Introduction
Marijuana, also known as Cannabis, Joint, Pot, or Loud, is one of the common street names. It is psychotropic; its mechanism has been for a long time the purpose of healing, recreation, and spirituality. The species can be either from Central or South Asia, with its first growing purpose being fibers, seeds, and resin. Likewise, the spiritual aspect is present in some primitive cultures that understood it as a psychoactive element and used it for rituals and ceremonies as a healing element (History.com Editors, 2017). The Europeans were the first people to bring Marijuana to the Americas, and it was this plant that was then spread to other parts of the globe as trade and immigration increased.
Marijuana is a contraband drug on a federal level in the USA, as per the Controlled Substances Act. It is scheduled as a category I drug, which is known to have high addiction potential and has no medically recognized therapeutic benefit. While some states and regions have lifted restrictions on Marijuana, both for recreational and medical usage, this has created a scenario of a broken system with varying jurisdictions that differ based on the location. However, for example, Canada, Uruguay, and South Africa made Marijuana for recreational use legal, but Israel, another country, does not tolerate the use of Marijuana. There are numerous contending forces in this industry, for example, general public perception, scientific evidence, political orientations, and human rights saga. At the beginning of the 20th century, the attitude towards Marijuana in the public eye was turned around; they either considered it as dangerous and morally bad or as a plant that does not have any side effects and was beneficial, depending on the culture and society of a country. The disagreement concerning scientific evidence of the benefits of Marijuana has been elusive as well as disconnected, where the research that shows its therapeutic value has been counterbalanced by the studies, which, on the contrary, are focused on its negative consequences.
Sometimes, the ideological, economic, and strategic considerations that have been a hallmark of the war on drugs, prohibitionism, and legalization campaigns have been used as a means of giving shape to political agendas on Marijuana. The ethical dilemmas regarding human rights and whether the use of Marijuana constitutes an individual choice or civil liberty is the other side of the coin. In addition, the concern about marijuana misuse being a public health and safety issue or a social responsibility might be up for discussion. These elements have formed a foundation for decision-making regarding the legalization of the drug in different countries or regions and have generated laws and regulations that are constantly being refined and revised at the global, regional, or local levels. The pandemic situation raises the need to unify and coordinate policies, the tendency to formulate guidelines and best practices, public health and human rights protection, and the stimulation of research and innovation.
The marijuana plant produces about 500 compounds, many of which are cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and omega fatty acids. The human brain and body are innately connected and react to cannabinoids, the primary active components in Cannabis. The cannabis plant’s effects are, therefore, largely mediated by these compounds. CBD and THC, which are the most studied and well-known cannabinoids, are able to affect people on a profound level. The THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary ingredient of Cannabis, which is active and gives the “high” feeling. It results in a stimulation of the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptors. They induce the release of dopamine and thus the pleasures of ecstasy, tranquility, and a distortion of time. Besides, it has been closely linked with the issue of memory/cognition and motor coordination, the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Although medical Cannabis has some negative impacts, it Is accompanied by a few positive ones as well. There are also different advantages, like pain relief and the reduction of nausea and vomiting. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the isolated active component, can interact with the psychosis receptors of schizophrenia when it is consumed in the form of Marijuana on a long-term or heavy basis. Among the major cannabinoids present in Cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) is famous for its anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and pain-killing properties. CBD does not make you high; that’s why you won’t feel any psychoactive effects. It also reduces the effects of THC, which makes a high sensation. Not only is it a prescription for epileptic and neurological patients, but it has also been approved by the FDA for the reason of legalizing its products on a wider scale. Terpenoids are aromatic substances that give Marijuana a unique smell and taste and also somewhat change the effects of cannabinoids. Flavonoids are the pigments found in plants known also for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Omega fatty acids are fundamental for human health in general, and they can assist the production and metabolism of cannabinoids.
