I. Introduction
The cultivation and use of Marijuana dates back to ancient times when man cultivated this cannabis plant for its medicinal benefits. Archaeological research revealed Cannabis-based textiles which has been around 7,000 BC have been found in the northern part of China. Scientific testing leads to the conclusion that the most probably, the “ancient culture cultivated cannabis for pharmaceutical, psychoactive, and divinatory purposes” (Armentano, 2). In the present-day, the medicinal value of marijuana has been recognized by many medical practitioners; for instance, this plant has been proven as an effective way to alleviate some symptoms associated with chemotherapy. However, despite its effectiveness, there are those who claim that marijuana should not be legalized for its medicinal use because of its addictive characteristic. This paper aims to demonstrate that the legalization of marijuana is justified, and that physicians should prescribe this plant despite strong arguments against its use. Patient’s have the right to be administered with the most effective treatment, and withholding the medicinal value of marijuana is the same as violating their rights.
II. Medicinal Value
The proponents of marijuana legalization argue that people who are seeking treatment should not be denied of a drug that can relieve their pain because doing so is tantamount to denying them their basic rights. Scientific studies have demonstrated how the prescription of marijuana helped in relieving chronic pain, alleviating symptoms associated with many diseases(Clark et al, 249). The use of marijuana for its medicinal benefits is not a recent finding, as written evidences that were unearthed from archaeological works revealed that it had been used by the ancient people for its medicinal value. In the western world, the adoption of cannabis for its medicinal properties started as early as 1800s when the troop of Napoleon returned to France, carrying with them marijuana plants taken from their conquest in Egypt (Miller, n.p) Currently, a survey revealed that the oral intake or inhalation of marijuana smoke is an effective way to control nausea and vomiting in patients who have just gone through a chemotherapy treatment (Hollister, 11). The use of marijuana for this purpose is said to be comparable to the effectiveness of currently available antiemetics, which leads to the indication of the plant's effectiveness as a form of medicine. As pointed out, the oral intake of marijuana is already approved, thus leading to an indication that smoked marijuana is as effective.
Reduction of Chronic Pain
In another randomized clinical trial, it was found that patients who suffer from HIV peripheral neuropathy reported a reduction of pain after the use of marijuana. Specifically, it was reported that the administration of cannabis significantly decreases the intensity of pain to about 34 to 40%, compared to about 17 to 20% of those who were under placebo (Grant et la, n.p). . This is a significant report about the effectiveness of cannabis in alleviating pain, because the reduction of pain is tantamount to an improved quality of life.
Further, preclinical evidence reveals that cannabis has a strong analgesic effect, as it was found that THC found in this plant share the same characteristics with morphine. In addition to that, clinical support demonstrated that THC in cannabis plant has an analgesic effect, for example, a single oral dose of 10 mg and 20 mg of THC indicated the same strength as codeine in patients suffering from cancer pain (Hollister, 16).
III. Stimulation of Appetite
Another argument that supports the use of marijuana is its being useful in stimulating appetite. Clinical observations showed that marijuana smoking among inpatients resulted in considerable stimulation of appetite and weight gain. To substantiate the claims of weight gain, another experimental approach was conducted to find out about the impact of marijuana smoking. The study required the participation of 7 men and it was found that those who smoked 2-3 cigarettes were reported to have increased their caloric intake (Hollister, 13). Marijuana or Cannabis Sativa contains the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is known to have components that enhance appetite. While previous research argued that THC does not stimulate appetite, a recent study demonstrated that this element binds with “cannabinoid receptors located in the brain and may play a critical role in the leptin pathway, a critical system for appetite stimulation (Aquino, n.p).
The use of THC sourced from marijuana is medically viable in terms of alleviating pain, and symptoms of diseases. In addition to that, it also serves to stimulate the appetite and therefore helpful for people who have suppressed desire for food due to health conditions. The use of THC in these cases is encouraged because it was proven that this element is proven to be safe even in instances of over dosage.
IV. The Economic Value of Marijuana Legalization
It is believed that the legalization of marijuana use for its medicinal value will lead to enormous economic benefit. There are many states in the US that opted for the legalization of marijuana use, both for medicinal and recreational purposes. A CNN report reveals that marijuana sales in the state of Colorado reached up to about $53 million from sales taxes (Lobosco, n.p). The tax collected is just one among the diverse economic factor that supports the argument for the legalization of marijuana. As suggested, more than the dollars earned from the legal sales of marijuana are other economic benefits such as its impact on the job market. The Marijuana Business Daily reported that an addition of 1,000 to 2,000 new jobs since the legalization of the recreational sales of marijuana in January 2014 (Marijuana, n.p).
