Free Essay

Cons Side of Medical Marijuana

In:

Submitted By romantaco1
Words 865
Pages 4
Con Side of Debate Summary
BCOM/275 - Business Communications and Critical Thinking
December 4th, 2014.
Willetra Brittian

Con Side of Debate Summary
Medical Cannabis use is a controversial topic for many people, despite its multiple benefits; people against its medical use will find the way to prohibit it in the United States. Individuals against medical cannabis have concerns regarding its risk in the immune system, pulmonary problems, hormones, mental health, and the risk of bacterial, fungus, or viral infection (National Academy of Science, 1999). Even though any patient has not confirmed this hypothesis, Scientifics investigation suggested that cannabis has no significant good or bad side effects. In addition, the use of marijuana has been shown to have a short term effect on the ability of people to think, learn, reason ad perform tasks. It is not clear if cannabis has any long term effect on the mental state or mood (Post Media News, 2011).
Marijuana effects are related with drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache; can impair psychomotor skills. HIV patients are the largest group who report using marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana and its active ingredient THC have been shown in some studies to decrease immune function risk of progression to AIDS in HIV-cero positive patients and to increased mortality in AIDS patients (Kebler & Dupont, 2012). Prescribe in high amounts can increase risk of heart attack within one hour of use. Medical marijuana is not legally available for many people. The entities that reimburse medical expenses such as insurance companies and government programs do not cover their costs. Some studies suggest that marijuana / THC can lower testosterone levels. Another concern regarding legalization is dependence; 9% of users may become dependent (Kebler & Dupont, 2012).
There are multiple drugs that help Epilepsy but do not cure the problems. Though there are multiple cases of the drug helping patients wight the drug, there are a lot of factors that could potentially hurt the user of cannabis. There are no facts showing how cannabis cures epilepsy, there is a factor of smoking cannabis, and cannabis has been known to be a gateway drug for patients. Millions of smokers die each year in relation to smoking tobacco. Thus, smoking cannabis could have the same impact on the lungs as the way tobacco impacts the lungs. Cannabis cigarettes a day are associated with the same evidence of acute and chronic bronchitis and the same degree of damage to the bronchial mucosa as 20 or more tobacco cigarettes a day (2013). There are multiple addicts to this drug as there are to other drugs, but marijuana is viewed as a gateway drug by the population. Craving for marijuana, decreased appetite, sleep difficulty, and weight loss reliably changed across the smoking and abstinence phases. Aggression, anger, irritability, restlessness, and strange dreams increased significantly during one abstinence phase, but not the other. Thus, this increases in the likelihood of cocaine and heroin use and drug dependence are also apparent for those who initiate use of marijuana at any later age (2013). Until doctors can prove the benefits of cannabis, people should really look at the possibilities of the drug being a problem for consumers.
In efforts to sidestep potentially harmful effects of smoking marijuana, pharmaceutical companies have attempted to develop drugs that can be taken by other routes that target cannabinoids receptors in the brain. Only two options are currently available in the United States, dronabinol and nabilone, synthetic THC that target the cannabinoids receptor in the brain (Johannigman, 2013). However, their use is strictly limited by the narrow gap between effective therapeutic dosage and adverse effects such as euphoria, cognitive clouding, and drowsiness (Johannigman, 2013).
Although used safely throughout history, marijuana remains illegal under current federal law. Therapeutic effects of THC are sought by patients with cancer receiving palliative care. For patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy to use marijuana, it must be decriminalized at the state level. Opponents cite smoking risks and potential abuse by teens as primary concerns. As evidenced in the case study presentation, oncology nurses must recognize liability risks as well as potential benefits of medical marijuana use in patients with different illness receiving palliative care.

 References
Johannigman, S. (2013). Medical Use of Marijuana in Palliative Care. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 360-362. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/811358_6
Kebler, H. D., & Dupont, R. L. (2012, March 01). Physicians and Medical Marijuana. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(6), 564-568. Retrieved from http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/ref/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12030373
Medical marijuana in minnesota: To toke or not to toke? (2013, Nov 13). University Wire Re trieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1453706805?accountid=35812
National Academy of Science. (1999). Marijuana and Medicine:: Assessing the Science Base. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=dtEEa6dzwfwC&oi=fnd&pg=PT19&dq=%22Marijuana+and+Medicine:+Assessing+the+Science+Base%22&ots=Q6bE_X4wr0&sig=En8P1GKQPs9UIppXH-LABEHHQNM#v=onepage&q=%22Marijuana%20and%20Medicine%3A%20Assessing%20the%20Science%20Base%22&f=false
Post Media News. (2011, Dec 10). Pros and cons of medicinal marijuana. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/910363134?accountid=458

