Why Should Cannabis Be Legalized Nationally; There are several reasons why cannabis should be legalized nationally. First and foremost, legalization would help to reduce the number of people who are incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses. Currently, a large percentage of individuals who are in jail or prison are there for drug-related crimes, many of which involve marijuana. By legalizing cannabis, we can redirect law enforcement resources towards more pressing issues and reduce the burden on our criminal justice system.
Cannabis clone from bottom of plant
Legalization would also provide a significant boost to the economy. The cannabis industry is already a multi-billion dollar industry in states where it is legal, and national legalization would create countless jobs and generate billions of dollars in tax revenue. This revenue could be used to fund important social programs and infrastructure projects.
Moreover, legalization would allow for greater regulation and oversight of the cannabis industry. Currently, the black market for marijuana is thriving, and consumers have no way of knowing what they are buying or how it was produced. By legalizing cannabis, we can ensure that products are tested for safety and potency and that consumers have access to accurate information about what they are buying.
Finally, legalization would help to reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis use. Many people still view marijuana as a dangerous drug, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. By legalizing cannabis, we can help to change these perceptions and promote a more open and honest discussion about drug use and addiction.
In conclusion, there are numerous reasons why cannabis should be legalized nationally. From reducing incarceration rates to boosting the economy and promoting public health, legalization would have far-reaching benefits for individuals and society as a whole.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed two new cannabis-related bills into law over the weekend—one to revive the Cannabis Growers Showcase program, where producers sell products directly to consumers at farmers market-style events, and another clarifying that cannabis is categorized as an agricultural crop in the state. Hochul vetoed a separate measure, however, that would have given marijuana businesses more leeway in how they pay taxes. Legislative leaders cheered the two new laws, which they said will support cannabis farmers and help build a more robust legal marijuana market.
Best of times? Worst of times? … Why not both at once?
The year 2025 will be good for consumers in terms of pricing, stores, selection, home growing, and hash. Prices will be low, more stores will open with more options, cool seeds will flourish, and hash will be everywhere.
But it’s going to be another bear of a year for growers, sellers, and activists. Both Republicans and Democrats love soaking the pot industry with taxes and regulations. America’s 40 million or so past-month smokers have yet to find their voice and push back.
The wheel of time is set to turn once again. So let’s punch up our annual predictions in the style of asking questions to a Magic 8 Ball. We’ll let you make the pot puns.
Big legislative moves
Will Congress legalize marijuana? My reply is no.
Will the federal government reschedule marijuana? Outlook not so good.
Will Congress further regulate hemp-derived products? Most likely.
Will the States further regulate hemp-derived products? It is decidedly so.
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State legalization in 2025
Will Pennsylvania legalize marijuana? My reply is no.
Will Oklahoma legalize marijuana? My reply is no.
Will Hawaii legalize marijuana? My reply is no.
Will New Hampshire legalize marijuana? Very doubtful.
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Will Florida legalize marijuana? My reply is no.
Will more local, state, and federal expungement efforts continue? Outlook good.
Will more local cities and counties decriminalize cannabis? Yes.
Retail
Will more than 100 new dispensaries open in legal US states? It is certain.
Will more delivery, pickup, and drive-through options open up in legal US states? You may rely on it.
Will more lounges open up in legal US states? It is certain.
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Will the East Coast states gain stores, farms, and clout in the legal market? Signs point to yes.
Will California cannabis cafe culture hit new heights? As I see it, yes.
Strains & Products
New strain for 2025: Ridgeline’s Blueberry Caviar perfumes the room. (David Downs/Leafly)
Will blueberry be a hype flavor of 2024? Most likely.
Will even more of cannabis culture become about hash? As I see it, yes.
Will cannabis prices find their bottom? Don’t count on it.
Will cannabis prices find their bottom? Don’t count on it.
Will value-added cannabis products like live rosin reach new price heights? Signs point to yes.
Will the home grow movement get bigger? Signs point to yes.
More legislation
Will more cities or states debate and pass THC caps? Most likely.
Will cannabis face continued censorship on social platforms? Better not tell you now.
Will the US government legalize cannabis banking? Unclear, ask again later.
Will cannabis taxes and regulations go up? Signs point to yes.
Related
Nebraska just voted to legalize medical marijuana. Here’s what happens next.
Will more states try ‘social equity’ laws? Yes.
Will more legal challenges narrow or nullify ‘social equity’ laws? Most likely.
Will consumers form a big association and find their political voice? Concentrate and try again.
Will Canadian cannabis remain stagnant and over-regulated? Better not tell you now.
See how easy that was? If you don’t like our Predictions, leave one of your own in our survey below. Afterward, get out there and prove us wrong. The future is unwritten. Our fates are what we make it, so go make yours a good one. See you in 2025.
The 2024 general election has one high point for cannabis law reformers.
Nebraska has voted to legalize medical marijuana via two related measures—IM 437 and IM 438. The former essentially legalizes medical marijuana possession, and a health care professional’s ability to prescribe medical marijuana. The latter clears the path for a new state commission to write rules and regulations for a medical program. IM 437 passed with roughly 71% of the vote, and IM 438 passed with 70%.
Even though this year’s measures passed, proponents aren’t out of the woods yet. This September, Nebraska prohibitionists filed a lawsuit accusing signature gatherers for the campaign of “cheating” and gathering invalid signatures. The argument lacks much evidence, however; the case is currently before a District judge.
Here’s what happens next, if the measures move forward:
Is medical marijuana legal for adults in Nebraska right now?
No. IM 438—aka the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act—stipulates the creation of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which must begin considering business applications by October 1, 2025.
Don’t forget: Implementation of the program hinges on the district court allowing the measure to move forward.
How much marijuana will Nebraska patients be able to legally possess?
IM 437 legalizes the possession of up to 5 ounces of marijuana.
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Nebraska marijuana laws
When can I legally buy marijuana?
The measures do not set a specific date that sales will start.
Can medical patients smoke a joint in public?
Neither measure addresses public consumption. But odds are low that patients will be able to legally consume in public.
Can I grow cannabis at home in Nebraska?
Neither measure addresses homegrow.
Who will regulate legal growers and sellers?
If the measures go into effect, the to-be-created Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will establish rules and rules for the program.
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What kind of products will be available?
IM 438 gives a green-light to marijuana flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals and ointments.
Any equity or small-business licenses?
Neither measure addresses this question.
Will marijuana be taxed?
Neither measure addresses questions of taxation.
Stay tuned for more from Nebraska’s march toward medical cannabis.