The main aim of this study is to discuss the positive and negative consequences of pot legalization for medical and recreational reasons, as well as the influence it brings about in society, economy, environment, and ethics. According to this, the research is actually topical and important because Marijuana is a highly popular and quite controversial drug all over the world, and the rules of its legalization and illegalization are always changing and constantly evolving. A comprehensive account of the marijuana debate, with all its advantages and disadvantages, will be provided if the issue is analyzed from different perspectives and standpoints. The analysis will be a major contribution to the discussions and debates on the marijuana issue in society. There are both positive and negative aspects of medical Marijuana in society, the environment, and culture. Therefore, it is important to focus on all these aspects for the legalization of Marijuana.
Health Benefits of Marijuana
Relieving Chronic Pain
Marijuana is a unique type of plant that comprises different cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It also contains terpenoids and flavonoids that give it its medicinal properties. The system of endocannabinoids assures the platform of these compounds’ functioning, which is responsible for the mediating of many of the physiological processes in the human body, such as pain sensation. This has been shown in several trials, which proved that in certain cases, Marijuana is effective in alleviating chronic pain, for example, in the case of pain of nerve damage or inflammation. In the meta-analysis on the basis of 28 clinical trials where participants were treated either with placebo or cannabis-based medicines, the efficacy of the latter was proven for chronic pain of a neuropathic nature (Corliss, 2022). The manifestations of Marijuana in alleviating pain are divergent and might depend on the type, dosage, and duration of ingest, route of administration, repetition, and individual characteristics. For instance, cannabis smoking leads to a quick relief that comes with higher chances of being associated with negative effects such as the impairment of cognitive, coordination, and memory functions. Instead of intravenous drug consumption, oral use of this medication is slower and long-lasting and also has fewer and fewer risks. Thereupon, the use of Marijuana for the relief of chronic pain must be determined by studying the right dosage and the therapeutic method.
Dissolution of Alcohol and Drug Use.
Research has shown that Marijuana can be used to help the process of alcohol abstinence and other drug addiction due to its withdrawal symptoms reduction, lessening of cravings, and reduced chance of relapse. It is worth mentioning that as a result of the scientific research on cannabis substitution, it became apparent that 40 percent of medical cannabis users reported using Cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, and 26 percent reported using it as a substitute for illegal drugs (Village, 2023). As to the fact of substituting alcohol and drugs for Marijuana, issues such as dosage, the way of taking drugs, regularity of use, and personal characteristics come to the fore. The disparity between inhaling Cannabis and ingesting it is that the former takes far longer for the effects to kick in. Nevertheless, the disadvantage of the method is the side effects, such as impaired cognition, which occur orally and orally but with lower side effects than the longer-lasting effect with the faster action orally. Hence, it won’t be wrong to accept that the intake of Marijuana in the form of oral drug administration will be of better assistance because it will effectively modulate the endocannabinoid system and decrease the gratifying effects of other substances.
Relieving Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Studies have demonstrated that Cannabis works in one way- that is, by relieving depression symptoms in depressed people. Polysaccharides are a well-known compound that has been found to have antidepressant capabilities in weed, but CBD is the most prominent among them. Psychoactive-cannabinoid THC is the third of the “Big Three” in Cannabis, and besides being a mood-altering compound, it can be considered the least addictive of the three cannabinoids. The nature of the plant is such that it heals some symptoms of depression, which may include anxiety and sleep problems. Marijuana alleviates PTSD symptoms and slows down the rate of suicidal ideation for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a complex psychological disorder that involves flashbacks of traumatic events, hyper-arousal, and avoidant behaviors. It usually starts as a result of experiencing a life-threatening traumatic event. A lot of research has found that cannabinoids, especially THC, are integrated with the endocannabinoid system, which is a key player in stress responses and emotional control. With that, it is plausible for patients with PTSD to be able to regulate their fear and stress responses. It should be clear that cannabis use for depression or PTSD needs to be done with care and in conjunction with a healthcare provider. The use of Cannabis for depression and PTSD is intricate. It will still need more research to establish the ideal dosing, form, and method of delivery for different kinds of mood disorders and trauma.
