O P I N I O N

FORWARD FOCUS

By Brian Chicoine

With the 2025 legislative session starting on Wednesday and the inauguration of Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte on Thursday, work will begin on the almost 1,000 bills set to be voted on. (For those not familiar with the NH legislative process – every bill gets introduced and voted on. If the bill is sent to committee for study, the committee can recommend what happens to a bill, but it does not have the power to take the action. Only the full body, [House or Senate], can take the action). 

One item that will be voted on will be the legalization of recreational marijuana…again. (For those keeping track, it is HB75). States – including New Hampshire – have realized that they can make money, in the form of tax revenue, from the sale of marijuana. But making money should not be the only reason to legalize something, but in the case of marijuana, there are many reasons to legalize. 

But let’s be real; there is no reason that the State of New Hampshire should be over-regulating its legalization. I do not think that we need state-franchised or approved “pot stores,” nor should marijuana only be available in state liquor stores. If we are going to legalize it, then legalize it. We don’t need to be – nor should we be – like every other state. If legalized in New Hampshire, then it should be regulated the same way that alcohol and tobacco are. Anybody who owns a bar or store should be able to go through a process to get a sales permit, which then would be subject to enforcement, (probably by the liquor commission). Marijuana should be available to anyone over the age of 21, with proper identification. 

Residents of NH should be allowed to grow a certain amount of marijuana and be allowed to distribute it to anyone over the age of 21. (Kinda like with beer…except the guys come over to watch the game and have a beer and / or smoke a joint). 

If anyone is caught with an illegal amount – or if they are giving marijuana to anyone under 21 –  they face penalties. In the case of a business, they can have their sales permit suspended or revoked. 

This article of course refers to recreational use as medical use is already legal in New Hampshire. 

Personally, I used to be totally for recreational legalization, but have backed off of that position and am now on the fence. There are many benefits to legalization, but I am on the fence because field tests for marijuana are inaccurate. This means that people could be driving stoned – and with altered senses and reaction times – but there is no good way to prove this. Someone who is suspected of driving while impaired could test negative for marijuana and be allowed to continue driving. The driver could then cause a crash that injures – or kills – themselves and / or others. This is not acceptable to me.  

Aside from the field test issue, I believe that there are many benefits to recreational legalization, as I will state below:

Economic Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of legalizing marijuana for recreational use is the economic boost it offers. Legalization opens up a new and substantial industry, creating job opportunities and generating significant tax revenue. In places like Colorado, where marijuana was legalized in 2014, the state has seen millions of dollars in tax revenue. This income has been used to fund public education, healthcare programs, and infrastructure projects, benefiting the community at large. The marijuana industry also creates jobs, from cultivation and processing to retail and distribution. According to reports, the cannabis industry in the U.S. alone generated over $13 billion in sales in 2023, and this number is expected to grow as more regions embrace legalization.

Legal marijuana has also significantly reduced the costs associated with law enforcement and the judicial system. Prior to legalization, the criminal justice system in many countries was overwhelmed by marijuana-related arrests and prosecutions. By legalizing marijuana, resources previously spent on arresting and prosecuting individuals for marijuana possession can be redirected toward addressing more serious crimes. In states where marijuana has been legalized, there has been a marked decrease in marijuana-related arrests. 

Social Benefits

Legalizing marijuana for recreational use also brings a variety of social benefits, many of which directly relate to public health and safety. One of the most notable advantages is the increased ability to regulate the quality and safety of marijuana products. When marijuana is illegal or exists in a black market, users are at the mercy of illegal suppliers who may cut marijuana with harmful substances, such as pesticides, synthetic chemicals, or even dangerous drugs. By regulating marijuana through a legal framework, governments can ensure that marijuana is tested for safety, purity, and potency, reducing the risk of harmful contaminants.

Moreover, the legal marijuana market helps eliminate the black market, which can contribute to criminal activity. When marijuana is illegal, it provides a source of revenue for criminal organizations, including cartels. Legalization disrupts these illegal markets by shifting the trade to licensed, regulated businesses, making it harder for criminal enterprises to profit from marijuana sales. This also leads to safer communities, as law enforcement can focus on more dangerous forms of crime, rather than marijuana-related offenses.

Legalization can also contribute to social justice reform. The war on drugs has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, particularly people of color. Legalizing marijuana can be seen as a step toward addressing these inequities. Many states have taken additional measures to expunge the records of individuals previously convicted for marijuana-related offenses, allowing them to rebuild their lives without the burden of a criminal record. These social justice initiatives promote equity and fairness while providing individuals with a second chance.

Health Benefits

Contrary to common misconceptions, marijuana is not as harmful as some opponents claim, especially when used in moderation. In fact, marijuana has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, which can be a key reason for its legalization. Many studies have demonstrated that marijuana can help alleviate symptoms associated with chronic pain, insomnia, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. 

