Marijuana for Medical Use
For many years the United States government has prohibited some drugs, such as
marijuana, from being sold in the marketplace. Yet, even with prohibition, marijuana use has only decreased minimally. Because of its illegality, only the bad aspects of marijuana use have been made known. However, there are many positive aspects of marijuana legalization, including its application concerning medical cures.
As of today, in most of the states, marijuana is classified as an illegal drug. However, due to its proven medicinal purposes, the drug should be made available for sick people to use. Marijuana has been used for multiple purposes prior to the birth of Christ. Marijuana originated in the Middle East. China played an important part in marijuana's history. ?Hoatho, the first Chinese physician, used cannabis for medical purposes as a painkiller and as an anesthetic for surgery? stated Morgan (5). China was not the only country that used marijuana as a medicine. For example, in Thailand it was used to stimulate the appetite of people who were ill. ?It would make them sleep, and counteract diarrhea,? states Thompson (10). Clearly, we can see that the use of marijuana began as a medicine, and with more research we can find better uses of marijuana as for medicinal purposes. Marijuana is very helpful in easing the suffering of the sick but it also creates side effects. The scientific evidence published to date indicates that marijuana has a broad range of psychological and biological effects, some of which are harmful to human health. Marijuana has different effects on the nervous system and on behavior. Marijuana impairs motor coordination and affects tracking ability and sensory and perceptual functio...
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...work. It is easier to administer and the results are often much faster. It would be a tremendous advantage if patients were allowed to smoke marijuana. Marijuana should not be an illicit drug; it should be legalized for medical purposes only.
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Thompson, Stephen P., ed. The War on Drugs: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1998.
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Marijuana or cannabis, according to the Federal Government is considered dangerous and addictive and is, therefore, placed on the controlled substance list as a schedule 1 drug, making its use and possession illegal, as well it is considered one of the worst drugs. Other more harmful drugs such as cocaine are considered schedule II drugs, so according to the U.S Government cocaine is considered less hazardous than marijuana. There have been many studies conducted by scientist proving the benefits of medical marijuana in relieving chronic pain, nausea and a full array of other ailments. The benefits of legalizing marijuana far outweigh the bad. By allowing people to possess and use marijuana for medicinal purposes, we are improving society as a whole and increasing the happiness or utility of individuals who are living with debilitating conditions in turn this would create a happier society all around.
Marijuana has had a negative appearance towards the public and government, but that all seems to be changing. Medical marijuana has started to have a huge impact on the United States and the world. It is a borderline substance that some people frown upon, but it has boosted the economy and has helped thousands of people across the United States overcome illnesses. But most people relate medical marijuana to recreational marijuana, which is still illegal in some states. Although many individuals find medical marijuana illegal, and unnecessary, it is a natural herb used to help symptoms caused by chronic illnesses. Over three million Americans use medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is the most widely used drug used to treat chronic illnesses. The use of medical marijuana has been a controversial issue here in America. Although, there are healthcare professionals that do believe that the use of medical marijuana can be very beneficial for certain patients. Just as there are benefits associated with the use of medical marijuana there are also negative effects associated with it.
“Chapter 2: The History of Marijuana.” Marijuana: Mind-Altering Weed (2008): 18-31. Book Collection: Nonfiction. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has long been at the centre of much controversy. Some studies have shown results that the benefits of using marijuana for medicinal reasons far outweigh the negative health matters that may be associated with its use, and therefore should be an accepted method of treatment for some patients who are suffering with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS, and eating disorders (Okie, 2005). Still, other studies have proven that there is not enough scientific evidence on the drug, there for it should not be legalized for the use of medication (Hutchings, 2002). Currently the issue is moving forward, although not without controversy, but it is unclear when a clear decision will be made.
Smith, Dave. “Medical’ Marijuana: 10 Health Benefits That Legitimize Legalization.” www.ibtimes.com. IBT Media Inc., 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 15 Apr. 2016
Wood, E., Werb, D., Marshall, B., Montaner, J., & Kerr, T. (2009). The war on drugs: a devastating public-policy disaster. The Lancet, 373(9668), p.989-990.
