Illinois and Marijuana
*Positives and Negatives*
Positives of Medicinal Marijuana
One major positive of legalizing medicinal marijuana is what it does for the budget. A tax has been placed on marijuana leading to more money available in the budget. No major estimates have currently been made on how much revenue that marijuana will create, but it has already generated $11 million in the state (Matthews). Areas like Chicago, bring in the most financial profit but dispensaries are set to open up in all over. Another positive of medicinal marijuana is crime rate has gone down. This isn't only attributed to medicinal marijuana but it could have helped. According to Disaster Center, Illinois has a had an overall decrease in the amount of crime that has occurred. From 2012 to 2014 there was a drop in almost 30,000 crimes across the state ("Illinois Crime Rates").
Negatives of Medicinal Marijuana
Even though medicinal marijuana can help relieve the symptoms of many other painful diseases, there may be some side effects of the substance. According the Drug Free World, the effects of marijuana can be felt immediately after use and include: rapid heart beat, lack of physical coordination, depression, and sleepiness ("Does Marijuana..."). In some cases cancer tumors have been found and attributed to marijuana use.
How Medicinal Marijuana affects Illinois?
Weighing the positives of revenue and crime rate dropping compared with the negatives of harmful smoke, Illinois should allow medicinal marijuana. Marijuana brings in great revenue and is taxable. The substance will continue to be a major income-bringer for years to come as long as it stays legal.
Illinois Dispensary Opens in Marion
Inside of a Dispensary
Outside the The Clinic Mundelein
Why We Appreciate Illinois More Now
Knowing that the lawmakers of Illinois made a decision that would be beneficial for the entire state when it comes to revenue, it makes us appreciate their decision. Not only does it bring it more revenue and statistically lowers crime rate, but it also is beneficial to the patients that need it. Medicinal marijuana allows people who suffer from chronic pain to have temporary relief to this problem (Matthews).