One label you might have seen repeatedly at your local dispensary is probably “live resin.” Maybe you’re not sure how it differs from a standard vape cartridge, or maybe you’ve heard that the effects are “stronger” or “mind-blowing.” What exactly is going on inside of a live resin cartridge, and how is the substance inside different from other distillates on the vape shelf?

Why is live resin so distinct compared to other cartridges?
Compared to other cartridges, live resin doesn't have the highest THC potency. However, numbers aren't everything when it comes to getting the best experience for your money. THC distillate tends to have some of the highest potency on the market, but the distillation process it endures filters out a large amount of chemical impurities, including flavorful terpenes. Live resin is a concentrate in which recently harvested cannabis flower has been immediately flash-frozen and kept frozen throughout the extraction process, preserving the live cultures in the plant before extraction. While it doesn't have the highest THC potency, it does have a higher terpene content, stronger aroma, and ability to induce extra-heightened psychoactive effects. Furthermore, THC distillate is more easily available because it can be more cheaply manufactured from any unused parts of the plant that might otherwise be considered "throwaway." On the other hand, live resin focuses on incorporating the best qualities of the original plant through a very extensive preservation process.

What are terpenes?
​On a basic level, terpenes are aromatic oils responsible for the distinct smells that accompany various strains of cannabis. If a certain strain smells fruity and another smells savory, it's because of the difference in terpene types. Different variations may also promote different mental states, such as relaxation or heightened focus. In flower preparation, many of the terpenes are lost during the drying and curing processes. With higher terpene profiles in live resin, the extra-heightened psychoactive effects are delivered as a result of the terpenes interacting with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids — "the entourage effect" — making live resin a glimmering pinnacle among other cartridges and concentrates. 

How to consume live resin?
There are a few ways to take live resin. The simplest method is to simply buy a live resin cartridge and use it with a vape pen. Another method is called "dabbing" — a special water pipe called a rig is used with another component called a nail (a flat bowl) that is preheated to somewhere between 315-400 degrees Fahrenheit with a gas-powered torch. Live resin is then dropped onto the nail, where it evaporates, and the vapor can be inhaled through the other end of the rig. One other method uses nectar collectors, which consolidate this process into just one device. All three methods involve vaporizing the live resin and inhaling the resulting vapors loaded with terpenes and cannabinoids. 

If you're looking for a reason to love live resin, do it for the terpenes — the richer aromas and preserved flavors that are less abundant in other forms of weed. Anything described as "pretty terpy" is sure to be a wild experience, both for your senses and for the resulting high. Here at Bento, we recommend trying the SFV OG and Wedding Crasher live resin cartridges.

Thanksgiving is going to look a little different this year for all of us. Not going home for the holidays means that you can elevate your own Thanksgiving feast without your family finding out. Cannabis cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating. You can cannabis-infused butter or oil to any standard Thanksgiving recipe. When using cannabutter or oil remember that edibles have a longer onset time and take into consideration the THC dosage that your guests can handle when microdosing each recipe. 

Tangerine Dream Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ½ cup of orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• ½ cup of water
• ¾ cup of sugar 
• 1 teaspoon cannabutter

Directions:

1. Rinse cranberries. 
2. In a medium saucepan combine water, orange juice, and sugar. Place the pan over medium heat stirring to combine ingredients. 
3. Add cranberries and orange zest to the pot and bring to a simmer. Stirring frequently.
4. Let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the cranberries have popped. 
5. Once the cranberries have popped remove from heat and stir in cannabutter. 
6. Let the cranberry sauce cool before serving. 
7. Enjoy! 

Garlic Bud Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
• 3 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon cannabutter
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 3 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: 

1. Peel potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place chopped potatoes in a large saucepan. Add salt and pour enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. 
2. Over medium heat bring the pot to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender about 15 minutes. 
3. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the half and half, garlic, and cannabutter over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer remove it from the heat. 
4. Drain the potatoes. Return potatoes to the pot. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes. Add the cannabutter mixture and cheese to the potatoes and stir. 
5. Add salt and pepper as needed.
6. Enjoy! 