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Legalizing Drugs

...Legalizing Drugs By: Roberta Moe PS1050 – Into Psychology SP13 – Section D03 Professor Mary Swenson Due Date: March 31, 2013 I Medical Marijuana has been subject to much debate over the recent years to much avail. There are many pros and cons on both sides of the debate. Whether it is pertaining to new research and findings with medical marijuana or people stating the supporter of medicinal marijuana laws are just Ill-informed. Legalizing marijuana doesn’t seem just depend state by state, person to person, but also now doctor to doctor. With the debate to legalize marijuana, new and exciting research has found some exciting new medical breakthroughs, hence the pros of legalization. Medical marijuana or Cannabis has been recognized for its medical uses as early as 2600BC for the relief of cramps, rheumatic and menstrual pain. This indicates a long history of Cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol) within the medical community and has resulted in the development of many of pharmaceutical drugs. Within recent years there have been a number of studies which relate the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective actions of CBD (cannabinoids). The study may indicate positive results for Parkinson’s patients with neuroprotection and very promising results with Alzheimer’s patients and neurodegeneration prevention. CBD has also been proven useful for possible complications of diabetes. In addition to directly salvaging neurons affected by several disorders, cannabinoids also have anti-inflammatory...

Words: 613 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Pro Side of a Debate

...Debate Topic Pro Side Bradley Switter 10/20/2014 BCOM 275 Mr. Jenkins Debate Topic Pro Side The highly controversial topic of legalization of marijuana has many different angles to look at from both the pros and cons of the topic. We will discuss the pros of this topic and some of the benefits of legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use in the United States, The first pro for legalization we will will look at is the medical side. Marijuana has The next reason for the chose of legalization of marijuana was not only the legalization of just marijuana in general, but the debate of medical marijuana. In 1972, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use”. Since then, 23 of 50 US States and DC have legalized the medical use of Marijuana (procon.org, 2014). These medical uses include reduction of naseua and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. This has been proven to be more effect than other drugs available. Neurological problems have been shown to be reduced by the effects of marijuana. It is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in ten countries. There have been varying results in studies but it is viable options if other means have failed. These are just a couple examples of medical uses that so a positive for the legalization of marijuana. The next area of a debate for legalization of marijuana could be the revenue debate. This revenue is a positive...

Words: 664 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Should Medical Marijuana Be Legalized

...Should Medical Marijuana be legalized? Matthew Witkowski BCOM/275 10NOV2014 Lynda Sohl Should Medical Marijuana Be Legalized? The legalization of medical marijuana is a sensitive subject both politically and individually. There have been many field tests and trials validating marijuana as an aid to help various medical conditions from cancer to traumatic brain injuries. My argument has little to do with the political argument as I will be focusing mainly on the individual argument. The Pros and Cons of Legalization In an Oxford University journal report from 2013 states that the endocannabinoid system plays an important roles in the reparative mechanisms that are shared with minocycline pathways reduces the lesion volume and decreases TBI-induced hyperactivity. (Oxford University Press, 2013) . In another study led by Prof. Yosef Sarne from Tel Aviv University suggests that a single, low dose of THC was able to protect the brain from long-term damage induced by a variety of experimental toxins. (Truthonpot.com, 2013). The most recent study was reported by Jeffrey Carpenter of ABC News. He cites the research done at the Hebrew University that shows that a cannabinoid, similar to the active ingredient found in marijuana and produced in the brains of many animals, protects mice from brain injury. This reports quotes Dr Shohami as saying she didn’t “see any problems with using...