V. The Addictive Characteristics of Marijuana
Despite the beneficial use of marijuana in treating certain diseases, as well as relieving pain caused by some disorders, this plant has an addictive characteristic that makes some people argue against its legalization. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, users of marijuana, especially those who have been using it for a considerable period of time have the tendency to be addicted to the substance. As suggested, the addiction is manifested when the marijuana user loses the ability to control the impulse to smoke. Addicted individual tend to seek the use of the drug despite personal and financial costs, and there are even instances when their addiction takes precedence over the more important part of their existence such as their family, work and relevant activities.
One of the main ingredient of marijuana is the THC, which is described as helpful in alleviating symptoms of certain diseases. However, beyond the beneficial value of this marijuana component is its destructive characteristics. This element, when ingested or inhaled travels to the lungs and eventually finds its way to the blood circulation and into the brain. This process ignites cellular reactions that lead to the pleasurable effects to the user. However, after the satisfying experience, the marijuana can result to intoxication, a feeling that is identical to the use of drugs such as the seeing distorted images, weakened coordination and memory loss. Just like any other drug users, a long-term marijuana user may be able to develop tolerance to the drug effects. Eventually, the use may require a higher dosage or amount of the marijuana to achieve the same satisfying effect that was once provided by the ingestion or use of a smaller amount of the substance.
It was argued that the majority of marijuana users do not manifest apparent signs of dependence. However, the prolonged use of the drug has a high level of probability to lead to psychological addiction that interfere with the normal mental process. In some instances, the display of antisocial behavior is the physiological impact of drug addiction because the long-term use of of this cannabis plant causes the alteration of cognitive ability, a process that can be compared to the changes in the brain with long-term use of other addictive drugs. Heavy marijuana users tend to manifest an intense craving for the substance, and is usually accompanied with aggression and disorderly behavior. The regular use of marijuana has an almost the same impact as the prolonged tobacco smoking, and this includes chronic coughing, yet a large number of tobacco and marijuana smokers carry on their addictive practice. According to the NIDA reports, it was pointed out that young people who demonstrate an antisocial behavior have a higher likelihood to develop marijuana addiction.
Several sources argue that the severity of both physical and emotional addiction to marijuana has not been fully substantiated, hence currently debatable. However, research revealed that long-term marijuana users are observed to suffer the same mental, health and behavioral consequences just like other others who are addicted to prohibited drugs. Those who are addicted to marijuana report the similar withdrawal symptoms experienced by other drug users. Some of these symptoms include irritability, depression, and fatigue. Other symptoms also include excessive perspiration, tremor, vomiting, and changed desire for food.
The harmful effects of marijuana use to health and well being led to the argument against its legalization, both for medicinal and recreational purposes. For one, no government should allow the legalization of a substance that can possibly harm its constituents. The negative impact of marijuana to health and cognition means that a state government should think twice before legalizing the production and use of addictive substances such as marijuana. In addition to that, the legalization of marijuana distribution leads to an easier access to the drug which is likely to increase the consumer of the substance, instead of saving and rescuing those who are already addicted with it.
There are people who argued that allowing people to use drugs means letting them exercise their freedom to make a choice. However, the very addictive nature of marijuana robs the use of the ability to logically think, and just the same, the user is deprived of his freedom of choice. That is, a drug dependent does not have the freedom to make a rational decision because his addiction inhibits the ability to think. Moreover, legalizing marijuana will convey a negative message to young people to the acceptability of drug use, not only of marijuana but also of other destructive drugs.
There is also the argument on the economic benefits of legalizing the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. However, while it is true that the majority of the states that legalize the use of marijuana benefited from an increased collection of sales taxes, this does not hide the fact that marijuana use is harmful to the society. For one, the absence of restriction will lead to an increased number of users. The implication is that, there will be an increase in the number of health concerns, violent behavior and the deterioration of close family relationships. All of these issues tend to have a negative impact on the economy, thus, the negative impact of marijuana legalization outweighs its positive impact in terms of economic gain.
Nevertheless, while there are arguments against the legalization of marijuana, one should not look beyond the numerous benefits that can be derived from its use. While it is true that legal prohibition will put an immediate stop to the use of marijuana, it will not take long before the users will find a way to get hold and use it. The prohibition of marijuana distribution will lead to a limited supply, which will result in a considerable price increase; accordingly, the prohibitive cost of the marijuana will motivate the users to engage in criminal acts, such as robbery in order to fund their marijuana addiction.
While it is true that marijuana has addictive contents, the user is not deprived of the right to decide on whether to stop or continue using marijuana. They are always given the right to exercise their free will; in fact, the use of marijuana exemplifies a manner by which people can exercise their freedom. This is because they have the right to use drugs, but at the same time, they also have the right to give it up on their own.
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