As economic and social uncertainties permeate the day, key industries and sources of growth and stability become more and more important.
One of these in North America is the cannabis trade, which in very short order went from being considered illegal to “essential” in many states and municipalities in the U.S. Meanwhile, Mexico has recently mulled the possibility of sweeping drug reforms to legalize cannabis products, including CBD and its high-THC cousin, marijuana.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, the whirlwind changes in cannabis’s legal status over the past years and decades of American history have landed the crop in an advantageous position during one of the most dire situations in recent memory.
The transition of hemp and cannabis in the American consciousness from a staple crop to a much-maligned and damaging drug to a niche wellness herbal ingredient has been bewildering enough to many.
“I went around and went to some of the best people I know that grow flower, have juices, have candies,” Sean Carnell, a 40-year-old Marine Corps veteran who served in Afghanistan, told Oregon Public Broadcasting. “I just stocked the f—- up. So, if anything happens in the next couple weeks… I’m good.”
For some, the concept that CBD and some recreational marijuana products qualified as “essential” products and industries during the COVID-19 epidemic is simply too much to bear.
In Mexico, longstanding debates over drug cartel violence and potential solutions have fostered sympathy for total legalization of cannabis products, from recreational marijuana to products used in medical situations and wellness products made using CBD compounds.
Congressional Research studies have shown that 150,000 homicides have been committed since 2006 related to the drug war in Mexico and some 60,000 people have disappeared in that time, LA Weekly reports.
This year may see the passage of such legislation, and some argue it couldn’t come fast enough.
According to Marijuana Moment:
“The proposal as introduced would allow adults 18 and older to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal use. Individuals could grow up to 20 registered plants as long as the total yield doesn’t exceed 480 grams per year. Medical patients could apply to cultivate more than 20 plants, however.
Personal possession would be capped at 28 grams, but possession of up to 200 grams would be decriminalized.”
While the U.S. turns to CBD and marijuana to alleviate its most dire wellness and economic woes, its neighbor to the south may legalize cannabis as a way to end completely inhumane violence and other tragic effects.
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