Cannabis-Infused Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie dough
• 15 oz pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups whipping cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon cannabutter
• ½ cup of sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½  teaspoon salt 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pie dough in a 9-inch diameter pie dish. Line crust with foil and fill with dried beans. Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until the crust is a pale golden brown. Let crust cool completely.
2. In a large bowl combine the pumpkin puree, whipping cream, eggs, cannabutter, sugar, salt, and spices. Whisk until combined. 
3. Pour mixture into cooled pie crust. Bake for 50 minutes or until the filling has set. Remove the pie from the oven and let cool. 
4. Enjoy! 

​Cannabis-Infused Turkey
To take your thanksgiving turkey to the next level is quite simple. Follow a turkey recipe that uses butter or oil. While basting the turkey use 1 to 3 teaspoons of cannabis-infused butter or oil. 

While cannabis has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years, the evolution of marijuana has been rapidly accelerating, especially with an increase in crossbreeding and a consistent introduction of new and improved strains each year. However, the potency of weed wasn’t always what it is today, partially due to the limitations and restrictions that persisted all the way through the first decade of the 21st century.

How strong was weed in the past?
The height of marijuana made its mark in the ’60s and ’70s, a period when psychedelic rock also hit its stride. Although the spirit of weed was at its true peak, the potency of the marijuana was undoubtedly lower than today’s standards. This is because the quality of the weed was relatively poor all-around — countries like Colombia controlled the weed market and exported product heavy in leaves, stems, and seeds rather than the dense, resin-packed buds that most consumers have grown accustomed to today. Since cannabis was outlawed in the US, there was little freedom to experiment with genetics that could produce a superior hybrid. In 1972, the Potency Monitoring Program started measuring THC potency levels in samples that US law enforcement had seized. However, there were many limiting factors that affected the accuracy of the recorded data — low sample size (averaging at roughly 18 samples per year), age and storage conditions, and inefficient methods of measurement. Average THC content was reported to be 3-4%, but the numbers were likely much higher in reality. In the ’80s and ’90s, cannabis importation hit a decline with the rise of hydroponically grown weed. The products of this technique were fresher, domestic, and of higher quality. It is estimated that the potency was still much lower than today’s standards, although the data is not truly accurate, again, due to improper storage of samples and the aging of THC over several months (or even years). 

How strong is weed today?
In recent decades, THC potency has increased significantly. By 2014, the potency average — according to a study published in Biological Psychiatry — had risen to around 12%. THC contents over 20% are also becoming more common, with some strains boasting numbers above 30%. While today’s strains are, by all appearances, more potent than the strains of past generations, this is probably due to a difference in quality and resources available in the US — not just time itself. The legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in various regions has also greatly contributed to the rise in potency, as growers have started racing to develop superior strains at a faster rate than ever before.

The strains available to the public today are almost a luxury when it comes to THC content. If you’re looking for something especially potent from our menu, check out Bento Delivery’s top-shelf Sin Mint Cookies [THC 33.55%] and Sonoma Cake [THC 30.52%]. 

Holiday stress means something different for everyone — tight work deadlines, preparing for family gatherings, booking travel plans, or even dealing with crowds and traffic in public places. When the holidays hit, you’ve probably found yourself more stressed by just the little things and how they seem to add up at the end of the year. You might even be sleeping less or finding yourself with less free time than before.

While there are plenty of ways to unwind, cannabis is a trusted method that tackles both mind and body relaxation. If you find yourself in need of temporary relief, both mentally and physically, carve out a small window of time and space to smoke a joint or vape. The best way to tackle stress is to find activities that make you feel refreshed and calm.

Here are Bento Delivery’s top 5 strain recommendations for dealing with stress and anxiety:    
 
1. GSC (aka Girl Scout Cookies)
Brand: Bento
THC: 22.69% (flower)
Effects: relaxed, euphoric, creativity
Description: GSC, which has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards, is best described as a nightcap strain. It is a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, and can be identified by its purple buds sewn through with slim orange hairs. As the name suggests, it has a dessert-like flavor that sucks you into a dreamlike void of euphoria and couchlock. 

2. Blue Dream
Brand: Stiizy
THC: 82.62% (cartridge)
Effects: relaxed, energized, creativity
Description: At first appearance, Blue Dream is appropriately named — its long blue nugs are dotted with blue and amber hairs, as well as an abundance of trichomes. A cross between Blueberry and Haze, it boasts high THC levels and a pinch of CBD. The high that it builds starts with a wash of motivation and focus, followed by a sense of calm and relaxation.

