More and more states are legalizing medical marijuana as time goes on. And while groups are experiencing challenges in some areas, they're experiencing successes in others. In fact, overall it looks as if marijuana is gaining widespread acceptance across the U.S. as the public hops onboard when it comes to legalizing the drug.
A recent study actually showed that Americans believe marijuana is less dangerous than sugar. This, in particular, shows that opinions are rapidly changing when it comes to the substance. In fact, an investment firm hoping to get marijuana legalized in Nevada recently invited ballot initiative backer's to pitch 150 financiers at a Las Vegas symposium. Within 10 minutes, they raised a staggering $150,000, according to the LA Times.
This isn't the only location where policies are changing. In Ohio, officials are working to get legislation to legalization marijuana in 2014, according to WBCO. The Ohio Cannabis Rights Ammendment would allow for medical, therapeutic and industrial uses of marijuana. In Georgia, the Peachtree Normal Conference brought together people hoping to legalize medical marijuana, and are planning on having a bill ready for the 2015 session in order to do so, according to 13WMAZ.
The fact that marijuana is becoming more widely accepted is a huge leap forward for the drug. Already, locations like Colorado are capitalizing on marijuana sales. And the fact that politicians are willing to speak with those who support marijuana legalization, especially at the Las Vegas symposium, reveals a growing trend.
"A little more than a year ago, it would have been worthy of a headline if a sitting politician came to talk to a cannabis group," said ArcView Chief Executive Troy Dayton in an interview with the LA Times. "Now they are calling us, asking to speak at our events."