Words: 646 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Marijuana

...Anthony Webb March 15, 2016 English Comp II “Do the benefits of medical marijuana justify its legality?” Cannabis, also known as marijuana and by numerous other names, is a preparation of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine. It is a hot commodity throughout the United States and even in other countries such as Canada, Mexico, etc. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been used for centuries and can be documented as far back as to 2900 BC when Chinese emperor Fu Hsi referenced cannabis as a very popular medicine that possesses both yin and yang. There have been many documented occasions on those using marijuana for medicinal purposes. It is currently still being prescribed to patients for various reasons such as glaucoma, an antidepressant, help with anxiety, help control epileptic seizures, etc. Along with its medicinal purposes, many partake in the usage of smoking marijuana as a means of a recreational activity for such simple reasons as just a means to “get high” and seeing as it doesn’t do much harm. With its well-known reputation for being a trustworthy herb remedy and also being used for recreational purposes it leaves to question, do the benefits of medical marijuana justify its legality? I support this claim and I believe there are many logical and reasonable reasons why it should be legalized. Legalizing marijuana would have many positive outcomes especially on the United States. The legalization of weed could cause...

Words: 936 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Legalizing Marijuna

...LEGALIZING MARIJUANA 1 Legalizing marijuana and why Americans oppose and support idea Melvin S. Walls SS3150 8/19/15 ITT Technical Institute LEGALIZING MARIJUNA 2 Legalizing marijuana and why Americans oppose and support idea In my beginning research into this delicate and controversial topic I found out that Americans and our government are undecided about legalizing marijuana. Some people oppose the idea, while the rest approve the idea of legalization. I think we as a people need to stop, look, and listen and do what is best for our country, our states, and the people that reside within. There are many pros and many cons to making marijuana legal. Here are some breakdowns on both sides of this topic. One of the most important popular topics is the use of medical marijuana to treat patients for various medical conditions. There are over 7 uses for medical marijuana and that number can dramatically increase if marijuana is to become legalize, so that more medical research and studies can continue. Some uses for medical marijuana...

Words: 795 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Pro Medical Marijuana Essay

...Medical marijuana is one of the most underestimated drugs that are out there to help relieve and cure some of the most dangerous diseases. There have been many cases where marijuana has helped prevent seizures from occurring and many other disabilities. Medical marijuana has more pros than it has cons. Medical marijuana may not be legal in all of the United States, but more states are passing laws that allow people to use it in a positive way. California was the first state to approve a medical marijuana program. Each state has its different reasons for why a person can be prescribed a medical marijuana card. For example, in New York the list is long: HIV or AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease and spinal chord injuries are just a few of the approved...

Words: 595 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Training Plan

...The Pros of Medical Marijuana  The human body naturally makes its own form of cannabinoids that can modulate pain. THC-An abbreviation for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the main component responsible for marijuana's mind-altering effect. It also may help treat signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that are associated with a number of medical conditions. Cannabinol and cannabidiol-These compounds have some of the properties of THC, but cause less psychoactive effects — the high. Dronabinol (Marinol). Dronabinol (dro-NAB-in-ol)-is a man-made version of THC available by prescription. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after cancer chemotherapy when other medicines for these side effects don't work, and to increase appetite in people with AIDS. It has been shown ot be an effective treatment in reducing nausea for people under going chemtheraphy treatment. There is also evidence that it reduces nausea and weight loss in AIDS patients. Glaucoma is a disease that leads to blindness. It increases the pressure in the eyeball, which can then lead to vision loss. It was discovered by scientists in the early 1970s, that by smoking marijuana it was able to reduce the pressure in the eyes caused by glaucoma. Scientists were not able to understand how it worked. Scientists have since discovered that CB1 receptors in the eyes, may provide the clues for future research on how marijuana affects glaucoma. In the 1800's people were known to smoke...

Words: 1230 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Decriminalization

...Medical Marijuana ------------------------------------------------- Medical Marijuana Bernard Terry May 10, 2014 PHI210 DR CAPERS DR Capers There has been an ongoing debate about legalizing medical marijuana. Marijuana is a substance dried leaves and flowering pots of the hemp plant that contain THC and is consumed for a number of different reasons .Out of 52 states there are there 21 states that legalize medical marijuana and there are 7 states that are pending .I believe that medical marijuana should be legalize because it is a plant that was grown on this earth. Medical marijuana has its cons when it comes to this debate and some physician, US government and other officials are against the legalization of medical marijuana. Bill Frist, a former US senator stated that” although I understand many believe marijuana is the most effective drug in combating their medical ailment, I would be caution against this assumption due to the lack of consistent repeatable scientific data available to prove marijuana’s medical benefits. Based on current evidence, I believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that there are less dangerous medicines offering the same relief from pain and other medical symptoms.” The US government officials John Walters believe that smoked marijuana damages the brain, heart and immune system. It impairs learning and interferes with memory, perception, and judgment. Smoke marijuana contains cancer- causing compounds and has been implicated in high...

