It’s taken nearly 20 years, but we’ve now come to a point where almost half of the country has legalized medical marijuana. As of July 2014, 23 states and Washington D.C. all welcome family practice doctors who prescribe medical marijuana.
Such a state of affairs might seem baffling to those who grew up believing marijuana was a drug, but there are several good reasons why dozens of places in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana. Here are just a few.
It Can Treat a Myriad of Different, Serious Diseases’ Symptoms.
Doctors who prescribe medical marijuana are able to treat a menagerie of different, serious diseases’ symptoms, like AIDS, Glaucoma, Cancer, and even Multiple Sclerosis. After all, medical marijuana has been proven to be a pain reliever, reduce nausea, and even increase patients’ appetites.
It’s More Economically Feasible.
Instead of chasing them away, it’s a much more economically sound idea to welcome doctors who prescribe medical marijuana. The War on Marijuana costs the U.S. about $42 billion a year. That’s enough to employ about 880,000 teachers who make $47,602 a year. Conversely, Colorado made $14 million — which is $2 million in taxes — after just one month of having legalized recreational marijuana.
It’s What the People Want.
People want to go to doctors who prescribe medical marijuana. A Gallup poll from 2013 found that 58% of people support medical marijuana, and support hasn’t shrunk. A broad, CivicScience survey from 2014 found another 58% of Americans also supported medical marijuana, with 39% saying that they “strongly support” the idea.
Although many people still believe that marijuana is a drug, and not a medicine, the fact of the matter is that the majority of Americans feel otherwise. Medical marijuana can treat a multitude of different serious symptom, and it’s much more economically sustainable. Perhaps most importantly, it’s what people want.
If you have any opinions on doctors who prescribe medical marijuana, feel free to share in the comments.