Marijuana legalization was on course for a big year in 2020 as dozens of states prepared to tackle the issue either through legislative measures or public voting. But when the corona virus hit, social distancing regulations and other priorities blunted that momentum. Now analysts believe cannabis reform might get a boost as states seek ways to plug huge budget shortfalls due to the economic downturn and subsequent decline in tax revenues.
Many states that have been weighing legalization already are facing some of the biggest shortfalls of more than 10 percent, which might encourage state leaders to accelerate efforts to legalize marijuana. Before doing so, however, legislators might want to read new studies noting a correlation between increased traffic fatalities in the first four states to legalize recreational pot.
One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found an excess 75 traffic deaths per year after retail sales began in Colorado in 2014. If every state legalized recreational marijuana sales, the study concluded, an extra 6,800 people would die each year in traffic accidents.
Although the studies did not determine if the drivers were stoned—which can impair driving—supporters of legal weed should look carefully at such results, and the potential risks of pot, as they push for cannabis reform. And finally, it’s the end of vaping in Australia after the country bans nearly all imports of e-cigarettes.
Consumers had turned to buying overseas products after the sale of e-cigarettes was made illegal, citing health concerns. The prohibition will last for 12 months while the government concludes a public consultation on the regulation of nicotine products.