Let’s Use This As an Opportunity
And the world is in chaos. Or so it seems. What the world is living through right now should be eye-opening to the research communities to push for the legalization of cannabis worldwide.
One reason:
Research.
I’m a strong advocate for using whatever means is necessary for us as a race to pursue the cures for the ailments we have now or those that we may suffer. Whatever the means, we need to embrace research.
There are many reasons why governments around the world have historically outlawed cannabis. Now, as the world is starting to open to the idea that cannabis may be a useful base of research, we find ourselves locked in the grip of a pandemic that is, to many, terrorizing the globe.
Is it the end of humanity? Unlikely. But I believe we as a race will be haunted by what is happening right now for a very long time.
Humans are very social animals
Rightfully or not, many governments at many levels around the world are locking down villages, cities, countries. People are being told to isolate themselves. To distance themselves physically. Generally speaking, humans are very social animals. We have a system of interdependency throughout almost every system that allows us to populate (or overpopulate) the planet. Our healthcare systems, our food chain, the transfer of knowledge — all of these are in some way interconnected and supportive of each other and of the whole of humanity.
Research: Naturally
One of the key elements that has allowed the human race to thrive has been the advances made in medical research throughout the centuries. But we all know, for whatever reasons, governments have blocked the use of cannabis as a base of research.
I am not saying that cannabis can or will provide a cure for COVID-19. What I am saying is that for decades we have essentially removed this naturally occurring plant from the items we could have used for research.
And now millions of people around the globe are locked up.
What will happen once we (hopefully) survive this pandemic?
Prepare for the real pandemic
I am certain that many people will suffer from paranoia, depression, PTSD, anxiety — whatever — as a result of this pandemic. And they will suffer from these psychological illnesses for a long time. Maybe even generations.
In fact, there are calls in Canada to create a mental health hotline to help those suffering at this time.
Cannabis can help with the psychological conditions of COVID-19
While the world slowly opens itself up to the idea of using cannabis as a base of medical research, one of the things that we do know is that, for many, the use of cannabis can help abate the psychological conditions being imposed upon us. Isolation. Fear of the unknown. Fear of transmission. Just plain old fear.
Whatever type of cannabis product consumers may be resorting to at this time, any user of cannabis is pretty sure that cannabis users are pretty relaxed right now. Some turn to alcohol. Some use mediation. Some use Western medicines. Whatever. But for many, cannabis is being consumed to help deal with the negative consequences of this pandemic.
Keep moving forward
What can we do? We can help push the conversation forward, that cannabis is a suitable medication for those who suffer from most types of anxiety. And with nearly 8 billion people frightened all at the same time, this may be the impetus we need for a gloabal realization that cannabis is a suitable medication for many now and in the near future. And that the long term health of humanity could benefit from the medical research that is only just beginning with cannabis.
Perhaps at this very moment the world is being overwhelmed by the constant feed of negative news about COVID-19. So I’m not sure if our voices can be heard above the din. But soon, once the panic wears down, we in the cannabis community should make our voices be heard: We need the complete legalization of cannabis worldwide for medical research. And this needs to start as soon as possible.
