According to the American Civil Liberties Union, out of the 8.2 million arrests for marijuana in the U.S. between 2001 and 2010, 88% of them were for simple possession. Since the majority of Marylanders voted to have marijuana legalized for recreational use in this year’s midterm election, Governor-Elect Wes Moore is working hard to get rid of the records of anyone convicted of these simple possession in Maryland.

Although Maryland has voted to legalize marijuana, 14 states still have it completely illegal. According to the CDC, there are health benefits of weed but it is still a drug and can become somewhat addictive. Marijuana use disorder affects approximately three in 10 people who use marijuana, according to a study by the CDC. People can become reliant on marijuana to get through the day, leading to increased mental health issues, which is one reason people may start using marijuana in the first place.

However the health benefits of marijuana are greater than the risks. Marijuana is used to lower stress, reduce inflammation, and treat gastrointestinal disorders, among other beneficial effects. According to Harvard medical school, marijuana is commonly used in the medical world to help with chronic pain. Although people can become reliant on marijuana, you can’t overdose, which makes it safer than the majority of pain medication out there today.

Marijuana also is a major stress reducer. According to MedicalNewsToday, a team from Chicago set out to test this. They gave one third of their test group a low dose of THC, another third a high dose and the final third group no cannabis. The participants were then put into stressful situations and tested over the course of five days.

The participants who were given the low dose of THC reported less stress during these tests, while the participants given a high dose reported having a more negative mood during and after the tasks.

The legalization of marijuana has more benefits to Maryland than just health related. According to The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, African Americans are four times more likely to be arrested for maijuana possession than white people. “We have to remember that you cannot talk about the benefits of legalization if you do not address the consequences of criminalization,” Moore said during an interview with MSNBC on Nov. 9.

Marijuana is used recreationally as well. Although still illegal for teenagers, anyone above the age of 21 can possess up to 1.5 ounces of weed legally. Marijuana can simply be used for recreational use with no negative repercussions to health.

In short, Maryland’s community will greatly benefit from the legalization in Maryland: Helping elderly people deal with chronic pain, help students deal with stress, help people incarcerated for simple possession of weed live their lives again and more reasons. Marijuana’s benefits greatly outrank their dangers and can provide positive benefits for Marylanders and Americans today.