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Five states could legalize marijuana in the midterm elections — something that would signal a clear shift in some of America’s most conservative corners. A yes vote in all five states would mean another step towards legalization at the federal level.
On Tuesday, the voters in the United States will not only decide who will represent their states in Washington DC. In five states, they will also decide whether to legalize marijuana or not – and in a sixth, certain psychedelic substances may also be decriminalized after the election.
In Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota, citizens can choose to vote yes to legalization. The votes are seen as a result of President Joe Biden’s softer attitude towards the use of cannabis, not least since he announced in October that thousands of Americans convicted of minor possession of marijuana will be pardoned.
More people smoke cannabis than cigarettes
In all five states, medical marijuana is already legal. In 2016, Arkansas became the first state in the South’s so-called Bible Belt to approve medicinal use of the plant.
Marijuana is legal in 19 of the US states, and opinion polls show that opponents of legalization are dwindling. In September, a Gallup poll showed that for the first time, the percentage of people who smoke marijuana in the United States has overtaken those who smoke cigarettes.
In Colorado, where marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade, voters are also voting on the possible decriminalization of certain psychedelics. If Colorado residents say yes, it will become the second US state after Oregon to allow the consumption of so-called magic mushrooms.
Mushrooms against mental illness
The change to the law would mean decriminalizing the mushrooms for those 21 and older and establishing state-regulated facilities where the drug is distributed — under the supervision of licensed personnel. Private use would also be allowed.
Psychedelic mushrooms contain the substance psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic properties. Some studies suggest that the substance can be used to treat depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but research is so far limited.
Facts
Marijuana
Marijuana is extracted from the Indian hemp plant Cannabis sativa indica. The plant contains over 400 chemical substances, of which around 80 are so-called cannabinoids. Many of these have hallucinogenic effects.
When smoking cannabis, people often feel relaxed, satisfied and intoxicated. Research indicates that various side effects can occur over time, such as anxiety, depression, lack of initiative, worry and insomnia.
In the majority of the world’s countries – including Sweden – cannabis is still prohibited. The Swedish Narcotics Act prohibits contact with drugs classified as narcotics, which includes cannabis, and has a six-month prison sentence for use.
Cultivation and use of cannabis is illegal at the federal level in the United States, but several states have their own regulations where they have approved marijuana for medical and/or private use.
Source: NE, Gallup and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (TT)
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Magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms or magic mushrooms are often called a type of mushroom that contains the substance psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic properties. The substance is found in, among other things, the genus Slätskivlingar and is classified as a narcotic in Sweden.
The high from psilocybin is said to be similar to that from LSD but is shorter – around six hours. The brain and serotonin system can also be affected in the same way as with LSD use. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects, among other things, mood and memory.
When psilocybin is taken, it is converted in the body to the active substance psilocin. The effects of the substance are the feeling of euphoria and an understanding of nature and the universe. One can also experience anxiety, panic and nasty hallucinations as a result of psilocybin abuse.
Source: Drugsmart, National Encyclopedia
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