Medical Marijuana
Heather Demma
Lincoln Trail College
Medical marijuana
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.
History of marijuana
Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis and its chemical compound, which is THC and CBD, as medical therapy to treat disease or alleviate symptoms. The marijuana plant has a history of medical use dating back thousands of years through many cultures. Its usage in modern times is controversial, and in recent years the American Medical Association, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and other pharmaceutical organizations have issued statements opposing its usage for medical reasons. From the early 1900s to the 1950s marijuana, opium, and coc...
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...y lower the IQ of teen users by up to eight points. With marijuana being easier and easier to get on the streets, medical marijuana is now thrown into this, making most teens simple access to marijuana. Others are concerned that heavy marijuana use will lead to marijuana addiction in the user and a lower quality of life as well as health problems, financial issues and more life problems. The flashy marketing attached to marijuana laced drinks and baked goods appear to be marketed towards teens and this is disturbing to many. There is concern that people who don’t need marijuana prescribed to them will lie to doctors to be able to procure a medical marijuana card, allowing them to legally purchase marijuana. These people could be just selling the medical marijuana instead of using it, or they could be giving it to children and sharing it with friends on the streets.
About one out of five 10th graders and about 1 out of four high school seniors used marijuana in the past month (Facts for Teens, 1). It is the second most popular drug among teens in the US (Encarta, 1). Teens, ages 12-17, that use marijuana weekly are nine times more likely than non-users to experience with illegal drugs and alcohol (Fed. Study, 1). More 13 & 14 year olds are using drugs, fifteen pe...
Marijuana is one of the oldest cultivated plants (Nahas 8). Since it became illegal in 1967, there have been questions of whether or not it is good for purposes, such as medicine, other than being a leisure drug. Debates between pro and con groups for the use of marijuana in the medical profession, have been heated and in recent months, referendums have been pasted in a least three states to make it accessible for medical treatment. Personally, I feel that marijuana has the potential to be a significant help with certain aliments, however, more research needs to be done to maximize its potential.
In 2012, more than 740, 000 people were arrested in the United States for marijuana related offenses. Many physicians believe that marijuana is the best available treatment for some of their patients because marijuana produces no unacceptable risks to the users or the community. Medical marijuana is a valid choice for those in real need but although marijuana may serve a beneficial function for people. Medical Marijuana is a valid choice for those in real need but although marijuana may serve a beneficial function for people with certain health conditions, marijuana is not a beneficial drug for anyone who does not explicitly require it for symptoms relief. Medical marijuana can help some people but that does that make marijuana a good idea for all people.
Medical Marijuana is used much more frequently than in the past, and underage adolescents are starting to get weed prescriptions for minor mental inhibitions that normal medicine would help, such as ADHD. According to Dr. Jean Talleyrand, who is the founder of MediCann, his offices have treated up to 50 under age children who have A.D.H.D. The lack of legitimate excuses as to why this drug is being to children is alarming. Very few minors, who are prescribed the drug, have life threatening illnesses where the drug could do any good (AIDS, or cancer to name a couple). According to Dr. Stephen Hinshaw, who is the chairman of psychology at the University Of Berkeley, has noted in many of his studies, that THC (which is the working ingredient in marijuana) actually causes the same effects that are prevalent in ADHD cases: lack of attention, memory, as well as concentration. Not only are the excuses getting less legitimate, but also using the drug consistently while underage is...
This author uses many informative points and facts. She also shares her statistics and marijuana effects research with us. She states marijuana puts many people at risk. The most at risk, though are the adolescents. The earlier you start using marijuana, the more the negative impact on you. Cannabis use in literally lowering people’s IQs. Regular marijuana users have shown to drop in their IQs about 8 - 10 points. It’s said the earlier you begin using Cannabis the more drastic the effects are. Using marijuana at a young age also causes attention deficit and that worsens over the years of using. Also this attention impairment cannot be repaired with
Medical Marijuana: Why or Why not? Marijuana was first introduced by the Chinese back in the B.C (before Christ) time period where it existed as a substance that carried the ability to achieve euphoria or a “high” as we refer to it today. In the early 4200s B.C. Marijuana was better known for its medicinal value where it was being used to treat rheumatism, gout and malaria (Narcocon International). Of course, society at the time was aware of the other effects marijuana had, however at the time, they primarily focused on the medication capacity marijuana contained. Fast forward to 2015, where the medical use of marijuana is the biggest controversial topic, where society views marijuana more of a harmful substance than a solution to nearly all of the medical conditions people encounter.
