“Legalize to better regulate” is the answer to the public health question in countries that have opted for legalization.
By legalizing the sale and consumption of cannabis, Uruguay, Canada and part of the USA have made it possible to offer everyone a wellness alternative to THC: CBD.
On December 11, 2013, Uruguay became the first country to legalize recreational cannabis. On October 18, 2018, under the impetus of Justin Trudeau, it was Canada’s turn to put an end to prohibition of the hemp that makes people laugh. On April 6, New York State authorized the sale and consumption of cannabis and became the 15th state (the 16th with Washington D.C.) to lift the embargo on weed in the US.
By legalizing and regulating the sale of cannabis, all three countries have enabled the sector to develop and offer consumers a wide range of products. Just as the end of alcohol prohibition under Roosevelt in 1933 saw Americans rediscover the charms of more refined beverages than contraband alcohol, the rehabilitation of cannabis has enabled more subtle recreational pleasures to be offered. These include a molecule related to THC: cannabiniol (CBD), which has no psychotropic effects, is not addictive and provides a feeling of well-being.
CBD, the THC alternative
It’s hardly surprising, then, that CBD has so much going for it. Like its big brother THC, it relaxes the mind and the body. But unlike its sulphurous twin THC, it doesn’t alter perception, judgment or motivation.
And that’s a winning combination for the great ganja aficionados who over time seek sensations, but without side effects.
This little revolution would never have been possible without the legalization of cannabis, which has already made it possible to fund research and offer a nice alternative to the big stinky firecracker.
Today, CBD is legal in most countries (in Europe since November 18, 2020) and seems to delight a growing number of consumers who see this light weed as a perfect compromise between health and hedonism.
