Peace of Mind

In this tumultuous era of political and social discrimination and disarray, cannabis is a source for social and personal peace that more and more people are getting behind. Since legalization is sweeping the nation one state at a time, cannabis has made so many positive strides for the economy, the local and national population and in personal health. The improvements of cannabis use and legalization can be seen and heard in many different facets of our American life and can sometimes be forgotten in the thick of the world’s traumas. However, it is important to find time and space to meditate, to be present and to remember the good things that have happened recently, including what good things cannabis reform has done for our country and our communities; things like reducing foreign and illegal drug trafficking, giving people an alternative to “Big Pharma” medical treatments, lowering teen drug addiction and abuse, creating a multitude of new jobs for Americans and bringing people together in a peaceful, reflective and fun way—through cannabis.

Reducing Cartel and Foreign Drug Trafficking

CULTURE reported last month that recent numbers from Canada show what cannabis advocates have suspected and claimed ever since legalization first became an experiment in the states: Legalizing actually lowers crime rates when it comes to cartel activity and outside groups bringing cannabis into Canada. In fact, the more legally accepted the plant becomes, the less gangs and organized crime units or illegal drug traffickers want to do with it, since it is decreasing in value on the black market.

Legalizing cannabis, or even descheduling, rescheduling or decriminalizing in the states, could make a huge difference when it comes to lower crime rates and safer borders and airports. Rather than banning travel or building a wall to keep criminal elements out of the country, sensible drug policies can help achieve that level of safety without shutting out any innocent people.

Providing Affordable or Alternative Health Care

Another major topic of debate in the U.S. is healthcare. Many fear that the new political administration will roll back the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and make healthcare unaffordable, and others are outraged because they feel that America needs something better than the ACA. Cannabis provides alternative medical solutions that aren’t controlled by pharmaceutical companies, and cannabis is an affordable alternative that doesn’t cost thousands without health insurance, the way some medications do.

Lowering Teen Drug Use

Many legalized areas are reporting lower teen cannabis use. A report by Monitoring the Future found that cannabis use by kids is highest in the country through the state of Colorado (about 12 to 17 percent). Although a negative fact, that percentage has not increased since Colorado became a legal state, which concludes that cannabis legalization has little impact on whether or not teenagers use cannabis. In fact, an additional study through the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which compares numbers between 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, found that cannabis use in Colorado has actually decreased significantly. Data shows that between 2014 and 2015, shortly after Colorado legalized cannabis, teenager cannabis use fell from 20.81 percent for youths that had used cannabis within the past year to 18.35. It’s not just Colorado’s teenagers who are becoming more aware about cannabis though. According to a survey conducted in Washington State, cannabis use amongst teens has decreased alongside their perception of harm—which is defined as how dangerous younger individuals think substances like cannabis are. In this case, eighth and tenth graders in Washington State reported their perception of harmfulness decreased to 14 and 16 percent. All of this evidence could be thanks to the fact that there is more factual education about cannabis and how like alcohol, it is safe and available to try when older, or due to legal cannabis not seeming as alluring or exciting as an illegal substance. Rather than putting teens at risk, legal cannabis is actually ensuring that the kids stay sober and educated.

Creating Jobs

One of the major selling points for politicians is their ability to create jobs and maintain existing industries that may be struggling or looking to expand. Everyone is currently scrutinizing how Obama impacted the economy, and wondering whether or not Trump will be able to keep his promises about bringing back jobs. The cannabis industry is a major source for job creation in the U.S. An economic study done in Colorado revealed that the industry created 18,000 new full-time jobs in 2015. From blue collar jobs like trimming, packing and growing the plant to executive positions and desk jobs, there is currently a plethora of opportunities in the cannabis industry.

Providing Hope with Social Unity

Cannabis is a cause many can get behind, something that can bring the divided together. Some people want smaller government and states’ rights, as well as fewer regulations, which is just what the cannabis industry wants as well. Some people want more personal and social freedoms and more opportunities for scientific research into cannabis. Not to mention, when someone is hurt, weak, in danger or in need of assistance, Americans on the whole come together, cooperate and work together.

“Cannabis is definitely something that brings people together,” Boris Shcharansky, CEO of Papa & Barkley, a cannabis company in California, told CULTURE. “I would be in meetings with farmers and Republican legislators who would see videos about how cannabis helps children and be convinced. When you see it helping people and the remarkable results, I think it’s just undeniable. People can disagree on health care, immigration, etcetera, but I have even converted hardcore conservatives to support cannabis.”

Personal Peace through Cannabis and Meditation

Cannabis has been used for over a thousand years by most of the world’s oldest cultures as a medicine. Most people in the west are unaware that many ancient cultures also recognized the value of cannabis as an aide to spiritual practice and meditation as well. Sects within Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sufism and a variety of other religious groups have used cannabis for spiritual practices. On their own, both mediation and cannabis have similar effects. Together, the benefits of meditation are amplified. This has been evident in South Asia, where several religious groups including Buddhists, Naths and Shaivites have introduced it into their meditation practices. Many believe it helps to slow the mind and enter a state of great internal stillness with heightened awareness. Combining meditation and cannabis has profound benefits—and it’s very easy for people to do. Communities in legal states have great beneficial cannabis meditation practices and experts, and classes in this way are common. These communities have less crime, less drug abuse and friendlier communities. Consuming an indica strain that will sedate you (more than a sativa) and can slow synapses, reducing mental distractions and facilitating concentration. Ideally, you should consume your cannabis in the same position as your meditation practice so you can slip into meditation as the cannabis effects take hold. Smoking, vaping or any other method you like will do the trick, just ensure it enables a restful response. Studies have shown that meditation not only lowers blood pressure but also can improve your immune system, while improving your ability to concentrate. More studies have shown improvement for gastrointestinal disorders, fibromyalgia and even psoriasis in patients who meditate.