There was a time in my life when marijuana represented rebellion, uncertainty, and questions without clear answers. Before the military, I had my own experiences with cannabis, much like many people my age who were trying to navigate stress, identity, and life itself. Then came military service, where discipline, accountability, and structure put many things into perspective.
Like countless veterans, I learned that life is rarely black and white. The conversations surrounding marijuana certainly aren’t.
Years later, the world changed.
The COVID-19 pandemic arrived and forced many of us into circumstances we never imagined. Isolation, uncertainty, fear, and anxiety became part of daily life. At the time, I was balancing security work, video production projects, and the emotional weight that came with navigating a global crisis. For me, severe anxiety was a very real challenge during that period.
By then, the 2018 Farm Bill had already opened the door for hemp-derived products on a federal level. Suddenly, conversations that once existed only in whispers were being discussed openly in state legislatures, city councils, medical communities, and households across America.
In Madison, Wisconsin, local leaders had already moved toward decriminalization through city ordinances. Meanwhile, friends from various walks of life shared their own experiences with cannabis, whether recreationally, medically, or simply as an alternative to other substances.
As the debate continues in 2026 with evolving Farm Bill discussions and regulatory changes, I find myself less interested in political talking points and more interested in the data.
Looking at the Numbers
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 61.9 million Americans reported using marijuana in 2022, making it the most commonly used federally prohibited substance in the United States.
At the same time, anxiety disorders remain one of the most common mental health concerns in America.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 19% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder each year, affecting tens of millions of Americans.
For many individuals, cannabis is viewed as a tool that helps manage symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- PTSD-related symptoms
- Depression-related symptoms
It is important to note that research remains mixed. While many users report relief, medical professionals continue to study potential risks, including dependency, impaired cognition, and negative mental health outcomes for certain individuals.
That reality is exactly why continued research matters.
The Economic Argument
The conversation isn’t only about personal use.
It’s also about economics.
According to the Marijuana Policy Project and industry reporting:
- Legal cannabis sales in the United States exceeded $30 billion annually in recent years.
- States with regulated cannabis markets have generated billions in tax revenue.
- Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created through cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and compliance sectors.
- Agricultural communities have increasingly explored hemp and cannabis production as alternative revenue streams.
For states that have seen declines in industries such as manufacturing, mining, or Wisconsin’s frac sand sector, proponents argue that regulated cannabis markets could provide another avenue for economic development.
Whether one supports legalization or not, the economic impact is becoming harder to ignore.
Why Federal Policy Matters
One of the most confusing realities today is that cannabis remains federally illegal while legal in many states.
This creates challenges for:
- Banking
- Interstate commerce
- Veterans seeking treatment options
- Research institutions
- Small businesses
- Agricultural producers
The result is a patchwork system where rules change depending on which side of a state border someone lives.
From a practical standpoint, a bipartisan federal framework could provide consistency, consumer protections, research opportunities, and clearer business regulations.
That doesn’t mean eliminating oversight.
It means creating rules everyone understands.
Voices Supporting Reform
Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris has repeatedly advocated for reform and stated:
“Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed.”
She has also supported federal rescheduling and criminal justice reforms related to marijuana convictions.
Mandela Barnes
Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has long supported legalization, arguing that:
“Legalizing marijuana is both an economic opportunity and a matter of justice.”
Barnes has consistently pointed toward the racial disparities in marijuana enforcement and the potential for economic growth through regulation.
Republican Support Exists Too
One of the most overlooked aspects of the debate is that support is no longer confined to one political party.
Republican leaders such as:
- Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky)
- Representative Nancy Mace (South Carolina)
- Former Representative Matt Gaetz (Florida)
have all expressed support for varying degrees of cannabis reform, whether through states’ rights arguments, medical marijuana access, banking reform, or broader legalization measures.
Public opinion has shifted dramatically as well.
According to Pew Research Center polling, approximately 88% of Americans support either medical legalization alone or medical and recreational legalization combined.
That level of agreement is rare in modern politics.
A Veteran’s Reflection
As a veteran, I understand the importance of responsibility and accountability.
I also understand that every person’s experience is different.
Cannabis is not a cure-all.
It is not for everyone.
But neither is pretending the conversation doesn’t exist.
When I look back on my own journey, I see a complicated picture. I see someone who experimented before military service, someone who later served under federal regulations that prohibited its use entirely, and someone who witnessed firsthand how anxiety, stress, and a global pandemic affected millions of people.
Today, I view the issue less through ideology and more through education.
The real opportunity may not be deciding who is right or wrong.
The opportunity may be allowing researchers, farmers, veterans, medical professionals, business owners, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to continue studying the facts and building policies based on evidence rather than fear.
If the goal is public safety, economic growth, personal freedom, and responsible regulation, perhaps the next chapter isn’t about winning the argument.
Perhaps it’s about finally ending it.
Works Cited
National Institute of Mental Health. Any Anxiety Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov
Marijuana Policy Project. Cannabis Industry Economic Data. https://www.mpp.org
Pew Research Center. Americans’ Views on Marijuana Legalization. https://www.pewresearch.org
Congressional Research Service. The 2018 Farm Bill and Hemp Production. https://crsreports.congress.gov
National Conference of State Legislatures. State Medical Marijuana Laws. https://www.ncsl.org
Office of the Vice President. Public statements regarding marijuana reform and federal rescheduling initiatives.
Mandela Barnes Campaign and Public Policy Statements on Cannabis Legalization, Wisconsin.
Disclaimer: This reflection shares personal experiences and publicly available information. It is not medical or legal advice. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals and current laws in their jurisdiction regarding cannabis use. 🌱🇺🇸