3. Mack Diesel
Brand: BOB Stash
THC: 13% (flower)
Effects: focused, relaxed, social
Description: Mack Diesel is a cross between Sour Diesel and AK-47, two strains praised for their ability to soothe anxiety and nerves. Its flavors are simultaneously sweet and herbal, accompanied by an extraordinarily smooth smoke. The high created by this strain is mellow, with side effects similar to those of other indica-dominant hybrids.

4. Gasolina x Jilly Bean
Brand: King Roll
THC: 40.89% (infused preroll)
Effects: uplifted, euphoric, energetic
Description: This preroll is a unique cross between two strains that are not easily found. Gasolina is known for its relaxing effects, while Jilly Bean adds bursts of citrus flavoring that uplift its user and boost creativity when high. 

5. Wedding Cake
Brand: Cali Select
THC: 27.99% (flower)
Effects: pain relief, relaxed, happy
Description: Wedding Cake, created by crossing Cherry Pie and GSC, is slightly deceiving with its name. It tastes sour with a hint of creaminess, and its buds are round with large concentrations of trichomes, resin, and orange hairs. The high that follows starts with mind-racing effects and giddy euphoria before settling down into a gentle heaviness.

• Behind every fruity-smelling package of cannabis gummies is a heartwarming story. Miss Mirum's gummies are packaged with care in brightly colored circular tins, all with fruity tropical flavors. The catchy colors are only just the surface of the company's compelling narrative.

Based in San Francisco, Miss Mirum's is a female-owned company, something more rarely seen in the cannabis manufacturing industry. In addition, their edibles are created by real chefs to ensure maximum quality in the gummies themselves. They claim to use all-natural ingredients, including premium cannabis grown on northern California farms.

While the company offers a limited number of products, quality is their main emphasis. Gummies are available in indica, sativa, and CBD variations to accommodate a diverse range of customers. Furthermore, their website promises that their "decadent culinary creations are made with the utmost care to elevate your mind and mood." Each flavor has a unique description detailing the type of mind or mood elevation offered. For example, the Maui Pineapple Sativa gummies are designed "to energize and inspire," the Wild Mango Indica gummies aim to "create a deep state of rest and relaxation," and the Passion Fruit Punch CBD gummies are targeted "to help soothe pain and reduce inflammation."

In addition to the physical moods that the gummies provide, Miss Mirum's also puts careful deliberation into marketing the mental moods associated with each flavor. The Passion Fruit Punch CBD gummies advertise "reminding you of palm trees and sandy beaches," while the Wild Mango Indica gummies encourage you to "unleash your wild side."

Miss Mirum's products are only available at licensed dispensaries in California. The following Miss Mirum's products are available for sale throughout the state: Maui Pineapple (sativa), Wowie Watermelon (sativa), Passion Fruit Punch (CBD:THC 20:1), Berry Bomb (indica), Wild Mango (indica), and Groovy Guava (CBD:THC 20:1).

​Lately, the health and wellness industry has witnessed a rise in products containing cannabidiol (CBD). These products take a wide range of forms — lotions, sodas, oils, supplements, and, of course, edibles. Much of the general public mistakenly believes that using CBD products is the same thing as taking marijuana. The majority of people don’t actually know how CBD interacts with the body. What is CBD, and why is it so beneficial? 

What is the endocannabinoid system?
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of neurotransmitters and receptors that are compatible with a system of compounds (called cannabinoids) found in marijuana. The ECS naturally helps control functions such as pain response, emotions, and appetite. The brain produces its own cannabinoids that fit into special receptors associated with each of these processes. While CBD doesn’t have any high-inducing effects on the brain, it works on a therapeutic level with receptors all across the body.

What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two most major cannabinoids found in marijuana, the second being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is known for being psychoactive and inducing the feelings associated with being high, while CBD is non-psychoactive and most commonly used for its calming effects. In addition, CBD possesses qualities that counteract the negative side effects associated with THC, such as anxiety or paranoia.

Are CBD and marijuana the same thing?
Many people attach a negative association to CBD because they think that it is the same thing as marijuana. This is not true. While CBD is found in marijuana, it is an active chemical compound that can be extracted from the plant and used for its own medicinal qualities. It is simply one of many pieces that make up marijuana.