Fighting Cancer
Plant-based Marijuana, a healthier alternative for medical use, is commonly used to address pain, nausea, and other unwanted symptoms seen in such conditions as cancer or its treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. THC and CBD all come out as effective components in the research on the role of pain management and in overcoming nausea. THC, the active component in the weed, is highly effective in stimulating appetite, which is a common condition among cancer patients called cachexia, which is characterized by a marked loss of appetite and weight; in most cases, the treatment causes the condition. As a result, the patient’s condition may deteriorate further. While performing preclinical studies, it was revealed that some cannabinoids possess anti-tumor characteristics, and they can play a significant role in the inhibition of the cancer cells’ growth and spread. The studies have, for instance, revealed that cannabinoids may cause a tumor cell to undergo apoptosis (cell death), after which other studies have aimed at limiting the growth of new blood vessels that supply the cancerous cells. The last studies have demonstrated that Cannabis may prevent metastasis (the spread of cancer). It is mentioned that Cannabis may also go along and sometimes increase the efficacy of some cancer treatments. In order to provide an example, scientists have demonstrated that the combination of drugs with cannabinoids is capable of improving the treatment of cancer in preclinical models alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, suitable combinations and dosages should be done after extensive research to find out the proper structure of these compounds and their dosage that would meet the therapeutic purpose with the least side effects.
Treating Epilepsy
The cannabinoid CBD in weed might regulate the seizures, which ultimately affect the signal systems in the brain. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD) can be effective in reducing inflammation and also protecting the nervous system, which may be the mechanism of action involved in the drug’s therapeutic effects. CBD is a potent epilepsy treatment. However, the specific manner through which it functions remains a mystery. Several trials in the past have shown that CBD is a safe and effective treatment option for some types of epilepsy, mostly Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The rare forms of generalized epilepsy are the ones that mostly start in childhood, don’t react to the available drugs, and do not respond to current medications. In last year-2018 case studies, the FDA approved (Epidiolex) standalone medicine, which is used in the treatment of seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex patients who are at least two years old. CBD can target brain functions through its effects on various types of receptors, e.g., cannabinoid receptors, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and GABA receptors. These receptors regulate seizure activity and neuronal excitability. Hence, CBD helps in stopping seizures. THC can also be used as a medicine against convulsions for people with epilepsy because the anticonvulsant properties are available. Then, not only do the psychoactive properties of THC and the possibility of causing cognitive impairment and addiction, but CBD is also more likely to appear as a treatment than THC. CBD indeed shows great potential in epilepsy treatment, but we should always keep in mind that in some cases, the effect may be rather diverse, and not everybody may be the same when it comes to the response. The case is that the right dose and type of drug can vary from one individual to another. Consequently, it is necessary to get more research done on the long-term impact and safety of CBD in the field of epilepsy treatment, potential interactions of different antiepileptic medications that patients are using, and other medicines.
Treating Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
Studies show that Marijuana efficiently lowers GI inflammation, relaxes the muscles of the digestive system, increases appetite levels, and kills pain. As an example, the title of an article from Inflammatory Bowel Diseases journal says that in the case of pain relief by Medical Marijuana in patients with IBD, the percentage of patients who declare that medical Marijuana is very helpful is more than 12% (Festa, 2020). Scientists indicate that the work of cannabinoids in connection with gut motility is related to the process of moving food and waste around the digestive system. Sometimes, cannabinoids may help to regulate the motor function of the gut that is in a state of imbalance, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and they may be effective against the symptoms of the disease as well. For example, there was an investigation executed, and it was found that IBS patients who used Marijuana had less pain, anxiety, and depression than those who did not use it (Green, 2012). Apart from their painkilling ability, both THC and CBD can be used to alleviate abdominal pain associated with the mentioned diseases. The ability of Marijuana to regulate nausea and vomiting, which are the most characteristic manifestations of gastroenteric diseases, depends on its active use. Certain researchers tell us THC and CBD have the same antiemetic effect. This means they can do something against nausea and vomiting, which will be helpful for GI people with nausea.
