Medical marijuana is gaining acceptance across the United States. Yet there are still states where cannabis is illegal, such as Ohio. Now, there's a new trend when it comes to seeking out the medical properties of weed. Men and women are moving to Colorado as "marijuana refugees" in order to legally use the drug.
Colorado legalized marijuana sales as of Jan. 1, according to USA Today. Since then, the substance has wound up in edibles that include everything from brownies to beef jerky. Other states have also followed the trend; Massachusetts recently awarded the first 20 licenses to operate medical marijuana dispensaries, and even southern states are changing their views on marijuana. Yet not all states are following this trend.
That's why over the last eight months, more than 100 families have moved to Colorado in order to legally use medical marijuana, according to CNN.com. More specifically, these families have sought out the drug for their children, many of whom suffer from seizures. Fortunately for these children, marijuana seems to be working.
There are actually a number of anecdotal reports of positive outcomes from a particular strain of marijuana that's known as Charlotte's Web, according to The Star Tribune. This strain has been known to help children with epilepsy. In fact, one family has managed to reduce the amount of medication their child needs by using the marijuana.
"We've been able to reduce her pharmaceuticals by 50 percent as a result of using Charlotte's Web," said Paula Lyles, the child's mother, in an interview with CNN.com. "It's ridiculous. I didn't want to do it, but now that I'm out here on the other side I know I'm where I'm supposed to be. I wanted to do anything to save Jordan's life."
Needless to say, this case provides strong support for the use of medical marijuana. Yet while some states are legalizing the drug, others are holding out. While it may take time, though, it's possible that we may see a U.S. where pot is legal in the future.
