Health issue
Marijuana consumption has different effects upon different category people. There are various health risks associated with the use of this drug. Notably, marijuana has a fatal impact upon pregnant women and the unborn baby. Exogenous marijuana has a strong impact on the cannabinoid receptors. Consumption of exogenous marijuana during pregnancy raises the likelihood of anencephaly, decrease in the rate of fetal growth, decreased fetal movement, as well as possibilities of stillbirth. Based on this health risk, it is necessary to intensify the control on the use of marijuana, prohibit its use, or even make changes, which regulate the usage by pregnant women in Colorado (Varner, 2014). This presents a policy health issue. Is it appropriate to change the content of the label of marijuana products or should it be maintained as it is? The label only states that, “There may be additional health risk associated with the consumption of this product for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.” This is vague and a clearer policy is necessary which should prohibit the use of recreational marijuana for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Recreational use of marijuana poses a health risk upon pregnant mothers and the fetal development process. . Protection of unborn babies is necessary (State of Colorado, 2013). It can be achieved by prohibiting consumption of marijuana by pregnant people.
Approaches to solving the health problem issue
The members of Colorado legislative members should be allowed to vote on this proposed legislation. Voting should base on different opinions held by the citizens. There is need to carry out awareness campaigns which explain to the public concerning the perils associated with consumption of marijuana by pregnant women. The duty to carry out the campaigns should be given to drug control agencies in order to disseminate the information since they have a vast understanding of the effects of such drugs (State of Colorado, 2013).Children form an important part of the society, and the health of the children is of paramount concern right even before birth. The members of legislature should do wide consultation with healthcare professionals and experts so that they provide information concerning the health effects of consumption of marijuana by pregnant women. As such, this legislation should be amended, and changes made in order to establish a policy that prohibits the use of marijuana by pregnant women.
Reasons for change in label
There is the need to amend or adjust the legislation that has allowed the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. The label is vague and does not clearly outline the exact health risks upon the unborn child. The label should be changed and made clearer. For instance, it should state that consumption of marijuana by pregnant women for recreational purposes harms the unborn child greatly (Varner, 2014). The fetus may be adversely affected by the component of marijuana known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).The component may have the effect of the impairment of short-term memory. It crosses the placenta of a pregnant woman and exposing the fetus to harm. Exposure of the fetus to harm may result to long-term consequences in children such as neurobehavioral abnormalities. Therefore, prenatal exposure to marijuana has the ability to change patterns of connectivity in the course of development of the brain.
Recommendation
I highly recommend for legislation that prohibit recreational consumption of marijuana for pregnant women. Notably, the risks highlighted here in clearly depict how hazardous consumption of marijuana during this period is (State of Colorado, 2013). The harm that happens to the unborn babies is great and should be avoided by all means. To ensure avoidance, strict rules should be set that prohibit pregnant women from consuming marijuana. Besides, the harm upon the unborn babies, the effects of marijuana upon the pregnant women may result to hazardous events, which may physically harm the woman and the unborn child. As such, it is necessary to make provision within the legislation that prohibits the sale or the use of marijuana to pregnant women. Preventing the use of marijuana by pregnant women is a responsibility of all citizens in order to ensure that a firm ground is set on which to protect both (Varner, 2014).Such protection will help the state to cut on some expenses, which may result from accidents occurring because of consumption of marijuana by pregnant women. The state plays a big part in funding the healthcare industry and, therefore, hazards upon pregnant women and fetus that may result from marijuana consumption could be avoided and enable savings on such costs. Cutting costs and enhancing savings has a better picture of the legislation since it should also cater for special groups that may be prone to adversities emanating from consumption of marijuana.
Conclusion
References
Varner, M.W., Silver, R. M., Hogue, C., J et al. (2014).Association between stillbirth and illicit drug use and smoking during pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology, (123) pp 113-125