Cons of Marijuana
Affecting Brain Development and Function
Marijuana – the drug – is the main substance that influences the brain severely, which in turn causes the structure and function of the brain to be altered when the drug is used during adolescence and in the early stage of adulthood. Marijuana contains a chemical substance known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which will, when it binds to the receptors located in the brain, affect different cognitive processes such as memory, attention, reasoning, spatial ability, coordination, cognition, and reaction time (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). The impact of marijuana intake on brain development and function is mainly the interference with neurogenesis and maturation of neuronal connections and structures responsible for executive functions that, as a result, may lead to decreased cognitive function and increased vulnerability to mental disorders. Marijuana is not merely a drug that may lead an individual to consume other drugs. Still, it also alters the brain’s reward system that regulates motivation, pleasure, and learning and may result in the development of an addiction or substance use disorder. The two activities of the brain, which are called acute and chronic, and the decrease of blood flow that is a consequence of marijuana use could be the reason for the bad moods and changes in perception and cognitive problems. People who are marijuana users show the volume and density of gray and white matter in their brain that is responsible for cognitive processes and information transmission; this is the reason they have lower IQ as well as reduced academic performance and lesser cognitive functions.
Effect on Heart and Lungs
Marijuana is a psychotropic drug, and lung and heart damage are two of its undesirable features that come to the surface when inhaled. Inhaling Marijuana or smoking has been linked to some cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation because it leads to an increase in heart rate, and this further leads to damage to the vessels and the muscles of the heart. Additionally, marijuana smoking can cause damage to the lungs and respiratory tract by making them swollen and producing irritations such as coughing, wheezing, and chronic bronchitis. Toxins like carcinogens in marijuana smoke irritate the airways and make them vulnerable to infections, including lung cancer. Researchers have demonstrated that the continuous smoking of Marijuana is responsible for the reduced lung function that leads to slowing down the speed of airflow and a lesser capacity of the lungs. The reason is that smokers of Marijuana are more likely to suffer from breathing diseases and chronic obstructive lung disease.
Furthermore, cannabis interaction can be related to the medications or substances that affect the heart and lungs, together with tobacco, alcohol, or opioids, so that severe complications may occur. Similarly, unlike the impact of Marijuana on the immune system, the effects of Marijuana on the heart and lung functions and structures are adverse as they increase the risks of life-threatening diseases and decrease the quality of these users’ lives. The use of Marijuana or its restriction is strongly encouraged, especially for individuals who are suffering from heart-related and breathing conditions. Moreover, one should not forget that the intensity and the degree of the negative effects will not be the same among people and, therefore, they will not be identical. The users may not all come across them.
Mental Health
Weed is capable of temporary psychosis, which is the state where the patient doesn’t know that it is reality; they can see the hallucinations, and they may feel like outside forces have invaded their soul. marMarijuanay causes grave mental conditions that are similar to schizophrenia. Patients with this disorder suffer various illusions of an auditory or visual nature that, in reality, do not exist (CDC, 2021). Furthermore, amphetamine has been linked with developing depression and social anxiety. What is more, some perceive short-term feelings of ease and tension relief as a result of regular marijuana intake. However, it can worsen initial mental health issues.
Moreover, studies indicate that the consumption of marmarijuanan is a risk factor for developing schizophrenic signs in people who already possess genetic vulnerabilities for this disease. Frequent use of Marijuana by young people, and more so the ones that are just middle-aged, has a stronger connection with schizophrenia disorder. Smoking marMarijuanaw and then creates mental illnesses, which are clearly the only way for individuals to cope with their emotional regulation. For some people, taking Marijuana in relatively small doses might not have any negative effects. But a precaution is that the drug responses are generally different from one another.
Social Implications of Legalizing Marijuana
Crime and Social Justice
Legalizing Marijuana will decrease the number of arrests and trials that are linked to such crimes. Hence, the police force can be used to fight more serious offenses. Apart from the decriminalization of Marijuana, another solution can be the legalization, which can be viewed as a solution to disproportionate enforcement of the cannabis laws amongst the marginalized groups whose family members were the ones caught in the drug-related arrests. These changes can be used to reduce the number of individuals kept in the prison system by not imprisoning people just for nonviolent drug offenses and, therefore, ending up with fewer individuals in the jails.