Cannabis vs hemp CBD?
A term likely to be associated with CBD products at the store is hemp. Any CBD products sold in convenience stores derive their CBD from hemp sources. One common misconception about hemp is that it is a different species of cannabis. Another misconception is that hemp is “weed.” Hemp is cannabis — more specifically, cannabis sativa — that is bred to have lower THC percentages than the established legal limits (which is less than 0.3% in the United States). Hemp is non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive due to its insignificant THC levels but does contain high levels of CBD, which is extracted for medicinal and therapeutic use.

What are the effects of CBD?
CBD is most commonly used for its medicinal properties — to relieve physical or mental ailments such as inflammation, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is a popular alternative to prescription medications. It should be noted that CBD is used to treat, but not cure, medical conditions. Additionally, it is not associated with any negative health effects in the scientific community.

In a nutshell: CBD is an active chemical compound with healing qualities derived from the marijuana plant, but using it is not the same thing as using marijuana or smoking weed. CBD will not get you high, either. Whether it is extracted from cannabis or hemp sources, CBD provides safe and reliable relief to a vast number of chronic medical conditions by interacting with specialized receptors across the human body.

Old cannabis seems like a bit of a bummer. Once it’s aged, it loses both potency and color vibrancy, meaning it wouldn’t be the highlight of a smoking sesh with your friends. However, not many people know that old cannabis is useful in other ways — particularly medicinal ways. It contains a higher ratio of a special ingredient called CBN.

Most people know about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the two primary cannabinoids in marijuana. However, the cannabis plant contains over 100 different types of cannabinoids, including cannabinol (CBN). 

Put simply, CBN is aged THC, and is therefore abundant in old weed. As a result, it is non-intoxicating — not the best for getting high at a party — but useful for its range of medicinal benefits. What exactly are those benefits, though?

1. CBN contains antibacterial properties
In a study published in the Journal of Natural Products, five major cannabinoids were tested on strains of MRSA bacteria that had developed a resistance to normal antibiotics. All five cannabinoids, including CBN, exhibited antibacterial qualities against the evolved bacteria strain. This finding offers promise for the use of cannabinoids in a wider range of medicinal applications, including future antibiotics.

2. CBN contains neuroprotective qualities
In a study published in a neurological disorders journal, CBN was tested on rats with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results showed that CBN was able to delay the onset of the disorder’s effects by a significant amount of time. This finding suggests that CBN and other cannabinoids may be useful in neuroprotective applications, meaning that they would help slow the progression of conditions that erode the brain’s functions.

3. CBN helps increase appetite
A study in the journal Psychopharmacology tested the effects of three cannabinoids, including CBN, on appetite change in rats. CBN was the only cannabinoid out of the three to drastically increase appetite, while the other two either reduced food consumption or had no effect. These results show hope for CBN as a key ingredient in medications that could help increase appetite in affected patients.

4. CBN may be useful for those with glaucoma
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a study examining the effect of several cannabinoids on intraocular pressure in healthy rabbits’ eyes. Most of the cannabinoids used, including CBN, were successful in reducing the pressure. This result may lead to future uses of CBN in glaucoma treatments.

5. CBN works for anti-inflammatory purposes
A study in the FASEB Journal found that CBN acts as a reliable anti-inflammatory agent, among other cannabinoids. This offers promise for the use of CBN in treatment for conditions such as arthritis and localized pain relief. While cannabis is already used for these purposes, further research could be conducted on the use of cannabinoids other than THC and CBD in anti-inflammatory medications.

Have you ever noticed that certain things interact differently on their own versus in the presence of others? For example, coffee by itself is bitter, but in the presence of cream and sugar it becomes a latte and takes on a completely new taste. The same concept applies to the various compounds found in marijuana — you get a full spectrum of medicinal benefits from all of the compounds working together, and they react differently in your body than they would as isolates. This effect, the “entourage effect,”  is most prevalent in live resin cannabis products.
 
When it comes to cannabis, there are many forms of concentrates, and they are all unique in the way they look and the effects they produce. For example, live resin is made from material that is flash-frozen almost immediately after it is cut from the plant, and while cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted, it remains consistently frozen. This technique preserves the living cultures in the plant until they are ready for extraction, which is where the name “live” resin comes from. When other types of cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved, it provides a boost in additional medicinal benefits, a well-known component of the entourage effect. The extra cannabinoids and terpenes are most heavily concentrated in the sticky resin found in the buds of marijuana.
 
