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For thousands of years, people have used the cannabis plant, sometimes referred to as marijuana, weed, pot, or ganja, for therapeutic, recreational, and even spiritual purposes. Numerous chemical substances found in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to control mood, pain, appetite, memory, and other processes. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives cannabis its euphoric effects, and cannabidiol (CBD), which has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure qualities, are two of the most well-known cannabinoids. One of the most popular and contentious drugs in the world is cannabis.

Cannabis laws vary from place to place and may be either legal, illegal, or somewhere in between. Certain nations, like South Africa, Uruguay, and Canada, have legalised cannabis for both recreational and medical use. In several nations, like the US, cannabis is permitted for medical use in certain states but is prohibited federally. Furthermore, cannabis use is completely forbidden and carries severe punishments, including death, in a number of nations, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. What makes cannabis so significant from a legal standpoint, then?

And why are the rules and regulations governing its use important to us? I’ll discuss why I think legalising cannabis is an issue of social justice, human rights, and public health in this blog post, along with the reasons we should change the antiquated and unfair laws that currently make it illegal.

Why Human Rights Concern Cannabis

As long as people do not injure other people, I think it is a human right that cannabis users select what they put into their own bodies. Cannabis is a naturally occurring plant that has been utilised for generations by people and has numerous advantages for both mental and physical well-being. Unlike alcohol, nicotine, and opioids, cannabis has very little chance of overdosing or death, and it is not addictive.

Cannabis is still illegal in many areas of the world, and millions of people are stigmatised, detained, and imprisoned for using it, despite the proof of its efficacy and safety. 83% of the 4.4 million persons incarcerated for drug-related offences in 2019 were for cannabis, according to the United Nations. People of colour, Native Americans, and the impoverished are disproportionately affected by this breach of human dignity and freedom, as they are more likely to be singled out for abuse, harassment, and discrimination by the legal system and law enforcement.

Legalising cannabis will allow us to halt the disastrous war on drugs and uphold the human rights of millions of people who use it for personal or medical purposes. Additionally, we can redirect funds and resources that are squandered on upholding prohibition to harm reduction, education, prevention, and treatment.

How Human Rights Can Be Protected by Legalising Cannabis

Legalisation of marijuana can advance human rights in a number of ways, including:

Decriminalising cannabis users and eliminating the discrimination and stigma they experience controlling cannabis production, distribution, and use to guarantee its affordability, quality, and safety.
fostering responsible and educated decision-making and educating people about the advantages and dangers of cannabis use.
giving access to social and health services to individuals who require medical marijuana or who have problems or worries about their cannabis use.empowering cannabis growers and vendors, particularly small-scale growers and underserved areas, and fostering chances for social justice and economic growth.

Why Social Justice Concerns About Cannabis

Because of the massive underground market that has been established by cannabis prohibition, which feeds corruption, violence, and environmental destruction, I think cannabis is a social justice issue. The global cannabis market is projected to be worth $344 billion, making it one of the most profitable crops in the world. But since most nations forbid the use of cannabis, gangs, cartels, and criminal organisations control the market and employ violence and intimidation to control the drug’s manufacture, distribution, and consumption. These organisations don’t care about the product’s safety or quality; instead, they frequently take advantage of and mistreat the labourers who cultivate and process cannabis, particularly women and children. By employing pesticides, deforestation, and water pollution, they also harm the ecosystem.

Legalisation of cannabis will help growers, consumers, and society as a whole by lowering the strength and influence of these illegal organisations and establishing an open, transparent market. Additionally, we can produce tax income, jobs, and opportunities for the legal cannabis sector, all of which will help the areas afflicted by prohibition grow and thrive.

How Social Justice Can Be Advanced by Legalising Cannabis

Legalising marijuana can advance social justice in a number of ways, including:

• eradicating the corruption and violence connected to the illegal cannabis trade and enhancing the safety and tranquilly of the areas where it operates.
• defending the interests and rights of those employed in the cannabis sector, with a focus on the weaker and marginalised populations, and making sure they receive just and humane treatment.
• enhancing the safety and quality of cannabis products while guarding against adulteration and contamination that could endanger customers’ health.
• fostering the creation of a sustainable and moral cannabis industry, as well as the social and economic advancement of the nations and communities that grow and use cannabis fixing the harms done to people and the environment, as well as addressing the historical and contemporary injustices and inequalities brought about by the prohibition and criminalization of cannabis.

The Reasons Marijuana Is Concerning Public Health

Since the ban of cannabis has made it harder for people to benefit from its therapeutic and medicinal properties and increased their risk of damage, I think cannabis is a public health issue. Millions of people with a variety of illnesses and ailments can benefit from cannabis as a medication, and it can also enhance the quality of life and general wellbeing for a large number of other people. In addition, cannabis is a safer substitute for other drugs including alcohol, cigarettes, and painkillers.

Cannabis has the potential to lessen the usage and dependence on these drugs, as well as to prevent or treat side effects like overdose, lung cancer, and liver illness.

However, cannabis users encounter numerous obstacles and difficulties getting access to it because it is banned in many regions. They are forced to rely on the illegal market, where they cannot be certain of the cannabis’ provenance, strength, or purity. Additionally, they might receive cannabis that has been tainted by pesticides, Mould, or other materials, which could be harmful to their health. Along with dealing with the shame and discrimination associated with taking illegal substances, individuals may choose not to ask for assistance or treatment when they do.

Legalisation will allow us to guarantee that individuals who use cannabis have access to high-quality, reasonably priced cannabis as well as accurate information and instruction on how to use it sensibly. We can respect their choices and preferences while also providing them with assistance and support if they have any problems or worries about using cannabis.

How Medicinal Cannabis Legalisation Can Enhance Public Health

Legalisation of marijuana has several benefits for public health, including:

enabling those in need of medicinal cannabis to have easier access to it and to it, while doing so under the supervision and guidance of medical specialists.
lowering the risks and harm connected to the illicit cannabis industry,

spreading awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of cannabis use and encouraging people to make wise decisions.
assisting those with cannabis-related problems or worries and giving them access to social and health resources.
acknowledging that cannabis usage is a personal and health issue rather than a moral or legal one, and respecting the choices and preferences of those who use it.

In conclusion

Finally, I hope you found this blog article informative and fascinating. I believe that cannabis is a very significant topic from a legal standpoint. I also hope you agree with me that we need to change the laws and policies and that cannabis should be allowed for both medical and recreational usage.

I believe that by doing this, we can safeguard the public health, social justice, and human rights of millions of cannabis users while also fostering global peace, prosperity, and progress.

I appreciate you reading,

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Ghazala Siddique