Medical Marijuana is a large controversial subject in today’s society. You may hear about it in the news, on the radio, in a magazine, it is a matter you hear about on a daily basis. As you may know Marijuana has been used for as long as we have known it for recreational and enjoyment purposes. Only in the last decade have you heard of the drug has being more commonly used for medical purposes such as cancer, HIV and other severe medical conditions. These controversies consist of the two opposing views on medical Marijuana; those who support it and its legalization and those who are against it and believe it should be banned. According to thorough medical research and studies, Marijuana does show signs of relief and treatment for numerous medical conditions. Diseases and illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, HIV/AIDS, depression and many more effect are large percentage of people in the United States today. With very few or no treatments and cures for these illnesses, medical Marijuana has become an alternative for people suffering. Marijuana contains an active ingredient known as THC or tetrahyricannabinol. This ingredient provides the “high effect” after smoking the drug. The American Cancer Society states how clinical tests established that, THC reduces pain and other symptoms of cancer. With this being, the FDA has approved the THC in Marijuana for medical and therapeutic uses. (Tashkin) Although Marijuana might have a positive effect on certain medical conditions, it also has its negatives. Most of society knows Marijuana as the illegal drug that it is. Marijuana is used as by seventy eight percent of its users for personal enjoyment and recreational purposes. This drug is illegal in all states for this purpose. Laws and enforcement strictly enforce this law due to all the negative effects of the drug.
Marijuana is the world’s number one gateway drug. Studies show that users between the age of twelve and twenty-one are most likely to try other drugs such as cocaine. Marijuana is linked with violence, aggression, crime, bad grades and suicide. Some immediate negative effects of Marijuana are restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, impaired motor skills and coordination, mood swings and much more. These effects can be harmful to many users. Aside from these immediate negative effects, most importantly Marijuana can have a negative effect on ones physical state and health in the long run. In the long term users are likely to experience loss of brain cells, loss of energy, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, apathy, anxiety, weight loss or gain and more. (Tashkin)
With these two very opposing sides on medical Marijuana, it is hard to keep the drug banned and also to legalize it completely. As of today only sixteen states in the United States have legalized the use of Marijuana for medical purposes. These sixteen states consist of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. The legalization in these states of course have their restrictions, limits and control on the usage. The legalization of Marijuana usage, for medical purposes in these states are passed by Bills and Propositions issued by the federal government. The rest of the thirty-four states in the United States are currently processing the issue on whether to legalize or not. (Mechoulam, P.525)
I believe that legalization of medical Marijuana is a very fair argument, with two very convincing sides. The pros and cons both make legitimate points and a decision is hard to result in. In my supporting statement, I would say that America is a free country and every citizen has right to make decisions on their health and well being. Therefore I would support legalizing Marijuana nationally, with restrictions and laws in effect to protect society from the dangers of misuse of the drug. Marijuana’s negative effects on ones health are no different from cigarettes or other legal drugs such as alcohol. These all have there limits and for the most part are handled well. This is my view on the medical Marijuana issue in the United States.
Bibliography
Donald P. Tashkin, M.D., "Effects of Marijuana on the Lung and Its Immune Defenses," Secretary's Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Intiative: Resource Papers, March 1997, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99/marijuana/Health_1.html Mechoulam, Raphael, "Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb," Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (London, United Kingdom: October 2009) Vol. 30, Issue 10, pp. 525-526.
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