Should the Public be Allowed to Use Marijuana for Medical Use - Term Paper Example

?The use of marijuana, a plant that contains several psychoactive substances, as a medication has been a widely debated issue among the medical and political community. Over the past decade various research studies have established the potential use of marijuana as a medication. In addition to its psychoactive effects, marijuana has been found to provide relief from pain, stimulate appetite, decrease intraocular pressure and act as an anticonvulsant (The Medicinal Benefits, n.d; Mathre, 1993; Clinical Uses, n.d; Medical Marijuana for Pain, n.d). Being classified as a schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the medical use of marijuana has been severely restricted.. However, given the potential uses of the drug, many state governments have fought against the prohibition and citizens have raised their support for the legalization of the use of marijuana in medicine in order for people who do not find medical relief from the conventional sources can use the drug (The Medicinal Benefits, n.d; Mathre, 1993; Langer, 2010). Though the drug is addictive, it however provides varied benefits to the patient when used under medical guidance. Thus public access to the use of marijuana for the treatment of various problems should be allowed. In the recent years there have been several scientific researches which have proved the medical use of Marijuana, which is a common name for the plant Cannabis sativa. The plant contains more than 400 chemicals and the main psychoactive compound present in the drug is Delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This along with the other chemicals is responsible for the psychoactive effects resulting from consuming marijuana without medical supervision. The effects include a feeling of euphoria, increased talking and laughter along with periods of deep thinking, tiredness and sleepiness (The Medicinal Benefits, n.d). While marijuana was initially used in the medicinal field as a tincture of cannabis till the year 1941, studies carried out in the 19th century determined its medicinal use in the treatment of various diseases. More recently in 1980, a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine at the request of the Health and Human Services department of the US government determined the health effects of marijuana and the analysis was published in 1999 which was reviewed by people from several prestigious institutions. This particular study revealed that THC the active ingredient in marijuana had a significant analgesic effect in patients suffering from cancer pain. The drug did not cause any nausea or vomiting caused due to chemotherapy in these patients, which is experienced in the case of other morphine’s and narcotics and was also found to increase appetite. All these effects were only beneficial to cancer patients. In another study the appetite inducing effect was determined in patients with wasting syndrome in which more than 10% of body weight is lost during the terminal stages of diseases such as AIDS. In this case patients reported an increase in appetite when smoked marijuana was used instead of the tablet form. Marijuana was found to reduce the pain and muscle spasticity which is associated with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. In case of Parkinson’s disease it was found to reduce movement disorders such as chorea and dystonia, while in Alzheimer’s weight gains and reduction in disturbed behavior were observed with marijuana treatment. Treating intraocular pressure in case of glaucoma of the eye with marijuana has also met with success. Marijuana can also help to relieve anxiety, depression and obsessive disorders (The Medicinal Benefits, n.d; Clinical Uses, n.d; Medical Marijuana for Pain, n.d). It is also been indicated to be useful in the treatment of asthma as a bronchodilator, and in the treatment of panic and bipolar disorders, premenstrual syndrome, hypertension, insomnia, constipation and alcohol abuse. Marijuana is also spiritually benefitting and allows a person to understand their true self and hence provides a relaxing and energizing effect (Medical Marijuana for Pain, n.d). Another possible effect of marijuana is as an antitumor agent. Animal studies have shown that the drug is effective in the treatment of brain tumors as it reduces the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors which are associated with gliomas (Clinical Uses, n.d). It was found to have a therapeutic potential and also worked differently compared to the other conventional medications. Studies conducted to determine the safety levels for marijuana intake have revealed that the dosage used for medical treatment is safe when taken according to medical guidance. With regard to addiction, the effects of marijuana are lower compared to other substances such as cocaine and the withdrawal symptoms are also minor. Despite its addictive nature the medical benefits provided by the drug is immense when compared to other addictive substances. However, people should be discouraged from addiction as it may affect the system in the long run. Instead awareness on the potential medical benefits, risks and the dosage in which the drug should be taken should be created in order to enable people to prevent its abuse and promote effective use of the drug. Realizing the therapeutic value of the drug several states have been fighting against the control substances act that prevents the general public from using the drug for medicinal use (Mathre, 1993). A nationwide survey has revealed that 8 in 10 Americans favor legalization of marijuana for medical use and about 14 states in the United States have already legalized medical marijuana. Several states are also making efforts to decriminalize marijuana and allow for possession of small amounts of the drug for personal use. There is however diverse opinions on whether small amounts of marijuana should be allowed for personal use as it is mainly favored by younger adults while only a lesser percentage of senior citizens favor personal use of the drug. In addition, opinions are also varied on whether its use should be limited to terminally ill patients or all patients who have an illness and who can be benefitted by the drug should be allowed to use it (Langer, 2010). Thus given the various benefits offered by the drug, it would be appropriate if the federal governments recognize it and legalize the use of the drug for medical purposes. The public will only gain if marijuana is used as a medical drug as its benefits outweigh the negative effects. Reference 1. The Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana. (n.d). Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.thc.eu/ 2. Mathre, M.L. (1993). The Medicinal Use of Marijuana. Perspectives on Addictions Nursing, 4(2): 8-9. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.ukcia.org/medical/medicinaluseofmarijuana.php 3. Langer, G. (2010). High Support for Medical Marijuana. abcNEWS.com. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Politics/medical-marijuana-abc-news-poll-analysis/story?id=9586503 4. Clinical Uses of Marijuana. (n.d). Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://altmed.creighton.edu/medicalmarijuana/Clinical%20Use.htm 5. Medical Marijuana for Pain and Depression. (n.d). Disabled-world.com. 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