Looking back on 2018 in a nutshell, the marijuana debate has certainly been the tipping point of insanity, not only for the United States but also for countries around the world. Although multiple people have expressed widespread acclaim for the little green plant, other members of political parties and public groups have not shown unanimous favor, either. Nevertheless, this little herb has earned its place in the spotlight. After all, in 2017, the United States fully legalized a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex (specifically designed to treat seizures for rare types of epilepsy), and Australia kickstarted the world’s first clinical trial on marijuana medication for brain tumors. Ultimately, a lot happened this year. Let’s take a closer look at some highlights from the marijuana debate in 2018.
First Cannabis Drug Approved for U.S. Market
Overall, several critics have argued that marijuana medications have been approved before. After all, one THC-based medication called Marinol has been on the pharmaceutical market since the 1980s. However, unlike Marinol (which is synthetic), Epidiolex is naturally derived from cannabis developed by GW Pharma (based in the United Kingdom). Ultimately, this medication can only be used by patients suffering from rare forms of epilepsy, but some professionals have wondered if regular CBD oil would produce the same effect.
Prohibitionists Change Beliefs to Pro-Cannabis Views
Interestingly, several former prohibitionists have suddenly voiced their favor for the little herb. One particularly surprising addition is John Boehner (former Speaker of the House), who jumped on the bandwagon by joining the board of directors for Acreage Holdings. Even former Democratic Leader Howard Dean and Michael Steele (ex-party chair of the GOP) have become members of the advisory board of Tilray (a Canadian marijuana company).
Legalization of Hemp in the United States
After many long years of being submitted to marijuana prohibition, the cannabis plant called hemp has finally been re-legalized by the U.S. government. Fueled by the proposals of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, this new law allows hemp to be grown and used as an industrial or medical crop in the United States.
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