A relatively large proportion of the population opposes the idea since the drug is quite addictive and it could have some detrimental effects to the user as well as the community. However, most people have already benefited from the medical use of the drug and it is beneficial in many other ways thus justifying its legalization in Massachusetts as well as other states in the U.S. Marijuana has very essential medicinal benefits. Doctors have prescribed the drug to some patients in order to relieve specific symptoms of certain diseases such as AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other debilitating conditions. These prescriptions are given when the conventional methods of treatment have failed to help the patients (Earleywine 88). The term commonly used to refer to such individuals is ‘medical marijuana users.' In mentioning medical marijuana users, this category entails individuals who consume marijuana exclusively for medical purposes. However, just because such people may have previously used the drug for recreation does not necessarily mean that they use medical excuses to get high even though there is a possibility that some patients do so (Mack, and Joy 45). According to surveys, most members of marijuana buyers' clubs have very serious medical conditions which prompt them to use marijuana. Moreover, people who use marijuana on medical grounds majorly constitute different segments of the population as compared to those who use it for recreation. Research has indicated that in most states across the US, the portion of the population that use marijuana for medical reasons comprise young people in the 18 to 25 years age bracket with the trend declining steadily at the age of 34 (Califano 45). On the contrary, reports on medical marijuana users indicate that most of them are over 35 years old. Proponents of medical marijuana strongly maintain that patients are generally relieved when small dosages of the drug that would be used for recreation are administered to them and that they seldom get high when their illnesses are treated with marijuana. It is expected that, just as the legitimate drugs e.g. steroids, opiates and chemotherapy agents, marijuana has some side effects (Earleywine 90; Mack, and Joy 30). However, the benefits of its use outweigh its drawbacks especially in patients suffering from chronic illnesses. Legalizing marijuana is one of the essential aspects that can lead to proper exploitation of the plant especially by subjecting it to scientific research. As researchers learn about the chemical present in marijuana as well as the effects of the various components of the plant on the body, it will create a high possibility for the identification of the beneficial compounds and separate them from the harmful substances in the plant. For instance, finding a more quick way to inject cannabinoids into the body instead of smoking could minimize some of the worst side effects associated with marijuana consumption. Additionally, it may be possible to lessen the profound effects of certain cannabinoids via chemical modification (Gieringer et al. 122; Kilmer et al. 61). Additionally, this will create an avenue for employment opportunities for the research process will require various experts. Consequently, many people within the states in question will be able to earn a living decently an aspect that will help in curbing some of the social evils within the community such as robbery and drug trafficking among others (Steinberg et al. 71). Furthermore, the ability of any government to single out the economic benefits of a particular commodity is a key ingredient in as far as economic growth and development is concerned. As aforementioned, one of the benefits of legalizing marijuana is the creation of jobs. It not only benefits the individual in question but also the state through taxation. To sustain the availability of marijuana for the purposes discussed above, there should be a sufficient supply of the plant (Steinberg et al. 102; Kilmer et al. 120).
It is undoubtedly clear that marijuana is a commodity that can generate substantial fortunes not only for the business community and state government in Massachusetts but also the entire country in addition to creating employment opportunities. The benefits of marijuana justify its legalization in Massachusetts as well as in other states in the U.S. It has a high medicinal value especially to patients suffering from terminal illnesses or having chronic pain that the conventional medication has failed. It will also provide job opportunities besides being a source of revenue to the states via taxation. .
Works Cited
Califano, Joseph A. High Society: How Substance Abuse Ravages America and What to do
About It. New York: Public Affairs, 2008. Print.
Earleywine, Mitchell. Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence. Cary,
NC: Oxford University Press, 2002. Print.
Gieringer, Dale et al. Marijuana Medical Handbook: Practical Guide to Therapeutic Uses of
Marijuana. Berkley, CA: Quick Trading Company, 2008.
Kilmer, Beau et al. Reducing Drug Trafficking Revenues and Violence in Mexico-Would
Legalizing Marijuana in California Help? Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2010. Print.
Mack, Alison and Joy, Janet. Marijuana as Medicine: The Science beyond the Controversy.
Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2000. Print.
Steinberg, Michael K., et al. Dangerous Harvest: Drug Plants and the Transformation of
Indigenous Landscapes. Cary, NC: Oxford University Press, 2002. Print.