Zimmer, Lynn and John P. Morgan. Marijuana myths & Marijuana Facts: A Review of the Scientific Evidence. August 1997.
First, the most important aspect of any drug is health. Marijuana, contrary to common beliefs, does not pose a serious health risk. It is accepted that while under its influence, people can experience hallucinations, impaired judgment, mood swings, and memory problems (“Marijuana”). Many people use marijuana because they enjoy its hallucinations and the feeling of happiness that accompanies them. Others with serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis, benefit from the pain and nausea relief, appetite stimulation, and reduced muscle spasms (“Marijuana”). Opponents of marijuana legalization argue that marijuana causes brain damage, lung diseas...
Schroth, Helfer, Kizior, D. W., & Kizior. (2011). "War on drugs" In M. Kleiman, & J. Hawdon (Eds.), Encyclopedia of drug policy: “the war on drugs'' past, present, and future. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
In today’s society, there are certain diseases that are debilitating and causing painful reactions to Americans throughout the United States. The patient with MS who cannot control the spasms created by their disease, the rheumatoid arthritis patient with pain so severe they cannot rest and nothing seems to be easing the pain. Then there is the AIDS patient who cannot eat, as they are so nauseated from the HIV medications that they are taking; these patients have just some of the disease scenarios that medicinal marijuana can help. Many people have long used marijuana for both medicinal and other purposes for many years. However, its modern use is a very controversial issue having both strong supporters as well as firm opponents. With all the clinical studies that have been done on marijuana it has been proven effective enough when compared to conventional treatments to overcome the fact that it is an illegal substance therefore, it should be legalized for medical purposes.
The drug policy “War on Drugs” implemented by the criminal justice system the in United States has failed to address the war with the use of drugs in America. The United States of America has fought for over a century, and four presidents have staged this war that has yet to produce significant results. It is a war that the US was losing and drug abusers were all over hospitals, courts, and prisons. The use of drugs has ended in violent crimes that have always resulted into damaging neighborhoods in this country, and many children have been lost and abandoned due to drug abuse (Friman, 2008).
The use of the cannabis plant has been studied and has been proven effective when used for medical purposes. Medical marijuana can be used because it contains molecules called cannabinoids. The human body has cannabinoid receptors that will activate and deactivate through certain biological events.( "Medical Use of Cannabis") The most common type of cannabinoid used is Cannabis indica. This specific species of the plant has higher levels of THC, which can be used in medicine. While we have recently discovered the medical purposes, marijuana has been used from as early as 2737 B.C.E. An emperor of China, Shen Neng, used marijuana tea to treat memory loss, gout, and malaria. In India, medical marijuana was used as a remedy for anxiety. Throughout the 1900s, use of marijuana was seen as an offense, and was banned in twenty three states by 1937. By 1996, the laws had been withdrawn in several states, and California became the first state to legalize marijuana. (Stack and Suddath) Marijuana had been proven effective with the treatment of nausea, tuberculosis, epilepsy, glaucoma, an...
Ingraham, Janet. "Lee, Martin A. Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana--Medical, Recreational, and Scientific." Library Journal 1 Sept. 2012: 117. Student Edition. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Marijuana is a type of drug that people can smoke or eat. The legalization of Marijuana has become a controversial topic. The reason that is has become a controversial topic in our society is that many people believe that legalizing Marijuana would cause a lot of chaos in our society. While others believe that legalizing Marijuana could actually benefit our society. There are twenty nine states including the District of Columbia that has legalized Marijuana which could be used for medicinal or recreational uses. There are many pros and cons for the legalization of Marijuana.
Marijuana is a cannabis drug that may be used for medical purposes. It was used to soothe malaria and constipation in many Asian countries including India and China (Ashton). It has the capability to relieve the pain of a serious sickness like malaria as well as a common every day stomach sickness like constipation. Marijuana has also been used therapeutically for the common disease asthma (Ashton). It “exert[s] a bronchodilator action on the small airways” therefore allowing a person to breathe better (Ashton). Marijuana has not only been used for amusement but it has been a treatment for many illnesses therefore; we need to consider all the characteristics of marijuana before making a decision to legalize it for medical purposes.