Should Medical Marijuana be Legal?

This essay argues that medical marijuana should be legal because it is safer, and cost effective. Marijuana is an illegal drug that is obtained from the flowers of a plant known as Cannabis sativa. The most effective compound in the drug known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and it has some significant effects on the human mind. These effects include changes in a person’s mood, an increase of appetite, euphoria, and even hallucinations.

This drug has been used for recreational purposes for thousands of years. It was not until the 1930s that the drug was made illegal for both its use, possession, and distribution. Recently, scientific research has shown that some components found in THC can be used for health purposes. These findings enabled medical marijuana to be legalized in several states within the United States. However, skeptics are still against this drug due to its side effects and the potential impact on the community. This essay will argue the different sides of this issue and offer a viable solution.

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Also, there are no reported cases of overdose from this drug since the lethal dose is much

higher than the recommended dose for treatment. Several scientific studies have shown that

synthetic prescriptions such as oxycodone have worse negative effects on the human body

compared to THC (Hill, 2481). Thus, it seems obvious that when it comes to pain relief for

patients with various conditions, marijuana is the innocuous option. Marijuana is also much

cheaper than most of the drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. Considering that it

only undergoes fewer steps from its preparation to the point that it can be ingested, the costs

incurred are much less than the other medicines capable of inducing the same therapeutic

effects.

On the other hand, medical marijuana should not be endorsed due to its mind altering

capabilities. THC can be introduced into the body through smoking, consumption of several

baked products and inhalation in vapor form. Smoking is the most common means, especially

for recreational purposes. Through this method, the smoke particles are known to cause throat

and lung cancer, and other cardiovascular conditions (Hill, 2475). Based on these harmful

impacts, legalization of marijuana does not appear to be a practical solution. Long-term

marijuana users are also at a risk of addiction. This situation can lead to unproductive

members of the society. A person under the influence of this drug loses most of their motor

functions and thus cannot be relied upon to perform any duties or make important decisions

(Friese & Grube, 36). Over extended periods, the use of this drug can lead to an inability to

concentrate and think properly. Another reason against validation of this drug is that it is

considered as a gateway drug to the more dangerous narcotics. Some people claim that a

person that begins using marijuana is more likely to try out other drugs such as cocaine,

crystal meth and heroine (Friese & Grube, 35). Such reasons are causes for concern when

considering whether to legalize medical marijuana.

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Research on the medical capabilities of THC are still ongoing, and although the

findings are yet to be fully accepted by the professions in the field of medicine, the results

consistently show the usefulness of medical marijuana. Patients suffering from cancer and

full-blown AIDS can manage weight loss through the use of cannabis (Hill, 2479). This drug

increases the appetite of an affected patient and helps them consume their daily nutritional

requirements. People with health conditions that cause them pain can find quick and simple

relief from marijuana. The benefit of THC over the other available analgesics is that it is

harmless. Whereas it is easy for a person to overdose on drugs such aspirin, overdosing on

cannabis is highly unlikely because it would require a large amount of it to have the same

impact (Hill, 2481). Marijuana is much cheaper as well due to the low cost of production.

The harmful side effects that may arise from smoking it can be minimized by creating safer

ingestion ways such as vaporization. This method ensures that a patient in need can obtain

this drug in a safe manner while avoiding the carcinogenic compounds found in smoke. Use

of medical marijuana under strict supervision is unlikely to cause addiction since the patient's

dose is always monitored.

Conclusion

Although there are many people against the legalization of medical marijuana, the

practical solution would be to validate it. Many patients will be able to access the numerous

benefits that come from THC in a safe and controlled manner. The main setback towards this

option is the current stigma that marijuana has within the society. The community should be

enlightened on the importance of this drug and how it can help the sick without making their

health worse or even depleting their finances. By authorizing this drug, more studies can be

conducted, which, can lead to the realization of the unknown benefits. Thus, medical

marijuana should be legalized.

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Works Cited

Cerdá, Magdalena, et al. "Medical marijuana laws in 50 states: investigating the relationship

between state legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use, abuse and

dependence." Drug and alcohol dependence 120.1 (2012): 22-27.

Friese, Bettina, and Joel W. Grube. "Legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use

among youths." Drugs: education, prevention and policy 20.1 (2013): 33-39.

Hill, Kevin P. "Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and

psychiatric problems: a clinical review." Jama 313.24 (2015): 2474-2483.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reported overdose cases of the drug mentioned in the text?

According to the text, there are no reported cases of overdose from this drug, implying a high lethal dose compared to the recommended treatment dosage.

What are the comparative negative effects of synthetic prescriptions like oxycodone and THC on the human body?

The text indicates that scientific studies have shown synthetic prescriptions such as oxycodone have worse negative effects on the human body compared to THC.

What makes marijuana a potentially more innocuous option for pain relief?

Marijuana is portrayed as a possibly more innocuous option due to its comparatively harmless nature and lower cost relative to pharmaceutical drugs.

What are the negative capabilities of THC in medical marijuana?

The text identifies THC's mind-altering capabilities as a negative aspect, mentioning routes of administration like smoking that can cause throat and lung cancer, along with risks of addiction.

What are the potential effects of long-term marijuana use?

Long-term marijuana users are described as being at risk of addiction and becoming unproductive members of society due to impaired motor functions and decision-making abilities.

What are some benefits of medical marijuana use based on the text?

The text cites research indicating that medical marijuana can help cancer and AIDS patients manage weight loss by increasing appetite, and can provide quick pain relief.

Why does the text claim overdosing on cannabis to be highly unlikely?

The text suggests that overdosing on cannabis is highly unlikely because it would require a very large amount of the drug to have the same impact as overdosing on other medicines like aspirin.

What methods are proposed to minimize harmful side effects associated with smoking marijuana?

The text suggests using vaporization as a safer ingestion method to avoid the carcinogenic compounds found in smoke.

What conclusion is reached in the text regarding the legalization of medical marijuana?

The text concludes that the practical solution would be to validate medical marijuana, allowing more patients to safely access its benefits while also acknowledging the need to address societal stigma and conduct further research.

What works are cited in the text?

The text cites the following works:

• Cerdá, Magdalena, et al. "Medical marijuana laws in 50 states: investigating the relationship between state legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use, abuse and dependence." Drug and alcohol dependence 120.1 (2012): 22-27.
• Friese, Bettina, and Joel W. Grube. "Legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use among youths." Drugs: education, prevention and policy 20.1 (2013): 33-39.
• Hill, Kevin P. "Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: a clinical review." Jama 313.24 (2015): 2474-2483.

Details

• Grade: 98
• Author: Selina Kolls (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 4
• Catalog Number: V338147
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668276147
• ISBN (Book): 9783668276154
• Language: English
• Tags: should medical marijuana legal