Legalizing Marijuana/Medical Marijuana
Introduction
Marijuana is an annual herb that has some psychotropic ingredients, and has for many years been used as a leisure drug (Atakan 246). With the discovery of marijuana’s medicinal value, the debate on its legalization has been growing overtime, especially in developed countries like the United States. Some countries such as Canada have already legalized this drug for medicinal use (Hajizadeh 453). This paper seeks to identify the pros and cons regarding legalizing medical marijuana.
Main Body
The overriding benefits of marijuana is its medical use that has been in use for many years worldwide. It has been proven to alleviate nausea and vomiting among cancer patients after undergoing chemotherapy treatment (Schwartz, Eric and Michael 168-171). It is prescribed in the treatment of an array of ailments such as arthritis, epilepsy, and even the Alzheimer’s disease. Marijuana is also a good pain reliever and is effective in the treatment of muscle pain resulting from multiple sclerosis. In HIV treatment, the drug can help treat loss of appetite and relieve pain in the case of terminal cancer.
However, several negative effects of marijuana harm the body and the mind after intake. The drug is said to lower the stability and coordination of mind thus affecting short term memory (National Institute on Drug Abuse 9). It also has high risks of addiction, especially when used together with tobacco, leading to its abuse. When abused, it causes damage to the liver tissue, coughing, and reduced immunity.
Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana
The act of legalizing cannabis will impact positively to any nation in terms of the economy, health and also crime. By legalizing marijuana, the effective treatment of the diseases mentioned earlier will be available and will help reduce high death rates emanating from the diseases. The legalization will also positively affect the economies by adding a commodity to the list of taxable products (Durant n.p). There will also be a subsequent reduction of crime if marijuana is legalized, as many crimes are marijuana-use related.
Negative implications of medical marijuana legalization
The argument against medical marijuana largely stems from the health risks associated with the drug. Some argue that there is no adequate research to support the benefit of the drug and hence it is not yet clear on the usability of the drug. Marijuana has also been the cause of many automobile accidents and hence its legalization will worsen the situation (Morgan, n.p.). The “gateway effect” associated with marijuana also raises the concerns that its legalization could lead to increased use hard drugs.
It is apparent that legalization of marijuana will be more advantageous since its pros outweigh the cons. Its contribution in live saving as well as boosting the economy cannot be downplayed thus the need to legalize marijuana. More research will, however, need to be conducted to ensure improved safety standards in the drug’s use.
Works Cited
Atakan, Zerrin “Cannabis, a Complex Plant: Different Compounds and Different Effects on Individuals.” Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology 2.6 (2012): 241–254. Print
Durant, Monique O. "The Federal-State Tempest Of Medical Marijuana Taxation: Seeking a Bridge over Troubled Waters." ATA Journal of Legal Tax Research 13.2 (2015): 1-38. Web
Hajizadeh, Mohammad. “Legalizing and Regulating Marijuana in Canada: Review of Potential Economic, Social, and Health Impacts.” International Journal of Health Policy and Management 5.8 (25 May 2016): 453–456. Print
Morgan, Kayla. Legalizing Marijuana. United States: ABDO Publishing Company, 2010. Print.
National Institute on Drug Abuse, What is marijuana? From the director.” 2014. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/mjrrs_3.pdf>.
Schwartz, Richard, Eric Voth, and Michael Sheridan. “Marijuana to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients: A Survey of Clinical Oncologists.” Southern Medical Journal 90.2 (1997): 167–172. Print
