In America today, legislation isn’t written by our political representatives—lobbyists write it, and this has been the case for decades. Big Tobacco started this trend in the mid-20th century, and now Big Cannabis has taken up the mantle. This powerful industry funnels millions of dollars into the pockets of ethically compromised politicians, pushing its agenda to legalize marijuana across the country.
Over half of the U.S. population lives in states where recreational cannabis is legal, with even more states, like Florida and Idaho, considering it. This isn’t a result of grassroots demand, but rather of relentless lobbying by Big Cannabis, which has crafted a narrative around the “harmless” and even “beneficial” nature of marijuana use.
Academia is another cog in this corrupt machine. Major universities like Harvard and MIT have received massive donations from cannabis investors, raising concerns about the impartiality of their research. A Canadian study found that a staggering 82 percent of cannabis-related research had conflicts of interest due to industry sponsorship. No wonder we’re bombarded with studies praising marijuana’s supposed benefits, from treating anxiety to helping with empathy. But these studies are funded by those with a vested interest in promoting cannabis use.
The reality is quite different. Cannabis use, especially long-term, impairs cognitive abilities, diminishes motivation, and harms brain development—particularly in young people. Far from being harmless, modern marijuana is far more potent and addictive than the weed of the Woodstock era. The consequences of widespread legalization are clear: a generation of Americans losing drive, focus, and mental sharpness.
Big Cannabis, much like Big Tobacco before it, is determined to normalize drug use, blind us to the real dangers, and profit from our ignorance. If they succeed, we risk becoming a nation of sedated, demotivated citizens, comfortably numb and uncomfortably dumb.
