Back in 1937 the United States passed the Marijuana Tax Act and banned recreational and medical use of cannabis. During the next 73 years marijuana has become the most popular illegal narcotic in the western world, and numerous scientific studies have proven that cannabis consumption is not harmful to a person, but on contrary – can improve well-being and help cope with certain mental disorders.
Earlier this week New Jersey joined more than a dozen other fine states that permit medical marijuana use. Surprisingly, so many allowed it already: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Medical marijuana is still not available for everybody, but if you have a legitimate condition and your doctor prescribes it – you can easily get your treatment.
The bill passed in New Jersey allows recipients to buy up to two ounces of narcotic per month. In order to qualify to receive medical marijuana, a person would need to be diagnosed with one of the following chronic and terminal conditions: cancer, glaucoma, positive HIV/AIDS status; chronic, debilitating diseases or medical conditions that result in wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms.
This legislation brings out diverse reactions, but to the most part, people hope that medical marijuana legalization will continue to expand and will be easing the suffering of many patients. Recreational marijuana use is illegal, prohibited and punished for as before.