Legalizing Medical Marijuana

IntroductionMarijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. It is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short (Bock, pp. 48-69).

THC

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. When used, either through ingestion or inhalation, THC binds to specific receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. In low doses, THC causes some pain reduction, may reduce aggression, can stimulate appetite, and help reduce nausea. Higher doses may cause the “high” associated with marijuana, leading to altered perception of time and space, feelings of happiness, or feelings of fatigue (Earlywine, pp. 21-49).

Discussion

Studies have shown that medical marijuana can work well as an analgesic and anti-emetic (anti-nausea). It also helps to induce appetite. These qualities are useful for cancer patients, especially after receiving chemotherapy. These qualities may also help people with AIDS. Medicines that treat AIDS have side effects, and medical marijuana is effective in taking the edge off of them. Specifically, THC may help patients who suffer from glaucoma. Studies show it reduces intraocular pressure, thus giving some relief to those suffering from the disease. It can also help people suffering from multiple sclerosis. It relieves pain and spasticity trafficking, and recent tests show it can help prevent the neurodegeneration associated with the disease (Fisher, pp. 67-101).

Another advantage is that it is relatively safe. If this is not true that the drug is completely safe, without side effects, it is safer than many prescription drugs. It involves no risk of physical dependence, no risk of death, and the effects of physical health are due to the fact that it is smoked. Many experts believe that marijuana is safer than alcohol.

Cannabis plant, also known as marijuana, has hundreds of medical and health applications. It is used for treatment of\rare diseases, as well as normal health problems, from headaches to AIDS and cancer (Huggins, pp. 36-51). The qualities of marijuana are more mainstream than on most of the medicines available on prescription.

Marijuana has been proven by millions of people over thousands of years, never has there been a death due to marijuana use. Marijuana is 2 to 3 times stronger and more effective than current drugs and the law to avoid the pressure behind the eye without risk of fatal reaction. 80 percent of asthma patients could increase from 2 to 4 years to their lives smoking pot instead of using poisonous medicines. The biggest advantage of Marijuana as a medicine is its remarkable safety (Joy, pp. 11-37).

Marijuana has some medicinal benefits producing from its use. The therapeutic agent THC was verified to decrease pain; pain and respite of nausea and vomiting in persons with illnesses that up to date surgery can no longer control. There are furthermore many contradictory edge consequences producing from use of marijuana, whereas some patients rather deal with ...