Ignore the cynical quote about democracy attributed to Joseph Stalin – ‘it’s not the people who vote that count - It’s the people that count the votes’!
Here’s why - Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden entered the race as favourite Democratic candidate to oppose Republican President Donald Trump in the forthcoming November mid-term elections.
But he slumped to fourth in the recent State Primary behind Senator Bernie Sanders, the current front runner.
His opposition to Cannabis legalisation is probably the reason behind his loss of popularity with the public, bearing in mind that a recent poll showed that 60% of American citizens are in favour of legalising cannabis/marijuana.
In an attempt to regain lost ground he has softened his objection by calling for more research and supporting decriminalisation.
You can’t put too much weight on Senator Biden's or any other politician's comments – especially in an election year.
The next time a politician speaks in the cannabis debate, keep this in mind: Legalizing cannabis doesn't require a politician's approval.
Citizens can tell politicians what the laws will be through the ballot box.
And that's exactly what's happening across the world. The support for Cannabis /Marijuana legalization is seeing a ground swell of people power in the United States and all over.
That's what makes cannabis legalisation inevitable, which will benefit health and tax revenues.
The money markets sense this, and are influencing opinions and changing minds by repeatedly publicising the massive opportunities investing in companies doing good research into THC, CBD, and the 100-plus other cannabinoids produced by the marijuana/cannabis and hemp plants.
As an example look at these four companies doing great things to advance the science of cannabis – and in turn, hasten legalization…
GW Pharmaceuticals (Stock Market Symbol NASDAQ GWPH) Has FDA approval for CBD Epidiolex for rare forms of Epilepsy.
InMed Pharmaceuticals (OTC:IMLFF) is testing a recently discovered cannabinoid - Cannabinol (CBN) for Glaucoma
Tilray Inc. (Nasdaq:TLRY) is conducting Cannabis CBD & THC research at the McGill University Health Centre in Quebec.
Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) Researching CBD’s effect on Athletes performance and recovery. More details about the above on my post here - https://steemit.com/cannabis/@ijavee/cannabis-is-nature-s-nhs-natural-health-source
In many American states people already have access to cannabis products through local State legal outlets, or fringe Grey and wholly illegal black markets, and may wonder what will they notice different with full federal or national legitimisation? (Grey market? Unlicensed outlets selling legitimate cannabis products)
Well, here’s why - Even though CBD Hemp products with less than 0.3% THC formulation are legal anyway, there is nervousness and lack of guidance shown by some law enforcement officials. A play it safe approach is taken - 'If it looks like cannabis and smells like cannabis, then it must be cannabis '- is the view of many law officials and they won't accept otherwise until there is Federal Government legalisation.
Also small independent would be start-ups in a Cannabis business can't get bank loans, because until there is federal legality the deposit and lending banks used by small businesses are forbidden to lend to businesses involved or connected to anything Cannabis.
This means a lack of competition for the big corporations with cash reserves, or can raise investment capital privately, or with share issues.
Similarly with medical Cannabis - (0.3% up to 10% THC) to be prescribed by doctors to those with a qualifying medical condition for cannabis. Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe because they can't get insurance cover until there is Federal legalisation.
Problems also exist for recreational cannabis (With up to 10% THC) for smoking, imbibing or vaping in states where it is legal. Until there is national legalisation the cannabis black and grey markets will continue to thrive, putting legitimate sellers, obeying the rules and paying taxes, at a big disadvantage.
So, there are many obstacles that Federal legalisation will overcome and make genuine CBD & cannabis products more widely and freely available.
The present policy of the USA government allows States to decide their own Cannabis laws, but that has led to the muddle that exists - A right can of worms!
