The Legalization Of Marijuana For Medicinal Purposes - Essay Example

The Legalization Of Marijuana For Medicinal PurposesIn recent time, marijuana faces negativity in that many consider the drug as harmful. In addition, marijuana kills its smokers and also increases chances of lung cancer. Thus, a large number of populations globally are against the use of marijuana. The use of marijuana in most countries across the world is a crime with penalties including fines and in other cases imprisonment. In contrast, marijuana provides some basic medicinal value such as treatment.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/5-common-uses-of-medical cannabis.htmAccording to this website, the need for alternative medicine is a popular approach for relieving instances ranging from back pain to depression. In this context, medicinal cannabis is an example to alternative healing these ailments. Although setback by the illegal constraints, it is increasingly becoming a considered healing method. Through the hallucinogenic and soothing qualities, it lowers the level of pain for a short time.

This means that an individual needs the medicine in large quantities.Mary Lynn Mathre, MSN RN CARN Perspectives on Addictions Nursing Vol. 4, No. 2 pages 8-9. June 1993 http://www.ukcia.org/medical/medicinaluseofmarijuana.php This article states that marijuana contains medicinal value through chemicals found in buds, leaves, and resin of the plant. The cannabis plant provides significance in pulp and fiber from the stalk including high nutrition seed oil. In 1973, Mikuriya traced the medicinal value of the herb plant.

During the 19th century, William B. O'Shaughnessy deduced that it was effective and safe for the use of the drug in treating some maladies. In 1860, studies by the Ohio State Medical Society came up with similar conclusions.http://www.skunked.co.uk/articles/medicinal-marijuana.htmInformation on this website depicts measures taken against therapeutic users of the hemp plant. In contrast, the site explains the advantages provided by the plant in the treatment of ailments that threaten the health and lives of human beings.

In arthritis, cannabis contains anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in treating the disease. Cannabis also contains cannabidiol and cannabinoid elements according researchers in the National Institute for Mental Health, in 1998. These elements help in the prevention of stroke and head traumas.The New York Times, Marijuana and Medical Marijuana, Thursday, November 1, 2012In reference to the article, the goal of legalization of cannabis is to make communities safer by regulating the drug and removing it from underground markets.

This means that the value for marijuana is evident and significant in solving heath some health issues.Tatiana Shohov, Medical Use of Marijuana: Policy, Regulatory, and Legal Issues: Nova Publishers, 2003. Print. Tatiana demonstrates the use of cannabis sativa in the treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and eating disorders. Although still illegal, she shares her ideas on the need to consider the numerous advantages of legalizing the drug for medical purposes.Ethan B Russo, Cannabis Therapeutics in HIV/AIDS: Routledge, 2012. Print. In his book, Ethan describes the role of the hemp plant in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

He concludes that marijuana plays the role of reducing nausea, which occurs as a side effect of some medications prescribed to HIV/AIDS patients. Other roles played by the drug include prevention of weight loss, increasing appetite, reducing depression as a result of sleep loss, and controlling nerve pain in patients.Report 3 of the Council on Science and Public Health (I-09) Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes (Resolutions 910, I-08; 921, I-08; and 229, A-09)The hemp plant contains 60 unique chemicals with structural relationship to other approved medicines.

Thirteen states in the U.S. have proposed laws in eliminating state-level criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana for qualified patients. In spite of this, the federal government refutes the value found in cannabis sativa.Pearl, W. and Y. Choi (1992). “Marijuana as a cause of myocardial infarction.” International Journal of Cardiology 34(3): 353.This journal proposes the use of marijuana in treating injured employees in organizations such as manufacturing and construction industries.

Accidents around these areas pose health risks to employees, and when they occur, they are fatal. In this regard, the journal proposes the use of the drug to reduce pain levels in the victims.ConclusionIn light of the examples illustrated in this review, the federal government needs to improve efforts in research on the advantages of posed by the use of marijuana as a therapeutic alternative. The drug provides numerous roles and, therefore, it is indispensable in legalizing it for medicinal purposes only.