How America Surrendered To Marijuana: KAYLA BRANTLEY reveals how weed became ubiquitous in the US because it rakes in billions in tax dollars despite concerns about health effects
In a decade, the US went from a crackdown on marijuana use to a $47 billion industry.
But the walk to pharmacies on every corner, the smell of weed smoke in the air, and the eradication of criminal records didn’t happen overnight.
It took a few states to lead the charge – Colorado and Washington in 2012 – to then lead to near-statewide legalization.
There are now 21 states that have legalized cannabis for recreational use. Every corner of New York City, for example, is an assault on the nostrils as people light up a joint before or just after their morning commute.
However, not everyone is on board with the marijuana revolution. Physicians and advocates have raised concerns about excessive use of cannabis among high-risk groups, particularly adolescents.
has explored exactly when America’s War on Drugs shifted, what challenges the industry faces and what the future of the billion-dollar business holds.