Marijuana, pot, weed, dope, Mary Jane, grass, ganja. After being criminalized for decades and contributing to surging prison populations, today a wave of legalization is sweeping the United States and the world. Advocates point to medical benefits of marijuana and the legal availability of substances such as alcohol. Opponents often cite pot’s reputation as being a gateway drug, its addictive nature, as well as associated long and short-term mental and behavior problems. The fact remains that research into the drug and its effects has largely been stifled due to its legality. With an estimated 200 million current users worldwide, an industry projected to be worth $31 billion by 2021, an established culture full of symbolism and cultural references, celebrity CBD endorsements and widespread availability, it is time to discuss the full breadth of cannabis.