Words: 1188 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Medical Marijuana

...------------------------------------------------- Medical Marijuana Bernard Terry May 10, 2014 PHI210 DR CAPERS DR Capers There has been an ongoing debate about legalizing medical marijuana. Marijuana is a substance dried leaves and flowering pots of the hemp plant that contain THC and is consumed for a number of different reasons .Out of 52 states there are there 21 states that legalize medical marijuana and there are 7 states that are pending .I believe that medical marijuana should be legalize because it is a plant that was grown on this earth. Medical marijuana has its cons when it comes to this debate and some physician, US government and other officials are against the legalization of medical marijuana. Bill Frist, a former US senator stated that” although I understand many believe marijuana is the most effective drug in combating their medical ailment, I would be caution against this assumption due to the lack of consistent repeatable scientific data available to prove marijuana’s medical benefits. Based on current evidence, I believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that there are less dangerous medicines offering the same relief from pain and other medical symptoms.” The US government officials John Walters believe that smoked marijuana damages the brain, heart and immune system. It impairs learning and interferes with memory, perception, and judgment. Smoke marijuana contains cancer- causing compounds and has been implicated in high percentage of...

Words: 1187 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Legalization of Marijuana

...T. Alborta 1401LOGIC321335A-class Heather Wilburn 10 September 2013 Pros and Cons of Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana has been debated for decades all over the world, and it still unsure what is the best option for the people, either make it legal or keep it illegal like in almost all the countries. But here I am going to explain and show you some facts of each side of the coin. For the pro side there are many aspects that show how legalizing the marijuana can bring more benefits than keep it illegal; for example, there is evidence that show how marijuana helps some illness which means is good for medical use, there is also a fact that combating the Marijuana the governments spend tons of money, and also comparing the effects and causes of marijuana to the effects and causes of alcohol and tobacco makes thoughts easier to see legalization of marijuana makes the things better; On the other hand, looking to the other side of the coin, we got this drug which causes bad things in our bodies, it has immediate bad effects right after using it, it has also long-term effects, it seems also as a gateway drug in our society. The positive side of legalize the Marijuana. It has proved that Marijuana can be used as a treatment for many illness and bad symptoms of illness; for example, for those people who has Cancer Chemotherapy treatment and causes extreme nauseas and vomiting to them, Marijuana reduces those extreme symptoms, and it also alleviates pretreatment anxiety. For those...

Words: 1155 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Bcom/275 Debate Paper Marijuana Legalization

...Should medical marijuana be legalized nationwide? Team A BCOM/275 October 9, 2011 UoP Instructor Should medical marijuana be legalized nationwide? The use of marijuana for the treatment of patients with serious health conditions is currently one of the top contentious debate topics in the United States. Until its prohibition in 1937, marijuana was one the top three most prescribed medicines in the United States. To date, 13 states have statutory laws legalizing medical marijuana; however, it is not legal at the federal level. Several pros and cons exist to support whether medical marijuana should be or not be legalized nationwide. The primary arguments in debating the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana nationwide focus primarily on medical benefits, disease prevention, medical risk, substance abuse, and legal issues. Many scientific professionals and patients claim medical marijuana provides some sort of medical benefits. Although it has been a contentious battle between the states and federal governments to legalize or not medical marijuana nationwide, there are three important points to take under consideration; first, marijuana is a potent analgesic in patients with chronic pain. Second, it is a strong anti-emetic for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy treatment. Third and most important, medical marijuana should be legal, so patients do not have to break the law to receive treatment. Across the nation state organizations...

