Introduction:
The use of marijuana in medical treatment has long been a hotly debated treatment method. Typically used to treat chronic pain, marijuana’s analgesic properties have been proven an effective form of pain management. However, stigmas surrounding recreational drug use have clouded the public’s view of marijuana leading to controversial policy changes and the banning of marijuana use, medical or otherwise in some states.
Thesis:
By looking at both the benefits of marijuana and its negative connotations, I endeavor to show that marijuana can have substantial benefits in medical treatment. Stereotypes and stigmas should be removed from this discussion instead focusing solely on medical not recreational use.
- Facts about the Legalization of Medical Marijuana
- Some compare marijuana use to prescription drugs, alcohol and tobacco, all of which are regulated.
- 18 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical marijuana for medical use.
- Federal government considers marijuana a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
- Those in special interest groups against the legalization of medical marijuana cite the following environmental and social concerns: Second hand smoke. Recreational use. Driving under the Influence. Rise in the rate of crime around medical marijuana dispensaries. Consider marijuana as a “gateway drug”.
- Those for the legalization of medical marijuana state that 70-80% of patient receiving medical marijuana report significant relief from pain. By legalizing medical marijuana, the government can better control quality and sources of marijuana.
- Government issues include taxation and regulation.
- Demanders and Suppliers
- Until 1992, the Investigational New Drug Compassionate Access Program allowed for its members to receive medical marijuana from the federal government
- The drug is most usually prescribed to those suffering from debilitating medical conditions like cancer, epilepsy, severe nausea, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. California currently has the greatest amount of registered medical marijuana users with nearly 27,000 registered users.
- Legal medical marijuana dispensaries in states such as Colorado have greatly lessened the need for black market marijuana
III. The Interplay of Marijuana in Society
a. “Marijuana grown in America is estimated to reach values of 25 billion dollars a year” (Schlosser, 2003). This would benefit the economy substantially.
b. In areas where medical marijuana is legalized it is reported that recreation use also goes up as well as crimes such as DUI’s.
c. Legal medical marijuana dispensaries prevent the need for marijuana on the black market making it safer and easier to obtain by those who need it.
d. Medical marijuana provides comfort to many terminally ill patients and improves quality of life for those suffering with chronic pain. Many feel that it would be inhumane to prevent these patients from receiving relief.
IV. Strategic Policy
- If the legalization of medical marijuana is to be accepted in all states, the government must first re-examine some key issues. Possible solutions include: More legal dispensaries would be needed to prevent black market use. Better quality control. Stricter standards for marijuana prescriptions to prevent abuse. More detailed guidelines for doctors. Harsher punishments for recreational use without a prescription. Policy to address taxation concerns.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there is a great need to re-examine the impact of medical marijuana in a treatment setting. Often information about medical marijuana is confused with recreation drug use. Until marijuana for medical use is legal in all states, stereotypes and social fear will continue to prevent patients from receiving the treatments they need.
Works Cited:
Gettman, J. “Lost Taxes and Other Costs of Marijuana Laws.” (2007) Drug Science. Retrieved
November 28, 2008, from http://www.drugscience.org/Archive/bcr4/5Supply.html
Moffatt, Mike. (2007). Should Governments Legalize and Tax Marijuana? About Economics. Retrieved December 4, 2008, from http://economics.about.com/od/incometaxestaxcuts/ cccccca/marijuana.htm
Schlosser, E. (2003). Reefer Madness: Sex, Drugs, and Cheap Labor in the American Black Market. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
