Is Medical Marijuana Really Medicine Or Just a New Taxable Commodity?

Even if you live in one of the states that hasn’t yet looked into, or already legalized, the use of medical marijuana, there’s no doubt, you’ve probably been hearing some of the talk about it on your nightly news. Currently, fourteen U.S. states have legalized some form of medical marijuana. Thirteen more have legislation pending which could soon make it legal within their boarders. So what’s behind this shift in government policy and public opinion? Why are new signs of acceptance to the legalization of medical marijuana sprouting up almost daily? Can marijuana really be considered medicine and does this budding industry represent new and legitimate money making business opportunities for those looking outside the box for new sources of wealth? Or, is it simply another commodity our state governments can start taxing?

If you take a quick look around, there are many signs that marijuana is slowly creeping into many of the radar screens of the financially strapped States throughout the country who seek new sources of revenue. With so many of our States struggling to balance their books, it appears as if many are looking to the legalization of medical marijuana as a means to generate new tax dollars to help alleviate budget wows.

Just recently, The American Medical Association softened its stance on the drug, recommending that some federal controls on it be relaxed. In addition, the Obama administration has also recently reversed a long standing, Bush era policy and has said it would stop federally prosecuting medical marijuana users and suppliers who comply with their state laws. Is the value of this weed quickly growing?

Now, it seems as if many entrepreneurs are looking at this new industry as a business whose now ready for its’ own “Amazon.com”, and the numbers seem to back this up. Legal or not, marijuana is a huge cash crop. In California alone, marijuana generates annual sales estimated at $14 billion. Now, thanks to the state’s increasingly liberal medical marijuana laws, more of that money, than ever before, is being spent legally. This is creating a demand for many new administrative, legal support and book-keeping businesses, to name a few, which are rapidly stepping up to cash in on this new and growing industry. There is already demand for more education and training in many states that have recently passed medical marijuana laws and entrepreneurs are coming forward with answers.

Despite what your personal thoughts are regarding the legalization of medical marijuana, it is becoming clear that many who were once against it have now changed their views. You may be surprised to find out just who all is supporting this legislation. One of the nations top consumer advocates, along with many other prominent politicians, professors and business moguls, have all recently made statements, not only condoning the legalization of medical marijuana, but advocating it. With them, however, there are just as many and more, who still strongly oppose the use of this drug for anything. Legal or not.

At this point, it appears the issue is not if, but when, the use of marijuana as medicine, will become widely accepted across the United States. Just like the Lottery, sweeping across the Nation over the past couple decades, the real question may not be how many States want to legalize medical marijuana, it may be, how many can afford not to? With so many of our States now suffering financially, perhaps what we should really be focussed on is whether or not marijuana is really an effective medicine or if it is just becoming another taxable commodity?