Marijuana for Medical Use

Marijuana for Medical Use

For many years the United States government has prohibited some drugs, such as

marijuana, from being sold in the marketplace. Yet, even with prohibition, marijuana use has only decreased minimally. Because of its illegality, only the bad aspects of marijuana use have been made known. However, there are many positive aspects of marijuana legalization, including its application concerning medical cures.

As of today, in most of the states, marijuana is classified as an illegal drug. However, due to its proven medicinal purposes, the drug should be made available for sick people to use. Marijuana has been used for multiple purposes prior to the birth of Christ. Marijuana originated in the Middle East. China played an important part in marijuana's history. ?Hoatho, the first Chinese physician, used cannabis for medical purposes as a painkiller and as an anesthetic for surgery? stated Morgan (5). China was not the only country that used marijuana as a medicine. For example, in Thailand it was used to stimulate the appetite of people who were ill. ?It would make them sleep, and counteract diarrhea,? states Thompson (10). Clearly, we can see that the use of marijuana began as a medicine, and with more research we can find better uses of marijuana as for medicinal purposes. Marijuana is very helpful in easing the suffering of the sick but it also creates side effects. The scientific evidence published to date indicates that marijuana has a broad range of psychological and biological effects, some of which are harmful to human health. Marijuana has different effects on the nervous system and on behavior. Marijuana impairs motor coordination and affects tracking ability and sensory and perceptual functio...

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...work. It is easier to administer and the results are often much faster. It would be a tremendous advantage if patients were allowed to smoke marijuana. Marijuana should not be an illicit drug; it should be legalized for medical purposes only.

Bibliography:

Berger, Philip A. ?Marijuana.? Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Microsoft Corporation. 1997.

Morgan, John P. and Zimmer, Lynn. Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts. Sarasota: Book World Services, Inc. 1997. The Science of Medical Marijuana. 21 May 1999. .

Thompson, Stephen P., ed. The War on Drugs: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1998.

Webster, Maddy. ?Legalizing Pot: What You Can Do.? High Times. Jan 1999: 30.

Weed Wars: Facts and Stats. CNNInteractive. 1997.

You Dealing with Chemotherapy. National Cancer Institute, Institute of Health. 28 Jan. 1999. .