4 ways that the legalization of marijuana could impact the world
There has been a long-standing battle between marijuana users and various authorities in different countries in the world. However, things could change should the authorities bow down to marijuana user’s pressure and legalize the drug. This move will be a significant win for the users of pot who have so long fought for the ability to enjoy smoking their favorite drug without hiding from the authorities. The biggest question here though is how is the legalization of pot going to impact the world. The following are some of the probable results that are set to be experienced in many parts of the world if the legalization comes to happen:
- Cannabis will be more visible in retail shops
The time for selling marijuana in the black market is coming to an end if legalization is done in the coming years. There will probably be retailing of pot in the favorite shops and liquor stores where you buy your booze. This trend is already shaping up in the US in the states where the use of the drug has been legalized. Today, it is ubiquitous to find weed shops in Washington as well as Colorado following the amendment of the law that banned the use of the substance in the two jurisdictions. Expect to see the same in many other parts of the world where the use of marijuana will be allowed.
- Businesses will support the trade
Many firms in the world distance themselves from an association with individuals as well as companies that deal in the illegal drug trade. Now that cannabis will no longer be listed among the illicit substances, there is a high chance that firms such as banks and insurance companies in the world will support the business by the provision of loans and premium covers to farmers as well as marketers of marijuana. As the newest way of income generation, expect banks to give mega credits to the industry to reap big in the expect high indulgence in dealing with the drug.
- Many people will indulge in cannabis farming
The demand for cannabis is almost insatiable. It is also more lucrative to sell pot than many other substances such as corn that is grown mainly in the United States. In a bid to add to the high demand, many people will get into farming the crop as it is expected to fetch higher prices than many other conventionally grown plants. This would translate to a reduction of acreage under other crops, and this will, in turn, affect the world market of crops such as coffee.
- School dropout rates will increase
While the legalization of weed is intended to be beneficial to the states and countries where the law would be implemented, there is also a significant chance of increase of abuse. Many people would experiment with the use of marijuana and in the process develop an addiction. For school going kids, the move is self-destructive to their wellbeing. There is a significant probability of many young people getting hooked to the use of the drug especially if there is no control over its use.
The legalization of marijuana is not something that people should take lightly given the significant impact that such a move would cause to many sectors in the world. Many areas would be affected either positively or negatively. There’s a need to put more efforts into investigating if indeed such a move is healthy for any country while weighing the merits as well as the probable shortcomings.
