Explore and compare the research that says marijuana is essentially harmless with that which finds the substance to be a hazard. What conclusions do you draw and what supports your conclusions?
Marijuana is a very contentious issue in today’s world with dissimilar arguments being posed both to support and reject its usage. The question whether marijuana is harmful or harmless still lacks a definite answer since it is known to be helpful to some people and harmful to others. Consequently, a lot of research has been conducted to prove both the usefulness and harms associated with marijuana.
Research in support of marijuana maintains that the plant is very harmless. Initially, this research indicates that the product has diverse medical benefits. The research shows that marijuana is capable of treating chemotherapy related sicknesses, lessens glaucoma symptoms and aids in scleroses treatment (Mathre, 1997). Additionally, these researchers argue marijuana has a noteworthy role in dissimilar clinical applications like pain relief, nausea, spasticity and movement disorders (Mathre, 1997). Apart from the medical benefits, research shows that marijuana has other dissimilar benefits. The product for instance assists one to feel relaxed, happy and maintain a good appetite (Earleywine, 2002).
Other researchers on the hand have tried to strongly prove that marijuana is a harmful product, hence should not be used by human beings. These researchers do not dispute the benefits of the product but maintain that the effects of the same product outweigh its so called benefits. According to this line of research, marijuana is associated with a number of harms to the users. Initially, the product can cause an addiction to an individual which is hard to handle. Additionally, marijuana is said to alter an individual’s sense, cause hallucinations, reduce body coordination and balance, cause dizziness and fatigue and result to cognitive impairment (Hanson, 2006). Other researchers also purport that marijuana results to dryness in eyes and mouth of the user, results to paranoia and mood variations.
References
Earleywine, M. (2002). Understanding marijuana: A new look at the scientific evidence. New
York: Oxford University Press.
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. J., & Fleckenstein, A. E. (2006). Drugs and society. Sudbury, Mass:
Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Mathre, M. L. (1997). Cannabis in medical practice: A legal, historical and pharmacological
overview of the therapeutic use of Marijuana. Jefferson, NC [u.a.: McFarland.