Public Health
Humanization could be one of the factors behind the increased number of drivers who take alcohol and drive, which, consequently, brings up the danger of accidents on the road. In contrast to that, the data of the states that are known for allowing Cannabis does not seem to contain any rise in car crashes and may even decrease. Effective rules and regulations, alongside the strictness with which they are enforced, represent the fundamental components of the road safety movement with no indication that Cannabis may be associated with that. Legalization may not only lead to a drop in crime, but it is also likely to affect the quantity of the illegal marijuana market. Because of that, the regulation stage of the legalization process ought to be well-developed enough so that it could tackle the drug trafficking networks and lower the rate of crimes. This act may also create a return to normal and even a trend that can further result in teenagers’ usage.
Economic Implications of Legalizing Marijuana
Impact on Tax Revenue
The legalization of Marijuana either results in heavier or lighter revenue collection, depending on a set of factors, which include the rate of tax, the size of the market, the effect that the substitution of other goods has on it, and the costs of enforcing and regulating. The complete marijuana industry is able to generate up to 28 bn dollars as tax revenues at the federal, state, and local levels, seven bn of which goes to the federal budget. The legalization of Marijuana causes a reduction in administrative expenditures like those generated by the prohibition laws on the use of a cannabis plant. Consequently, jails, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers can be redirected to other areas of the community, which creates more space for the existing resources.
Income and Jobs
The legalization of Marijuana is a formidable revenue and employment generator. This can be realized by stimulating economic activity in the cannabis industry and other accompanying sectors. The legalization of Marijuana also leads to an increase in tax collection because of the sale and production of the plant, which can then be used for supporting the country’s services and programs, for example, education, health, and infrastructure. Also, it can not only create jobs within the marijuana industry, but also some are working in security and research as well.
Investment Opportunities
The cannabis market legalization creates new opportunities, such as delta 8 THC products and services, which lure investors who are after demand and profitability. Besides, it would also become a source of new routes of innovation and entrepreneurship in the associated field, for example, the production of new products and technologies in the area of growing Cannabis with better techniques. Apart from that, it can also drop regulatory limits and legal barriers that cause capital and resource flow to be slowed or even stopped. Similarly, it could help enhance the security and confidence that investors are exposed to, where they can be faced with legal liabilities or stigmatization for investing in Cannabis.
Environmental and Ethical Issues of Legalizing Marijuana
A growing number of cannabis-growing facilities may bring damage to the natural environment in the form of water consumption, land depletion, pesticides, and carbon emissions. In a situation where people are primarily farming in arid or drought-prone areas, greenhouses houses entail more water use than usual. Legalizing MarMarijuanauld brings countries the water crisis solution as the irrigation systems are more effective and controllable. However, this can also result in a sharp escalation of water demand as an area of cultivation expands. Consequently, the marketing of crops is also developed. The cultivation of Cannabis has been responsible for many detrimental effects, from soil erosion to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Legalization of a particular commodity can help reduce land degradation through in-warehousing and authorized areas, but it can also lead to land degradation through more land conversions and fragmentation.
What is more, the cultivation of potent Marijuana triggers the emission of a large amount of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, which will increase global warming and climate change. As an example, the research has demonstrated that the legal national indoor marijuana use is a source of 1% of the total national electricity and is the same as the 3 million cars CO2 emissions (Mowbray, 2022). Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides may be used to prevent diseases and pests in cannabis cultivation, but this may affect the health of humans and the environment. The legalization of Cannabis may involve fewer pesticides by the use of stricter criteria and within more uniform living conditions. Still, on the other hand, the producers may use more pesticides as they have to produce more and compete more intensely with each other.
Whether Marijuana is medicinal or recreational remains in question because of a number of issues related to human life, happiness, and conduct. However, some still argue that marijuana aids in the treatment of some diseases, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD, and these patients might be allowed to have it as a medicine (Gerrard 2020). The opposite argument can be that marijuana use impairs brain function and mental health, and it can end up with addiction, cognitive impairment, and irresponsibility. Legalizing marMarijuanay has become a quality product that provides a safe solution and thus increases accessibility, but nevertheless, it may bring about abuse, misuse, and social harm. Having a legal status for Marijuana would lead to a decrease in the number of those incarcerated for nonviolent drug-related crimes and also eliminate racial discrepancies in the justice system. In addition to some effects, the legalization of Cannabis has some implications, among them being public health and safety risks. For example, driving an automobile under the influence may impair one’s driving capacity, which causes road accidents. Adult-use Marijuana is a drug obtainable and easy to access by teenagers whose brains are still developing and thus vulnerable to the negative impacts of Cannabis on cognitive abilities, brain functioning, and psychological well-being.
