The Growing Movement for Cannabis Legalization in the US and Europe

The movement to legalize cannabis is gaining momentum in the United States and Europe, as more states and countries consider the benefits of legalization. One of the main arguments in favor of legalization is the potential revenue it could generate for governments. In Wisconsin, for example, a recent report showed that Wisconsinites gave Illinois $36 million in tax revenue as they crossed state lines to purchase cannabis legally. This has led to new calls for marijuana legalization in Wisconsin, as advocates argue that the state is losing out on potential revenue.

But revenue isn't the only reason to consider legalizing cannabis. Advocates also argue that it could help reduce crime by freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious offenses. As one Delaware advocate put it, "Legal cannabis will help our law enforcement stay laser focused on addressing violent crime rather than arresting Delaware residents for minor drug offenses." This argument has been echoed in other states and countries considering legalization.

Another argument in favor of legalization is social justice. Many advocates argue that the war on drugs has unfairly targeted communities of color, leading to mass incarceration and other negative outcomes. legalization, they argue, could help right these wrongs by expunging criminal records and creating new opportunities for those who have been disproportionately affected by drug laws. This argument has been particularly strong in states like Minnesota, where lawmakers have been working to legalize cannabis for adult use.

Germany is another country that has been considering legalization, and the plan has received positive feedback from the European Union. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has expressed confidence that the EU will approve the country's plan to legalize recreational cannabis. This would make Germany one of the first countries in Europe to fully legalize cannabis.

In the US, several states have already legalize cannabis for recreational use, including Colorado, California, and Washington. And more are likely to follow, as momentum for legalization continues to build. In Delaware, a Senate committee recently approved a pair of House-passed bills to legalize marijuana and create regulations for adult-use sales. And in Minnesota, legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for adults has undergone a major rewrite, with several committees approving the bill.

Advocates of legalization point to the many benefits it could bring, from generating revenue to reducing crime to promoting social justice. And as more states and countries consider legalization, the movement is only likely to grow stronger. As one Hawaii lawmaker put it, "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when."