Words: 2050 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Team a Pros and Cons of Marijuana for Medical Use Compliation Paper

...| February 24, 2011 | | Team ASkylar BennettThermon V. Ratliff, Jr.Jan RobertsRichard “Rusty” Wheeler | The Pros and Cons of Marijuana for Medical Use A Brief Discussion of the Topic Team A has chosen the topic The Pros and Cons of Marijuana for Medical Use. Is marijuana even a viable medical option? We have discussed going several different directions with the topic. We will try to include sub-topics such as: * Smoked vs. non-smoked marijuana for medical value * Medical marijuana in public policy * The risks of marijuana for medical purposes including: * Actual medical risks * Is it a gateway or a stepping stone for hard core drugs? * Possible addiction beyond the medical use * Governmental views on marijuana as a medical option * How a patient would gain access to medical marijuana * Who might be allowed to distribute marijuana: * How would it be prescribed by physicians * Control of the growing, production, distribution of the product for prescription disbursement There are so many different avenues of this topic that we have only begun to discuss how we might present this topic to the class. We are sure that we will keep an open mind and not convey the team members’ opinions. We want the audience to develop their own opinions and viewpoints on this topic. Discuss causes for the situation. What factors have led to the problem as it exists? What are the historical roots of the issue? Who are the major stakeholders...

Words: 1615 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Marijuana: Medicine or Menace?

...Jacob Frederick 5-29-12 Buller Composition II Marijuana: Medicine or Menace? I have had strong feelings about this issue before it was even brought up as a topic for debate in our class. My opinion on the topic has not changed in the slightest, but I did learn a lot of interesting details concerning it. I have always felt that marijuana should be legalized, or at the very least, people with serious medical conditions should have access to it. And marijuana doesn’t even have to be legalized in my opinion, but it should definitely be decriminalized. I don’t think anyone who wants to smoke a plant that they grow themselves should have to suffer consequences, considering they are responsible in their recreational smoking. I do feel that if it were legalized, that there should be an acceptable age limit to buy and/or consume marijuana, comparable to that of alcohol. There are beneficial as well as harmful effects concerning marijuana, but that goes for a lot of things people do in everyday life. And I feel that a lot of time has been spent shining the spotlight on the harmful effects of marijuana, while little research has been done or even allowed, on the benefits of marijuana. While preparing for the debate, I encountered many sources on each end of the spectrum; including some in the middle. Many of the sources I looked at seemed rather credible, but others were most definitely biased. One example of a blatantly biased comment was, "Most pot smokers drink alcohol heavily...

Words: 949 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Energy Independence

...Kountz i Outline Thesis statement: Many people argue that marijuana is a mind-altering, dangerous 22, and should remain illegal. This hasty generalization is not correct. Marijuana has many beneficial attributes,18 therefore28 it should be legalized. Marijuana used for health benefits. The applications of Marijuana. Marijuana as a stress reliever. Marijuana increase sick patients appetite. Medical marijuana can improve patients quality of life. Marijuana allows patients to maintain nutrition Marijuanas impact on the United States Economy. If marijuana is legalized it will help stimulate our economy. 1. Legal marijuana will make more business opportunities. 2. Legalizing marijuana will create new jobs. B. Legalizing marijuana would help decrease national debt. 1. Federal government can tax marijuana at a high rate. 2. The federal government can use marijuana tax to go against debt. III. America funds Mexican drug cartels. America pays top dollar for Mexican marijuana. Kountz ii Mexican drug cartels smuggle drugs across the border. American money funds Cartels. Cartels are violent Cartels kill many innocent people. B. America should legalize marijuana nation-wide. 1. Legalizing marijuana would help our economy and patients. 2. Legalizing marijuana will help stop Mexican drug cartels. Notes on outline. ...

Words: 1528 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Pros and Cons of Marijuana

...Stephanie Hernandez BLAW 235 July 12, 2015 Reasons Why Marijuana for Personal or Medical Use Should Not Be Legal: * Marijuana is usually the drug people call a ‘stepping-stone’ drug, or ‘gateway’ drug to the realms of more harsher and serious drugs such as heroine and cocaine. It is said that, more often than not, people who experience marijuana, even as a recreational, one-time thing, move on to more addicting substances that can produce a bigger high once their tolerance has been built up passed that of simple marijuana. * The number one reason I personally would take into consideration when deciding against marijuana is the fact that since drunk driving is already a thing, and kills hundreds of thousands of people a year, what makes people assume that there are not idiots out there driving high? Driving a vehicle under any substances should be considered a crime, and with the legalization of pot, it would become a more prominent issue of people driving while high, thus causing more accidents and even deaths. * Though I half-heartedly support the claims that medical marijuana may work wonders for people suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses, there are people out there who find drugs, even for medical purposes to be completely morally wrong. For some religious believers, any type of substance abuse, even medical, can and will be seen as a sin. Legalizing marijuana would send many religious fanatics into frenzy because of this aspect. * A very...

Words: 709 - Pages: 3