Legalizing the Use of Medicinal Marijuana

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Recommended: Should marijuana be used for recreational purposes

Marijuana is a very controversial topic because of its high use as a recreational drug. However many people do not know that there are some positives to this drug. Studies show that at least 50 percent of people do not know the health risks and benefits of this drug (Shortsleeve Cassie). Legalizing the use of Medicinal Marijuana would impact people with terminal illness, those who suffer from chronic illness, as well as those who experience intense pain from injuries without the negative side effects of traditional painkillers.

Marijuana is most well known for its use as a recreational drug. In marijuana many of the chemicals used in creating the drug version are activated as they are exposed to intense heat creating the high (Anderson, Greg). When Marijuana is used as medicine the chemicals are still there, however they are not being exposed to intense heat so the negative and damaging high is not present and the chemicals become irrelevant (Anderson, Greg). However, it is not the chemicals that are present that makes this drug have a great impact on the patients, it is the side effects. Some of the most well known side effects of Marijuana include easing pain as well as curbing nausea and increasing hunger (Anderson, Greg).

For people with terminal illnesses these side effects are a very positive thing. An example of terminal illness this medicine would be treating for is cancer (Anderson, Greg). Cancer patients undergo awful side effects from chemotherapy. The common side effects from chemotherapy include extreme nausea and vomiting which cause a loss of appetite, pain or general discomfort, as well as insomnia or not being able to sleep at night (Anderson, Greg). Marijuana works to help treat these symptoms so t...

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...cts of traditional painkillers. Although this is a controversial topic and drug I encourage the families and the patients thinking about receiving this treatment to look at all sides of this treatment plan.

Works Cited

Anderson, Greg. Medicinal Marijuana: Benefits VS risks. Web. 24 February 2014

Drug Facts: Is Marijuana Medicine?. USA.gov. July 2012. Web. 26 February

Igor, Grant. Drug Policy Alliance: Medicinal Marijuana. n.d. Web. 25 February 2014

Peoples Health: Medicinal Marijuana Pro VS Con. January 2012. Web. 25 February 2014

Southwest Medicinal: Marijuana Side Effects. June 2011.Web. 26 February 2014

Shortsleeve, Cassie. “The Truth About Medicinal Marijuana.” Marijuana Facts. Mens Health

2013, Web. 18 February 2014

National Review: “News on Marijuana Bill.” 28 May 2012. 10 Global Issues in Context. Justice

Department 2011. Web. 3 March 2014

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