Compared to other cartridges, live resin doesn't have the highest THC potency. However, numbers aren't everything when it comes to getting the best experience for your money. THC distillate tends to have some of the highest potency on the market, but the distillation process filters out a large number of chemical impurities, including flavorful terpenes. It’s like drinking lower-quality coffee with higher caffeine levels. While live resin doesn't have the highest THC potency, it does have a higher terpene content, stronger aroma, and ability to induce extra-heightened psychoactive effects. Furthermore, THC distillate is more easily available because it can be cheaply manufactured from any unused parts of the plant that might otherwise be considered "throwaway."

How to consume live resin? 
There are a few ways to take live resin. The simplest method is to buy a live resin cartridge and use it with a vape pen. Another method is called "dabbing" — a special water pipe called a rig is used with another component called a nail (a flat bowl) that is preheated to somewhere between 315-400 degrees Fahrenheit with a gas-powered torch. Live resin is then dropped onto the nail, where it evaporates, and the vapor can be inhaled through the other end of the rig. One other method uses nectar collectors, which consolidate this process into just one device. All three methods involve vaporizing the live resin and inhaling the resulting vapors loaded with terpenes and cannabinoids.
 
What is the entourage effect?
When cannabis is smoked or vaped, hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the buds (or extract) — each possessing their own beneficial qualities — all interact with each other. The grouping of so many compounds creates an unusual synergy that changes each element’s effect, causing it to react differently in the presence of others. For example, when THC and CBD are both present in significant amounts, CBD will counteract the negative effects of anxiety or paranoia that accompany THC alone.
 
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in marijuana that each carry distinct medicinal qualities and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. While the cannabis plant contains over 100 types of cannabinoids, the two primary ones that the weed industry prioritizes are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive properties and CBD is known to soothe pain and anxiety, but the other cannabinoids play a huge role in the entourage effect as well, as they each possess unique healing characteristics that are amplified when combined with the full spectrum of compounds that the marijuana plant has to offer.
 
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic oils responsible for the distinct smells that accompany various strains of cannabis. If a certain strain smells fruity and another smells savory, it's because of the difference in terpene types. Different variations may also promote different mental states, such as relaxation or heightened focus. In flower preparation, many of the terpenes are lost during the drying and curing processes. With higher terpene profiles in live resin, the extra-heightened psychoactive effects are delivered as a result of the terpenes interacting with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, making live resin a glimmering pinnacle among other cartridges and concentrates.

Here are a few terms to remember when shopping for cannabis products. Each term refers to the extraction process in which the cannabinoid is separated from the plant.

• Full-spectrum: In this extraction process, all cannabinoids are extracted and included, as well as any terpenes that are present.
• Broad-spectrum: In this extraction process, THC and other impurities are removed, but other non-THC cannabinoids and terpenes are included.
• Isolate: In this extraction process, only one cannabinoid is extracted and isolated.

If you’re looking to experience the entourage effect firsthand, check out some of our live resin products! We recommend the Bento live resin cartridges, available in Pineapple Legend, Wedding Crasher, or SFV OG, the Gelonade live resin cartridges by Kingpen, or the LA Kush Cake pods by Stiizy.

Cannabis was made recreationally legal in California on November 8, 2016, with the passing of Proposition 64. With this action, it joined several states including Washington, Oregon, and Colorado in decriminalizing marijuana possession and usage.

Leading up to this turn of events, countless individuals across the country had been incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana-related crimes, such as possession of a controlled substance. Not only were they incarcerated, but many of them are still serving life sentences despite possession of marijuana being decriminalized in their state. For example, a man named Michael Thompson is serving a life sentence in Michigan for selling cannabis to an undercover police informant. He is currently 68 years old, with 35 years remaining in his sentence even though marijuana is now legal in Michigan. In California, Corvain Cooper was arrested and dealt a life sentence in prison for participating in a small distribution operation. The life sentence was a result of him refusing to testify against others, as well as the “three strikes law.” Legislation has since changed in California, but Cooper’s punishments have not been reconsidered.

What is the Last Prisoner Project?
The Last Prisoner Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring justice to these extreme punishments and spread awareness of the prisoners’ dilemmas. They advocate for the release of these prisoners — provided the crimes they committed were nonviolent — so that they may be reunited with their families.

The Last Prisoner Project has 3 main facets of its program: release, reentry, and scholarships. 

