I am a victim of unsafe work practices here in NZ. The injuries I have from the accident has left me with permanent damage and nerve pain. The need to have a simple break from the pain when I’m trying to relax is most appealing to me. Most medications I am given are terrible at resolving the issue, and come with some rather unpleasant side effects. So much so that I’d rather just force myself to sleep or deal with it.
Legalization of marijuana will allow me to legally obtain a sufficient amount to allow me to make my own edibles. I currently smoke it as I cannot afford to eat marijuana, and I'd much rather know the product I receive is grown under controlled and regulated environments, so I am not ingesting chemicals that were not flushed, nor am I losing out due to people's greed.
By giving me a medical license to provide for myself or to be able to purchase marijuana, I will be able to maintain a normal life. I do not drink nor indulge in other drugs and having the one thing that works for me be illegal not only affects me, but it could affect my employers or applications for new jobs.
It would free up space in our prison systems. And it would also allow for a larger budget to combat meth users, producers and distributors. Which is very important as the addictive-ness of the substance cannot be argued. Yet another bonus would be gangs and private dealers would also take a blow, shutting down an income source.
Economically it’s a cash crop, and as we move into the global warming crisis it is an opportunity to begin leading the world in hemp materials, from building block and insulation to replacing our forestries with a faster more environmentally sustainable solution.
The only limitation this plant has had in the last 5000 years is people. It should not be available to anyone under 21, as research has shown that it can have a direct effect on a developing brain.
Despite anyone’s argument alcohol has greater effects on our treasury, health systems and public safety. Legalising marijuana is allowing an alternative to those who don't approve of alcohol or the damage that it has in our houses, on our roads, at our social gatherings and other aspects of our society.