Many could argue that marijuana is destructive physically as well as mentally. “The National Institute on Drug Abuse says marijuana can cause heart irregularities, lung problems, and addiction” (Welch). “One joint can be just as damaging to [the lungs] as smoking at least two and a half cigarettes” (Ruff). According to Dr. Tom Wright, director of a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents in Rockford, “teens may be especially sensitive to marijuana’s effects because their brains are still being formed” (MJ Rebuttal). However, the marijuana legalization proposition would have tight restrictions and regulations by the states that would eliminate some of those issues, such as age. These facts are not consistent; the evidence is not backed from reliable sources. One institute is referred to, but more experts are needed to verify the information.
Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for over the 3,000 years and has been met with much resistance in the recent decade (Bearman 12). In the early part of the century, marijuana, also known as cannabis, was a part of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for about 90 years, but drug companies began to drop marijuana from medications when the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act was passed (4-6). Medical marijuana can be used in two ways; it can be smoked in a cigarette form or taken in a capsule. Marijuana’s most potent ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be taken as a pill, but is “easily
Medical marijuana is an extremely effective medication. Medical cannabis is used to treat patients with a medical problem. Marijuana legalization can help save lives, create jobs, and better our society. In order to purchase medical cannabis, one must have a medical card. In order to get a medical card, one must show valid proof that they have a medical condition. Cannabis shops generally ask for a doctor’s note. The medical shops make people show a valid proof of medical condition because if not anybody would get and abuse marijuana. According to CMCR, medical shops want the money and will approve any patient for a medical card when they don’t even have an illness. There are many medical cannabis dispensaries typically in every location. There is so many competitive cannabis clubs, but they are not located in proper places such as next to a school or close to a church.
Medical marijuana is good for people cause it is not as addictive as pain medications. Marijuana is grown in nature, not created in a lab like most drugs. People can’t overdose on marijuana but marijuana has harmful effects that can’t be proven. Marijuana might have harmful but it is good for pain, stress, helps with chronic illnesses and lot more. THC which is find in marijuana are in certain medications. “Prevalence of use in people with multiple sclerosis has been addressed in a recent Canadian study, 43% of the 420 patients surveyed had used marijuana at some point in their lives, of these 35% reported that use was to help control symptoms of multiple sclerosis 16% of the sample” (Furler 216). Marijuana is a chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients it ease the side effects of cancer. Petersen indications that marijuana is beneficial for chemotherapy patients. He also said that the government is holding back on its use marijuana is a great vaccine against some major disease.
The debate on medical marijuana has been a controversial subject, mainly because people have an abundance of opinions and very little scientific research to back up either side of the debate. The most important question here is “will medical marijuana be used for medical purposes or will it be used inappropriately?” Unlike a person who uses marijuana for medicine or entertainment, some people use marijuana as a means of income. Honestly, marijuana sales are a very profitable business, but the problem is that there are still a numerous number of people who sell marijuana illegally. Usually with illegal sales of marijuana, also comes other illegal activity.
Medical marijuana has been used for centuries to combat pain, weakness, anxiety, insomnia, female problems and nausea. Today it is commonly used by cancer and AIDS patients to stimulate hunger, combat nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or other drug therapy and reduce pain. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing eye pressure, especially in the cases with glaucoma. Medical marijuana, or cannabis, is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and there is some evidence of cannabis being used medicinally for over four thousand years. Many believe that medical marijuana is a healthy and natural alternative to dangerous and toxic pharmaceuticals that often have side effects worse than the original condition. The United Sates declared marijuana a narcotic and declared it illegal with the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.
...ssures to be the best they can be academically. With all these pressures of adolescence on the rise, more and more teens are falling prey to the alluring “high” that allows a temporary leave from their problems and stress. Because teens lack the maturity and knowledge to understand long term consequences, they tend not to think about the down falls that they will face as a result of the drug use. This is especially true when it come to marijuana, as it is seen by so many as the harmless drug. With the increased use of marijuana by youth over the last three decades, it is imperative that better preventative measures, and firmer penalties, be put in place to educate and raise awareness concerning the risks and dangerous side effects that marijuana use can have. Only once society has put these preventative measures in to action, will there be an effective change seen.
Marijuana continues to be one of the most used illegal drugs in the United States. Marijuana has been used for many years and at one time was legal to consume. Throughout the years, marijuana has been used for treatment of different medical conditions and has been used recreationally by people of all ages. While the use of medicinal marijuana has proven to be effective in treating medically ill patients, society continues to question its recreational use and the long-term effects it will have on its users. Some feel that legalizing marijuana will only open up avenues for the use of more potent drugs, causing an increase in criminal activity.
There are some benefits to the plant that could help with a lot of other diseases and disorders but people need to be a little open minded because most of the people who use medical marijuana use it for medical reasons.