Controlled Substance Act and Marijuana - Essay Example

"Controlled Substance Act and Marijuana" is a great example of a paper on complementary and alternative therapies.
In 1972, the House of Congress placed marijuana as a Controlled Substance Act. This was in a bid not to accept this drug for medical use. Since then, there are a number of states that are legalizing it for medicinal purposes.  Each day, there are heated debates with regards to this issue. Opponents of medical cannabis argue that the use of this drug is too dangerous and, it lacks FDA approval. They assert that this drug is addictive and, it is leeway to the use of harder drugs. They say marijuana interferes with the brain, immune system and the reproductive system. On the other hand, the proponents argue that it can be an effective drug in the treatment of glaucoma, pain, AIDS and epilepsy among other conditions.  Analyses of the contributions of medical marijuana are faced with impending obstacles such as lack of detailed research and the obvious negative connotations associated with its abuse. In spite of this, a rising body of research experts believes that marijuana may have more significant medical benefits as previously believed.  This body asserts that marijuana usage can contribute to the cure of complex disease like collagen-induced arthritis, Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Based on self- identified needs, I witnessed many aspects that dealt with this research on medical marijuana.  A few months ago, I went to pay a visit to my neighbour. I was taken by surprise upon walking into her house as I scented marijuana and found her with a pipe-smoking it.  I Knew she that was suffering from variant diseases and conditions. She was a cancer patient and suffered from multiples sclerosis.  Time and time again, she complained of muscle weakness, chronic pain, bowel difficulties and fatigue.  Perplexed, I inquired as to why she was smoking marijuana. With a smile on her face, she told me that her personal doctor had recommended it and, she was happy to say that it was instrumental in managing her illnesses and condition. It became clear to me that no event in history does have a single cause. I believe that she had tried many drugs but, she was not fruitful. Medical marijuana was the last resort.

Going against the expectation of society is not necessarily a negative aspect; it can be lauded when a different idiom is used.  Current research has proved that medical marijuana can be effectively used in the treatment of various ailments.  However, the growing body of research has also indicated that marijuana can potentially contribute to a variety of psychic disorders.  This is in reference to most of the drugs that have a positive response to a certain ailment but, also have a side effect.  The most persuasive in these regards is the use of this drug for a variety of anxiety issues.  “Medical marijuana has sedative effects that tend to create a relaxing effect calming the individual’s nerves and having a holistic effect on their psychological anxiety symptoms” (Joy, Benson, pg. 111). Additionally, it is gaining support in alleviating psychic elements associated with Post Traumatic Stress.  Medical Marijuana has been used psychic trauma and the individual consciousness towards more functional concerns.

In a nutshell, this essay has examined and evaluated the significance of medical marijuana in curing and alleviating health concerns.  Additionally, it has how this drug is prescribed to patients suffering from this illness. Based on the above evidence, it is crystal clear that marijuana can alleviate a variety of symptoms that are both physical and psychological in nature. Ultimately, despite the negative retribution that society has about marijuana, medical cannabis is progressively gaining a viable medical outlet.