Legalizing Marijuana and Its Effects

Health care Law: Medical Use of Marijuana in Florida - Senate Bill 8A (2017A)
Overview
Using marijuana for medical purposes was allowed under The Medical Use of Marijuana Senate Bill enacted on 23rd June 2017. Marijuana and Marijuana delivery devices are exempted from tax by the bill, if they are sold, handled, used or delivered for medical purposes. The bill outlines the conditions that a patient must meet to qualify to use marijuana or related delivery device. The bill gives the basis for establishing marijuana testing laboratories. It sets up the Coalition for Medical Marijuana Research and Education. The latter is set to be established at the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc (Florida Health, 2017).
Patients with recommendation from a physician can obtain medical cannabis from dispensaries that have been licensed by the state; thanks to The Senate Bill 8A (2017A). Medical practitioners are restrained from issuing certification for marijuana use for more than the set 70-day supply limit. The Health Department is expected to quantify the dose amount for daily use, as a rule, and equivalent doses for the various marijuana forms allowed and provided by a medical marijuana treatment facility. Patients that qualify for medical use of marijuana are restrained from possessing, administering or using marijuana in smoking form. They are also restrained from using it in any other form other than in edible form, or in flower unless such flowers are in a sealed tamper-proof pack for vaping.
Effect of the Bill
i. Drug Use
The most notable potential impact of legalizing marijuana is on its usage and the use of other drugs or alcohol. There is a debate on whether an increase in marijuana use is a problem or a good thing. However, since the other effects are determined by use, the significant step is to, first determine the extent to which policy influences usage. If the effects are marginal, then it can be inferred that residual effects of legalizing the drug are likely to be negligible (Dills, Goffard & Miron, 2016).
ii. Health and suicides
Earlier studies have shown that there is a relationship between a drop in suicide rates and the allowing of marijuana for medical use; especially among people that are most prone to marijuana use (males ages 20 to 39). Those who support legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes say that the drug can effectively treat bipolar complications, depression and an assortment of mood-related disorders. It is also believed to be a safer option, compared to alcohol. Furthermore, the pain relief quality of marijuana may help both patients and practitioners to avoid some painkillers and tranquilizers that come with harmful side effects (Dills et al., 2016). On the other hand, other studies show that when marijuana is used excessively, it may increase the chances of one suffering from schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and drug abuse. There are studies that also warn of possible damage to the brain, if marijuana is used persistently for a long time, especially by young people (Dills et al., 2016).
iii. Economic Outcomes
Legalization of marijuana is unlikely to affect people economically and demographically in a significant way. Marijuana is a negligible part of the economy, generally. The outcome is regarded for completeness, nonetheless. Prior to the legalization, advocates thought that there would be an influx of people from places where marijuana remained illegal. Recent studies show that the housing prices in places such as Florida are going up; particularly around Palm Beach and Broward. They are above the national average. Such a rise may be attributed to the legalization of Marijuana.
With a strong infrastructure for agriculture, Florida is the ideal location for the growth of marijuana. The workforce will increase significantly because of the entrance of marijuana farming; adding to the existing farming options. "Scientific findings can play a powerful role in the first step of the policy process ..." (Mason et al., 2016) as Florida needs to open up and take advantage of the potential for economic growth that marijuana brings. Marijuana has a double benefit to it. It can be used as a medicinal product and as a textile raw material; enticing incentives for companies to invest in marijuana farming (Florida Department Health Updated Fiscal Analysis, 2013).

References
Dills, A., Goffard, S., & Miron, J. (2016). Dose of reality: The effect of state marijuana legalizations.
Florida Department Health Updated Fiscal Analysis, (2013).Financial Impact Estimating Conference: Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions Serial Number 13?02. Retrieved from http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/constitutional-amendments/2014Ballot/UseofMarijuanaforCertainMedicalConditions/NotebookUpdates_11-4-13.pdf on 19 February 2018
Florida Health, (2017). 2017 Legislation. Retrieved from http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/newest-legislation/2017-legislation.html on 19 February 2018
Mason, D. J., Gardener, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., O'Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care, 7th Edition. ISBN 978-0-323-24144-1, St. louis, Missouri, Elsevier.