What Iowans Want To Know About Legalizing Marijuana

MarijuanaWhile Iowa has legalized medical marijuana for a few ailments, many are pushing for the legalized limits to be widened. Current Iowa law, signed two years ago by Gov. Terry Branstad and set to expire July 1, 2017, allows Iowa residents to possess and use up to 32 ounces of cannabidiol (CBD oil), a derivative of the marijuana plant, for the sole purpose of treating intractable epilepsy and its side effects.

Iowans under a physician’s care who acquire an approved cannabidiol registration card must obtain the product from other states that produce cannabidiol. But few sell to out-of-state residents, which advocates say makes Iowa’s law unworkable. A bill passed by the Iowa Senate last year that failed to win support in the Iowa House would have established a comprehensive medical cannabis program for Iowans seeking relief from debilitating diseases and conditions.

Proponents say the measure contained safeguards to keep it from ushering in legalized use of marijuana for recreational purposes. It also would have authorized the production and dispensing of medical cannabis for expanded uses and medical conditions. Perhaps this is true – but other states have found that this is just a myth. Of course, and thing could happen and that is where lawmakers and proponents are leaning.

So, if it is widened and CBD oil is easier to obtain, will there be a problem? Legalized pot is one thing, but CBD oil is a whole other machine. You can’t just smoke it or vape it to get high; in fact, it heals more than it calms – except in those with severe seizure and cancer ailments.

And yet another major issue comes not from the industry itself, but rather how people will pay for their CBD oil. “Cash oily” is a bad idea for many business, but marijuana shops and dispensaries that are cash only have a bigger target on their backs. You need to look for a medical marijuana merchant account provider, like MMJ, to house your merchant account. A medical marijuana merchant account provider should have immense industry experience and knowledge to help you better your business – and steer clear of any legal issues.

The Issue with Rushing Legalized Pot Legislation

480007355There are simple ways to tell if a driver is drunk. There is a breathalyzer, a speech test, and a walking test. But, what happens when a policeman comes across a stoned driver? What test are there? No one — not even highway patrolmen — knows precisely how stoned a motorist can be before he’s dangerously under the influence of cannabis. Unlike with liquor, there’s no 0.08% blood alcohol equivalent for marijuana. There’s not even a common Breathalyzer to measure drugged driving. And there’s nothing around the corner. That’s one problem with rushing to legalize marijuana for stoner use.

This is what many proclaim is the major issue for those who want legalized marijuana. Proposition 64 on the November ballot would legalize marijuana use for anyone 21 and older. And all polls show the initiative winning by a landslide, supported by roughly 60% of voters. And that’s great for many: for the total economy, for those who want to smoke it, and for merchants who want to sell it. However, the questions are still around. What is the legal limit for those who are driving stoned? One blunt? What about those who vape? This is the problem. There aren’t any clear cut laws for this – and it is going to be a major issue.

And there are those that argue that it isn’t an issue now with those who use it for medicinal purchases, but this is a totally different thing. Medical marijuana is regulated by use – unlike recreational marijuana, which can be purchased daily if one chooses. It’s not saying that someone who wants to smoke pot daily shouldn’t – after all, it could be legal in a few days. But what people are hanging onto is the fact that this legalization can boost the economy of a huge and struggling state.

The taxation of legalized marijuana often tops that of cigarettes – and this is set to boom the economy if it is voted in. Come January, the economy of California may flip – and even if someone cannot take their legalized pot out of the state, millions travel to California every year for vacations, so at least some vacationers are liable to purchase pot and help out the state economy.

So, What Happens to Pot Users When It Is Legalized?

Marijuana Merchant AccountWe all know what happens to pot itself when it is legalized. There are high taxes placed on it, and there are quality-control regimens that are put into place, to ensure safety and purity. No one argues against quality and purity – and most of us can argue against higher taxes – but what does the legalization do to pot smokers? Will they pay more for quality, or will they stick with their illegally obtained green that is cheaper and has somewhat questionable quality?

Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Results for Colorado, Washington and Oregon, the study examined changes in rates of marijuana consumption per month. The rate of increase in marijuana use didn’t change significantly after legalization in Colorado, Washington and Oregon. Marijuana use has been steadily increasing in all three states since the early 2000s.

Opponents of marijuana legalization are especially concerned that young people would use more marijuana if it’s legalized. The study looked at surveys of health behaviors conducted in middle schools and high schools as part of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Colorado and Alaska, and found that there was no significant change in trends of youth marijuana use post-legalization.

So, perhaps the worries about youth and non-pot smokers getting ahold of – and addicted – to legalized pot is wrong. But, it does ultimately help those who would purchase it and smoke it anyway. The better quality-control and purity is great for those who want a superior experience, and the various strains and strengths available in one place benefits those who aren’t sure what they want. But still, legalized marijuana will always be a source of hesitation for many – namely lawmakers.

Many states lack the I&R rulings to allow for a simple vote during election time, and others simply refuse to allow it on the ballot. You can’t blame them; some believe that that rash of stoned drivers may cause problems. But, a rash a drunken drivers cause problems – and alcohol is legal in the united states. It may take years – decades – and even a century – for everyone to get ahold of legalized pot; that is, if they actually want to use it.