Conclusion
Marijuana may be good for health, society, and the environment, or it may be bad for them just as well, and before legalization, it is important to look at them all through quality observation. Marijuana has benefits as therapy for chronic pain, treatment of cancer, alcoholism, and drug addiction, cure for epilepsy, depression, and PSTD, treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, and many more. The major benefits are explained by the presence of the cannabis compounds – CBD and THC – as they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The influence of Marijuana on people is a bit diverse because of how much they consume, the intake or inhalation method, the strain of the plant, and also individual factors.
Furthermore, this drug impacts cerebral development and functioning, the heart and the lung system, and the mental health of a person. It has been found that Marijuana causes the deterioration of memory, learning, and attention, with the additional risks of psychosis, paranoia, depression, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, bronchitis, and addiction. In addition to this, Cannabis causes other diseases to worsen and interferes with the treatment of all the drugs. It also has negative interactions with alcohol and other harmful substances.
Legitimizing Marijuana is a tax concern that has an effect on social justice and crime, public health, income, employment, investments, and, thus, revenues. The legalization of Marijuana is associated with a number of ill effects, including increased crime, social justice, and public health. The numerous booms that come from allowing Marijuana to be legalized are the shrinking of the black market, revenue increase, job creation, and the enhancement of individual freedoms. In addition, the legalization of Cannabis could be detrimental in other ways. For example, it can lead to addiction, affect mental health, impair driving, and expose children and teens to harmful substances.
One more thing to mention is that the legal use of Cannabis also raises problems about the environment and morals. The negative environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation include deforestation, water pollution, erosion of soil, emission of greenhouse gases, and the effect of pesticides. The ethical issues concerning marijuana legalization can be linked to its associations with substance abuse, impaired driving, mental health problems, social injustices, and opponents’ concern that the risks of marijuana use are less than the harms. Hence, it has become a rather complicated and all-sided debate that cannot be resolved through the legalization of Marijuana. It involves a lot of causalities and needs a thorough weighing of the advantages and disadvantages from the different views.
It’s noteworthy that today, there is still not much information on the appropriate dose for therapeutic purposes because the best dose and the most practical way of delivery vary individually from person to condition and adverse reactions. The safety and effectiveness of marijuana products depend on their source, cultivation method, and processing, which implies that there is a need for rigorous and standardized trials still that are not enough to prove the efficacy and safety of Marijuana as a therapeutic agent.
References
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History.com Editors. (2017, May 31). Marijuana. HISTORY: A&E Television Networks. https://www.history.com/topics/crime/history-of-marijuana
Village, T. R. (2023, May 8). Can Marijuana Be Used as a Treatment in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery? The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/marijuana-addiction/can-marijuana-be-used-addiction-recovery/
Festa, A. (2020, October 30). How Cannabis Is Used to Relieve Digestive Disorders. Healthgrades. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/digestive-health/how-cannabis-is-used-to-relieve-digestive-disorders
Green, J. (2012, July 24). Marijuana And Gastrointestinal Disorders. The Weed Blog. https://theweedblog.com/medical-marijuana-policy/marijuana-and-gastrointestinal-disorders
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July). What Are the long-term Effects on the brain? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brain
CDC. (2021, September 8). Mental Health | Health Effects | Marijuana | CDC. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/mental-health.html
Ekins, G., & Bishop-Henchman, J. (2016, May 12). Marijuana Legalization and Taxes: Federal Revenue Impact. Tax Foundation. https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/marijuana-tax-legalization-federal-revenue/
Mowbray, S. (2022, June 2). Legal and illegal Cannabis: A cause for growing environmental concern. Mongabay Environmental News. https://news.mongabay.com/2022/06/legal-and-illegal-cannabis-a-cause-for-growing-environmental-concern/
Gerrard, J. (2020, July 7). Cannabis. Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor. https://www.pmcsa.ac.nz/topics/cannabis/
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