• Release: The organization helps fight for the release of incarcerated people who were involved in nonviolent cannabis-related crimes. According to their website, “At LPP we use a multifaceted approach to addressing the disparities in sentencing for cannabis offenses and the collateral consequences of those arrests and convictions. LPP works to redress these disparities through policy reform, legislative advocacy, and impactful direct service programs.”
• Reentry: After release, many individuals are negatively impacted and need help reentering a normal lifestyle and finding employment. LPP’s second initiative targets the “reentry” part of post-prison life. In addition to offering scholarships with financial aid, LPP has “partnered with the cannabis staffing company, Vangst, to offer mentorship for our constituents that includes employability skills, resume building, interviewing skills, and recruitment in order to assist in securing meaningful employment.”
• Scholarship: The third facet of LPP is financial aid — not just for those who have been in prison, but also for their families. Their website states that “a portion of LPP's funding goes directly to currently incarcerated constituents pursuing education while incarcerated, as well as the children of our currently incarcerated constituents who are particularly in need of financial assistance for educational resources while their parent is incarcerated.”

Although the Last Prisoner Project is only a few years old, they have already accomplished a great deal across the nation. Here are a few of their achievements in different states:

• California: established the Prison to Prosperity reentry initiative.
• Colorado: developed the Cannabis Clemency Program, which adjusted legislation to facilitate the release of hundreds of prisoners.
• Hawaii: hosted the very first expungement (removal or sealing of arrest records from the public for first-time offenders) clinic in the state.
• New York, Maine, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, & New Jersey: actively advocated for the passing of legislation including clean slate and expungement bills.

For more information, visit www.lastprisonerproject.org. 

Marijuana is fully legal, both recreationally and medically, in 11 states and the capital region of Washington, DC. In most other states, it is either decriminalized or medically legal, with only 8 states having classified it as “fully illegal” — neither decriminalized nor recreationally/medically legal. It doesn’t stop here, though, as legislation and regulations are always rapidly changing. Why is the public attitude toward cannabis changing so quickly, and what are the big-picture benefits that are pushing most states in favor of legality?

1. Medicinal benefits
Cannabis has been used for its anti-inflammatory, appetite-stimulating, anxiety-calming, and anti-seizure properties. Mary Jane Rathbun, the famous “Brownie Mary” from the 1970s-1990s, gave dying patients her special pot brownies to help ease their pain and suffering. Cannabis has been a component of medicinal remedies for centuries across the world, well before it started gaining a negative public opinion.

2. Shift police priorities
In 2018, four in ten drug-related arrests in the United States were for marijuana-related transgressions, and at that, the crimes were usually just possession. The decriminalization of marijuana would help shift police time, money, and resources away from non-violent possession offenders and toward violent crimes and hard drugs instead. In addition, everyone has the right to their own personal freedoms, as long as they aren’t causing disruption or harm to others. Weed is certainly one of those personal freedoms for adult citizens in the United States. 

3. Create jobs and raise tax revenue
With legalization comes a brand new market, which leads to more jobs and greater tax revenue. For example, weed tax in California is sufficiently high enough that it often brings the greatest tax revenue to certain cities over all other businesses. Criminalization of weed drains money, which is a huge waste for offenses that are primarily nonviolent.

4. Safer consumption
Another beneficial factor of cannabis legalization is increased safety. When cannabis is legal, it comes with regulations. This means that manufacturers would produce products with precise dosages, which helps decrease the risk of overdosing or poisoning from fabricated weed. In addition, there are more options for cannabis usage — for example, edibles in unique and creative forms, skin topicals (most of which are non-intoxicating), and CBD products (which won’t get you high, like THC products will).

5. Less detrimental than alcohol consumption
Another benefit of legally consuming marijuana (at moderate levels) is that it is less detrimental to the body than alcohol consumption (which is legal in all parts of the United States). While alcohol-related deaths add up to over 30,000 per year, the marijuana-related death toll is annually 0. Alcohol overdoses can be lethal, but the most damage a weed overdose will cause is heavy sleep. Furthermore, weed overdoses do not cause violent or impulsive behavior, unlike alcohol overdoses.

The legalization of marijuana would not just be a mark on a ballot — it represents new medicinal avenues, new tax revenue, safer options, and redirection of police resources. With the rapid shifts in policy and legislation across the nation, cannabis is becoming more accessible to everyone, one step at a time.