The Impact of Legal Weed: Personal Experiences Across Different Regions
Legalization of cannabis, or ldquo;weed,rdquo; has been a subject of intense debate for years, with varying outcomes in different regions. In this article, we explore the personal experiences of individuals in three distinct locations: Chicago, Seattle, and California, to understand how the legalization of cannabis has affected their daily lives.
Chicago: Smells and Associations
Chicago resident, an avid advocate of legal marijuana, has noticed a significant change in his neighborhood since the legalization of cannabis in 2020 for medical use and in early 2020 for recreational use. He mentions that he often smells the cannabis, a smell that reminds him of his late sister who used to smoke it. However, the positive sentiment of legalization is somewhat overshadowed by the negative memories the smell evokes. His wife, with a subtle sensitivity towards the smell, agrees that he notices it before her. This smell, though prevalent, doesn''t impact him as much as it may affect others. His long-standing pro-legalization stance stems from his libertarian beliefs.
Seattle: The Overwhelming Smell of Marijuana
Seattle, known for its liberal culture and progressive stance on many issues, has also embraced the legalization of cannabis. However, the resident living there finds the overwhelming smell of marijuana to be a problem. He states that the smell is worse than cigarette smoke and carries further, making it a common presence in the streets and public areas. The growing of small cannabis plants seems to permeate the entire region, leaving no escape. This smell has become so pervasive that he jokingly refers to the city as ldquo;friedrdquo; due to its constant presence. Despite the strong smell, he notes no significant changes in crime rates, car accidents, or teen use of cannabis in schools.
California: Little to No Impact
Living in California, where cannabis has been legal since 2018 for both medical and recreational use, the resident does not notice any significant changes. He remains a non-user and has no intention of smoking cannabis, expressing no problem with others using it. There are no noticeable upticks in crime, car accidents, or teen use of cannabis, though there are some associations with the bolder use of cannabis at school. However, the seizure of marijuana at school has led to some students demanding it back, presenting a unique social issue.
The legalization of weed across these regions showcases the diverse impacts it can have on different communities. While some regions like Seattle may face challenges due to its pervasive smell, others like California do not experience significant changes. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for policymakers and residents alike, as it reveals the complex interplay between legal cannabis and societal norms.