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Summary The inherent beauty of medicinal marijuana lies in its wholesome nature. Those looking for a holistic medicine, one free of the dangerous side effects that come along with big-pharma, can rely on cannabis as a near perfect solution. But, soon that all may change – that is, if Monsanto has their way. Monsanto, the multi-billion […]

The inherent beauty of medicinal marijuana lies in its wholesome nature. Those looking for a holistic medicine, one free of the dangerous side effects that come along with big-pharma, can rely on cannabis as a near perfect solution. But, soon that all may change – that is, if Monsanto has their way. Monsanto, the multi-billion dollar agricultural bio engineering company, which specializes in creating genetically modified (GM) crops, is looking to get in on the booming marijuana market. Now that Uruguay has become the first nation to legalize exportation of cannabis, Monsanto has found the perfect location to do so.

In the United States and abroad, GM foods – namely corn and soy – have already flooded the marketplace. So, why does it matter that Monsanto is hoping to tap into the GM cannabis market? For those who have chosen a natural approach to fighting diseases such as cancer, GM marijuana may not do the trick. In fact, GM foods have been shown to cause tumors in lab experiments with mice. Because so little is known about the potentially harmful effects of GM crops, 26 countries have banned their sale. But in the United States, where Monsanto’s powerful lobby influences politics, state propositions regulating the labeling of GMOs – such as California’s Prop 37 – have failed to pass.

In Uruguay, the government is hopeful that the legalization of the sale of marijuana will tackle drug cartels, and maybe Monsanto will play a role in fighting that battle. However, with the track record that Monsanto has, it is easy to question the sincerity of any decision Monsanto makes. As legalization becomes more and more common in the US, will cannabis aficionados need to ask their suppliers, “is this USDA organic?”

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Sources: RT, The Daily Bell, CBS News, The Huffington Post