Below are some of the health benefits of marijuana:

1. Pain Relief

One of the most well-established health benefits of marijuana is its ability to alleviate pain. Marijuana contains compounds known as cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain signals. Research has shown that marijuana is effective in treating chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. It is also used to manage pain from injuries, surgeries, and cancer treatments.

Compared to prescription opioids, which have a high potential for addiction and overdose, marijuana presents a safer alternative for managing chronic pain. Some studies suggest that marijuana can reduce the need for opioid medications, helping to curb the ongoing opioid crisis in many countries.

2. Mental Health and Anxiety Relief

Cannabis is also known to have positive effects on mental health. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound in marijuana, has been shown to have anxiety-reducing properties. Many individuals with anxiety disorders report feeling relief after using marijuana, especially those with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD. CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which can have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

While THC can sometimes exacerbate anxiety or cause paranoia in certain individuals, many people find that moderate use, especially in strains with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio, can help manage anxiety and improve mood. Additionally, CBD has been studied for its potential role in managing depression, as it may help regulate mood and enhance overall mental well-being.

3. Improved Sleep

Another significant health benefit of marijuana is its ability to improve sleep. Many people struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality, and marijuana may offer a natural solution. THC has been shown to have sedative effects, which can help individuals fall asleep more easily. Additionally, marijuana can reduce the time spent in the lighter stages of sleep and increase time spent in the deeper, restorative stages of sleep.

For individuals suffering from sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, marijuana may offer a safer, non-habit-forming alternative to prescription sleep aids. However, it’s important for users to understand their body’s tolerance to marijuana to avoid negative effects on sleep, such as disrupted sleep cycles or vivid dreams.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Properties

Marijuana, particularly CBD, has shown promise in reducing inflammation in the body, making it potentially useful for conditions that involve inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. CBD has been found to interact with receptors that influence immune responses, helping to reduce the overactive inflammatory processes.

Furthermore, marijuana has neuroprotective properties, which means it may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Research suggests that CBD may slow down the progression of these diseases by protecting brain cells from damage and inflammation.

5. Nausea and Appetite Stimulation

Marijuana has long been used to treat nausea and vomiting, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. THC is effective in reducing nausea and stimulating appetite, which is especially helpful for patients who experience appetite loss as a result of treatments like chemotherapy. This appetite-stimulating effect can be beneficial for individuals with eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that lead to significant weight loss.

Countering Concerns: Addiction and Anxiety

One of the most frequently cited concerns about legalizing marijuana is its potential for addiction and the risk of anxiety. These concerns, while valid in certain contexts, can often be exaggerated or misunderstood.

Addiction

While it is true that marijuana can lead to dependency in some individuals, the rate of addiction is lower compared to substances like alcohol, nicotine, or opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 9% of marijuana users develop a dependence on the drug. This is a relatively low percentage compared to other substances. Moreover, most people who use marijuana do so without developing any form of addiction. The addictive potential of marijuana is believed to be linked to frequent and heavy use, as well as the individual’s underlying psychological predispositions.

It is important to note that marijuana addiction, when it does occur, is generally less severe than addiction to substances like alcohol or narcotics. Treatment for marijuana addiction is also relatively effective, with many individuals able to overcome their dependency with the right support. Legalization provides the opportunity for better education on responsible use, helping to mitigate the risk of addiction. Moreover, legalization could pave the way for better access to addiction treatment programs, which could be beneficial for those who need help managing their use.

Anxiety

Another concern frequently raised by opponents of marijuana legalization is its potential to cause or worsen anxiety. While it is true that some individuals may experience heightened anxiety or paranoia after consuming marijuana, research suggests that these effects are not universal. In fact, many people use marijuana to relax and reduce anxiety. The difference in response may be related to the strain, dosage, and individual differences in physiology. Some strains of marijuana are higher in THC, the psychoactive compound, which can cause anxiety or paranoia in certain individuals, while others contain higher levels of CBD, a compound that has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects.

Education and regulation can play a crucial role in addressing this concern. By legalizing marijuana, governments can promote responsible use and offer guidance on the best products for different individuals. For example, strains with higher CBD content and lower THC levels might be recommended for those who are prone to anxiety, while higher-THC strains can be reserved for more experienced users who know how to manage their dosage.

Conclusion

The case for legalizing marijuana for recreational use is compelling, with strong arguments supporting its economic, social, and health benefits. From job creation and tax revenue to improved safety and access to quality products, legalization offers significant advantages for both individuals and society at large. While concerns about addiction and anxiety are valid, they can be addressed through regulation, education, and responsible use. By taking a thoughtful and balanced approach, society can reap the benefits of marijuana legalization while minimizing potential harms.

Ultimately, marijuana is a substance that has been used for centuries, both recreationally and medicinally. As we continue to explore its potential, it is important to recognize that responsible use can lead to positive outcomes. Legalizing marijuana for recreational use is a step toward greater personal freedom, economic prosperity, and social justice. 

As always, comments are welcomed. Please email them to me at bchicoinemht@gmail.com.