When California legalized recreational marijuana on November 8, 2016, it made an immediate impact on the state and the rest of the United States as they watched eagerly to see what would happen. Something like the Proposition 64 text allowed adults of legal age to consume marijuana and marijuana products without legal consequences on a state level as long as it was being done responsibly and without harming others. California is the most populated state in the United States and the legalization made it the testing grounds for later legalization in other states. Because of their high population, they have had a big impact on the United States culturally, politically, and economically.
When California passed this proposition, the country did not have nearly as high of an approval rating for legalized marijuana as it does today. Today, the majority of the nation believes that marijuana should at least be legalized for medicinal reasons for those suffering from a variety of different ailments including Crohn’s Disease and mental health issues such as PTSD. After California legalized the use of recreational marijuana, several states decided to follow their example when they saw the success that they had with the program. Some of the more notable legalizations that happened relatively quickly were Colorado and Washington who have both developed a booming economy based on marijuana and related industries. The legalization that took place in California was one of the first steps in the slow process of legalizing marijuana on a federal level.
The economy in California is one of the largest in the world coming in sixth place. It makes up around 13.8% of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product, which is quite a considerable amount. In 2016 alone, California brought in 2.46 trillion when it comes to the value of services and goods that were produced and sold in the state. In the House of Representatives, California alone has 53 representatives that can impact any vote about federal legalization. This is good news for those hoping for legalization across the United States.
California first began the process of legalization back in 1996 when they made it legal to consume marijuana for medicinal purposes. They are seen as one of the leaders in the influence of marijuana legalization and are considered part of history because of their efforts that have impacted the rest of the United States. Many believe that the legalization of marijuana in the United States could also impact legalization in other countries such as Mexico in the near future.
The people who disapprove of marijuana are quickly becoming a rather small minority in the United States and this number continues to get smaller over time. Many people who don’t personally have an interest in using marijuana believe that adults should have the right to choose what is put into their bodies as long as it is done in a responsible manner. So far, it seems to many as if the impact of legal marijuana in the state has been overwhelmingly positive and has helped many people.
