One of the unintended benefits of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes is that the magical plant is saving U.S. taxpayers big bucks.

In just one year, medical marijuana has saved the U.S. $165 million in medication costs in states where people can obtain marijuana instead of popping pills.

These benefits would only grow exponentially if marijuana were legalized nationwide. No doubt big pharma isn’t enjoying this new trend, but the rest of America sure will.

Watch.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com