It was recently federally legalized in Canada after several Provinces legalized it individually. Unfortunately, the Federal Government involvement now is forcing a lot of the little guys out, because you are correct, it is a huge money making business.

I'm a firm believer in the power of medical marijuana, having witnessed Brian's (my husband) use with it as an healthier alternative to chemotherapy cancer treatment. And many are unaware that cannabis oil can be a THC/CBD split with a higher CBD concentration...that's the stuff that doesn't get you high. He has tumors in his mouth and the doctors were prepared to filet his tongue, 'scoop' out the tumors, staple it closed, then weekly visits to have the staples removed, flushed, re-stapled. This process continues for a month, then the jaw is wired shut for another month. We were told that hopefully the tumors won't simply return, but of course, no guarantee.

Obviously we bypassed that option and Brian starting using a few drops of CBD oil twice daily. The tumors completely disappeared ! When we moved to Mexico a year ago, we of course didn't transport oil with us and it took me a few months to track some down. During that time, the tumors returned, but I am pleased to say that they have once again disappeared with the oil back in his system.

I also have one son who has high anxiety and is also ultra-intelligent. He's in his early 20's now and smokes pot to 'calm' his brain. Years ago when he was in high school, I had him educationally and psychologically tested and the psychiatrist, a young woman, told me that she totally understood why he smoked it then also, and how it actually benefited his ability to control his thinking more effectively.

In terms of the US, the Federal Government will be on board soon enough considering the 'facts' coming out of several States regarding crime statistics, but mostly I think due to the money being made from it all.

Thanks for an interesting post...obviously it's one I'm passionate about.