijuana-specific crimes. One of the significant findings of this study was that in local areas, there was no correlation between the densities of marijuana outlets and violent and property crimes.

Both studies concluded that there is no apparent correlation between crime rates and recreational marijuana use. Although marijuana does create an altered state of conscience in the individual who is using, so long as it is used responsibly, it does not appear to cause people to directly act in violent or criminal ways. Overall, the legalization of marijuana would not appear to be a disadvantage to society in regards to the topic of crime.

The Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Healthcare

Another common concern about the legalization of cannabis for recreational use is how it will impact the healthcare system, specifically if the hospital systems will be stressed as a result. There have been several studies that have explored the relationship between the legalization of recreational cannabis and its impact on the healthcare system in the respective state.

Specifically, the study “Does cannabis legalization change healthcare utilization?” explored the various impacts of the legalization of recreational marijuana on the healthcare system. The study used data from Colorado healthcare systems following the legalization of cannabis in that state to investigate this relationship. The findings of this research were that the legalization of recreational marijuana had an overall neutral impact on the utilization of the healthcare system. Further, this study found that although recreational cannabis legalization is correlated with an increase in overdose injuries such as motor vehicle collisions, it is also associated with a decrease in admissions of patients with chronic pain.

A second study that explored the relationship between the legalization of cannabis for recreational use and its impact on the healthcare system is “Marijuana use and related health care encounters in Colorado before and after retail legalization”. This study examined the correlations between the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and healthcare encounters, as well as how the legalization influenced the rates of use. The findings were that among adolescents and young adults, there was no noticeable impact of marijuana legalization on the rates of use. Further, the article found that following the legalization of marijuana, there was an increased observation of marijuana-related healthcare encounters.

Both of the studies above demonstrate that there is a relatively neutral impact of recreational marijuana legalization on the healthcare system. Overall, as with any drug, there are risks associated with irresponsible use such as motor vehicle accidents, and other marijuana-related injuries. However, if used responsibly and as directed, the legalization of marijuana does not appear to have a significant advantage or disadvantage in regards to how it impacts the healthcare system.

The Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Education

A final concern regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana is how it would impact the education system. Although the legalization of cannabis itself is applicable only to adults who are of age to purchase it, the legalization of cannabis does increase the availability and accessibility of the drug. Both of these increases cause worry among parents of children and adolescents, who with the legalization of recreational marijuana, are able to find ways to access this drug more easily than when it is illegal.

A study that examined the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on the education system is “Age of first marijuana use and its impact on education attainment and employment status”. This study explored the effect of age of cannabis use on education attainment and eventual employment. Specifically, it looked at the relationship between cannabis use during adolescence and the odds of someone graduating high school and being employed. The study found that people who used marijuana for the first time at a later age had a significantly increased chance of graduating high school and of obtaining a job.

A second study that investigated the relationship between the legalization of recreational cannabis and its impact on the education system is “Marijuana Legalization and Youth”. This article analyzed the impacts of recreational cannabis use on adolescents, namely their mental health and cognitive performance. The article highlighted the fact that continuous marijuana use among youth is typically associated with a decrease in academic success. Further, the study found that marijuana use among adolescents is strongly associated with development of the mental illnesses depression and anxiety, both of which have a negative influence on academic performance.

Overall, the legalization of cannabis for recreational use is not meant to be applied to anyone but adults. However, the increased accessibility and availability of this drug as a result of legalization does make it more accessible to the youth and young adult population. Both of these studies indicated that the use of marijuana among youth and adolescents has a negative impact on education and academic success. If marijuana were to become legalized for recreational use, it would be advantageous to create early education and prevention programs for youth regarding the consequences of using this drug at a young age, and how it can negatively impact a child or adolescent’s future.

Conclusion

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that has been grown and used for centuries, with the earliest documentations of use dating back to 2737 B.C.. Cannabis is used in a variety of ways for different purposes depending on the region, culture, or individual. However, it is most commonly sought after for its ability to create an altered state of consciousness in the person who is using it. For many years, there has been a debate in the United States in regards to the legalization of recreational marijuana. There are U.S. states that have moved to fully legalize cannabis for recreational use, and others where the use of this drug recreationally remains illegal. As of 2023, there are 21 states in America that have fully legalized this drug. Three common concerns about the legalization of marijuana are its impact on crime, healthcare, and education. The legalization of marijuana influences the factors of crime, healthcare, and education in different ways. Based on findings from six peer-reviewed articles from authors who have conducted reliable research, it has been concluded that the legalization of cannabis for recreational use has a neutral impact on crime and healthcare. Overall, it is important to be informed about the possible consequences of marijuana use on each of these areas. There are many studies which highlight the documented implications of irresponsible consumption of this drug on society. Understanding the dangers of legalization helps to avoid these from occurring again in the future. It also helps the public to be informed about the education and prevention measures which should be put in place to create an environment of responsible and healthy consumption of this drug. Furthermore, being educated on the various ways in which the drug’s negative stereotypes and connotations are untrue helps to ease any anxieties that people may have about the legalization of this drug for recreational use.