According to numerous studies, marijuana’s popularity among American adults is rising, and recreational substance usage is anticipated to continue to climb. Experts believe that the rise in popularity and more tolerant views about marijuana usage are attributable in part to the shifting legality status of the drug in various regions of the country. According to a Gallup survey issued in mid-July, 45% of people in the United States have smoked marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, the most significant percentage in the 48-year history of Gallup asking Americans this question. The issue remains as to why it is so well-liked.
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Why Is Marijuana Rising in Popularity?
Yahoo News ran a survey on the subject in March, the top four reasons individuals use marijuana are to relax, ease pain, have fun, and help them be sociable. Of course, many individuals use marijuana to comfort and fit in, but what are some of the reasons for its growing appeal among adults?
1. The rising belief that marijuana poses few dangers
In an interview with Live Science, a marijuana specialist stated that scare tactics were employed in the 1960s and 1970s to deter young people from using marijuana, and there was a belief that marijuana might lead to heroin addiction. However, the tune has recently shifted. Teenagers and adults are increasingly viewing marijuana as a natural, relatively harmless drug. However, decreased driving ability is one of the acknowledged dangers of immediate usage of the substance.
2. Many individuals believe that smoking marijuana is less probable than taking other illicit substances to lead to drug addiction.
Marijuana has been shown in studies to be a less addictive drug than other illegal drugs. However, many of the studies concluding that marijuana is less addictive than other drugs were conducted 25 years ago when marijuana was less powerful than it is now. Higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations, marijuana’s major psychoactive component, are associated with to high power of marijuana currently than in the past. Also, since people may also use these more powerful versions in various ways, such as vaping or eating them as edibles, shake the foundation of the earlier conclusion. Researchers are not sure how increasing potencies and different delivery techniques may influence marijuana addiction.
Why Do People Use Marijuana?
1. Medical use
More than twenty-five states in the United States, including Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana in some form or another. Only medical marijuana is legal in 22 of these states. According to a recent study, at least 67.5 percent of Americans currently have access to medical marijuana. It is a statistic that translates to over 222 million individuals.
2. Spiritual reasons
Spiritual well-being, according to wellness advocates, is critical in the context of overall health. Unfortunately, Anti-cannabis groups casually ignore marijuana’s long and illustrious history. Marijuana was consumed for spiritual purposes by a variety of ancient societies and utilized as a medication. To show their respects to recently deceased leaders, the Scythians, who resided in the current Eastern Europe, smoked marijuana at funerals. Marijuana lightens a person’s body and allows them to connect with spirits. To converse with spirits, Zoroaster, a Persian prophet, used the intoxicating effects of bhang. Marijuana is widely used in religious rituals. One of the major pillars of Rastafarianism is the use of marijuana. Followers oppose the usage of marijuana to get high, preferring to ingest it at rituals to increase sentiments of oneness. The herb can also aid in the creation of spiritual and calming visions.
3. As a means of relieving stress
Cannabis supporters think it is one of the most effective methods to reduce stress. On the other hand, opponents of the herb have exploited myths and prejudices to cast doubt on the plant’s possible benefits. Cannabis appears to be a possible stress reliever when taken in low to moderate doses. Use a sensible amount if you want true stress and anxiety-relieving effects. THC’s influence on emotional reactions to acute stress as investigated in a research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence in May 2017. THC from these Michigan dispensary locations can alleviate stress if the amount is controlled.
4. Social Use & Peer Pressure
Peer pressure undoubtedly plays a part in many cases of adolescent criminal conduct. Individuals are attempting to sort out their own identities and form new relationships during adolescence. Teenagers are frequently frightened of “not fitting in” and becoming “outcasts.” As a result, individuals are more likely to indulge in illegal behaviors like drinking and using marijuana. It’s also important not to overlook the social aspects of marijuana use. Marijuana’s societal usage has a long history in India and Ancient Rome. Ancient Hindus in India were opposed to the use of alcohol but permitted the social use of cannabis. A weed-seed dessert was served at the end of extravagant dinners in ancient Rome. Likewise, the simple act of sharing a joint or bong today helps to develop friendships.
What Is the Future for Marijuana?
- The aim will no longer be to become stoned out of your gourd.
- The superiority of the Indica and Sativa dichotomy is being questioned as more study is funded.
- Consumers will continue to learn more about the advantages of cannabis and its many components, such as terpenes and cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, in addition to THC and CBD.
- Being a weed smoker’s stigma will almost vanish.
Many cannabis consumers hope that the cannabis industry’s founders and investors grow more diversified over the next decade. It is undeniable that the drug war disproportionately impacts minorities and underserved communities. As a result, cannabis legalization will be a significant motivator and a beginning point for social justice change. Any new federal or state regulation should contain laws targeting the sector more diverse, inclusive, and egalitarian.
