The pros and cons of legalizing marijuana are still being debated.
A growing number allow recreational use.
However, as a Schedule I controlled substance, marijuana is illegal under federal law.
LPETTET / Getty Images
It also limits medical studies into the potential benefits ofcannabis.
The Pros of Legalizing Marijuana
Americans overwhelmingly support the legalization of marijuana.
In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 88% of Americans support legalizing marijuana.
In a handful of other states, marijuana has been decriminalized.
However, as medical marijuana becomes more common throughout the world, researchers are doing more studies.
Summary
Medical marijuana is increasingly available in the U.S. More studies are needed to understand the benefits of medical marijuana.
National Conference of State Legislatures.State medical cannabis laws.
Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.
Pew Research Center.Americans overwhelmingly say marijuana should be legal for recreational or medical use.
2022;5(5):CD013444.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013444.pub2
American Cancer Society.Marijuana and cancer.
Harvard Health Publishing.The effects of marijuana on your memory.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.16318
Preuss U, Huestis M, Schneider M et al.Cannabis use and car crashes: a review.Front Psychiatry.
Hill KP, Palastro MD, Johnson B, Ditre JW.Cannabis and pain: a clinical review.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res.
2017;2(1):96-104. doi:10.1089/can.2017.0017
