Why weed should be legal

It organizes the public into nine distinct groups, based on an analysis of their attitudes and values. Even in a polarized era, the survey reveals deep divisions in both partisan coalitions.

Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics. Pew Research Center now uses as the last birth year for Millennials in our work. President Michael Dimock explains why. About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research.

Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Newsletters Donate My Account. Research Topics. Why Should Marijuana Be Legal? It includes a heavy emphasis on grassroots activism, lobbying, the creation of broad-based coalitions, as well as media and advertising. Valerie Jarrett, who was a senior advisor to President Obama, worked with Holden on legislation to reduce mandatory minimum sentencing for nonviolent drug offenders.

The legislation garnered support of 80 senators, but Mitch McConnell, who was Senate Majority Leader at the time, blocked it from reaching the floor in More than anything, Koch sees marijuana legalization as the beginning of the end of the federal war on drugs. Here, the modern philosopher king looks to a 19th-century French economist for wisdom. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. Edit Story. Will Yakowicz Forbes Staff.

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The debate over the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana is ongoing. More than 30 states in the U. And a growing number allow recreational use. However, the federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. This federal classification makes it illegal to possess marijuana. It also limits medical studies into the potential benefits of cannabis. The arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana are hot topics.

This article explains the pros and cons of medical marijuana and the scientific evidence. Americans overwhelmingly support the legalization of marijuana. Several possible health benefits of medical marijuana have been proposed:.

And arguments in favor of using medical marijuana include:. Although marijuana has many benefits, there are still some downsides. Some of the arguments from those who oppose its use include:. In the past, clinical trials to to determine if marijuana is effective in treating certain conditions have been restrictive and limited. However, as medical marijuana becomes more common throughout the world, researchers are doing more studies. However, expert reviews of current research continue to advocate that more studies are needed.

In addition, many hurdles involve controlling the quality and dosing of cannabis with what is legally available to researchers. One review of research noted that the long-term effects of cannabis are still unknown. Without more research into dosage and adverse effects, scientific evidence on the therapeutic effects of cannabis will remain in question. Researchers need to evaluate marijuana using the same standards as other medications to understand whether it is valuable for managing any conditions.

Until the federal government downgrades marijuana from a Schedule I drug, widespread clinical trials are unlikely to happen in the United States. Medical marijuana is increasingly available in the U. It is often used to treat chronic pain, muscle spasms, and nausea and vomiting, and to increase appetite.