Schedule I & Schedule II Drugs: Heroin, Marijuana, and MMDA - Term Paper Example

Schedule I & Schedule II Drugs: Heroin, Marijuana, and MMDA (Ectascy) Introduction Psychoactive drugs are not just addictive, but they induce reliance thus producing different outcomes on the users’ brain and overall body (Gardner and Anderson 410). These drugs are classified as either stimulants, depressants, opioids, hallucinogens or Cannabis. Based on the Controlled Substance Act 1976 heroin, marijuana and MDMA are classified as Schedule I type of psychoactive drugs (Lyman 12). This is because they are considered unsafe for consumption due to their negative effects on the individuals’ wellbeing. Heroin is synthesized from morphine an opium poppy derivative. Even though heroin has been categorized as a form of painkiller, it is very dangerous especially due to its highly addictive latent. On the other hand, marijuana is derived from cannabis plant and even though it does not possess high addiction latency, it nonetheless has the highest potential of abuse. Marijuana comprises a combination of the cannabis flowers, the stems, its cannabis seeds, and the cannabis leaves. MDMA or Ecstasy is also an artificial and psychoactive stimulant drug which comes in a variety of tablets. Hence, addiction to MDMA results in over-activity of the individual body system. The three types of drugs are very precarious and can be extremely fatal (Riviello 41). Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences between Heroin, marijuana, and MMDA (ecstasy). Accordingly, with the perception of the similarities and differences, the paper will then emphasize on a single drug with a focus on why it should be changed to a Schedule II drug. Discussion Similarities In terms of classification, the three drugs are categorized as schedule I drug types based on U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and Drug Scheduling regulations (3). Hence, by branding the drugs as schedule 1, implies that they belong to the most dangerous category of drugs, which not only an elevated potential for abuse, but also presents the threat of high physical dependence and relentless psychological reliance. They are therefore not permitted for medical utilization due to their highest prospect of abuse. They have no currently authorized medical use and they are mostly used for recreational intentions and therapeutic reasons. Thus, the level of physical plus psychological abuse nationwide remains generally elevated in comparison to other prevalent drugs. In terms of legality of use, the Drug Enforcement Administration notes that marijuana, ecstasy and heroin have no legitimate medical use. In reality they cannot be prescribed by physicians or pharmacists (3). In particular, the drugs do not have acceptable safety levels during use under medical administration. In particular, claims of medical significance have not been practically and remedially confirmed, that is why Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act classify them as illegitimate (Riviello 41). This is in part driven by fatal risks resulting from overdependence, and as such, individuals found with them normally get extensive jail terms compared to other drug offenders. When it comes to accessibility, marijuana, heroin and MDMA are accessible through street valued means. This is aided by the numerous chains of illegal distributors and drug cartels. Given that public attitudes regarding the three drugs is casual, especially due to popularization by entertainment media and legalization advocates, their recognition remains high. This is more so among high school students and college level students (Gardner and Anderson 410). When it comes to the outcomes of abuse, heroin, marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy) do possess various similarities. Firstly, the drugs can effortlessly lead to physical and psychological reliance, as they possess narcotic substances which results in dependence (Riviello, 41). Secondly, their continuous use can results in the impairment of the addicts ordinary motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment and memory loss. These effects are then followed by fluctuations of the addicts’ moods, judgment, awareness, dexterity and balance (Kelly 184). Notably, Heroin, marijuana and MDMA generate extremely high levels and impact of hallucination the addicts. The feelings of hallucinations results in the individual to forget real life realities especially those of the existing environment. Hence, as the users become so high in the drugs that they take on assumptions that everything about them is wonderful and ideal. Thirdly, the tolerance levels for the three drugs is extremely high and this leads to a situation whereby once a person is addicted, the person has to increase the dose in order to create a sense of pleasantness. The withdrawal symptoms commonly found in the three drugs include irritability, complicatedness when it comes to sleeping, cravings, psychomotor retardation, visual disturbances, in addition to agitations. Furthermore, the users experience considerable depression arising from dopamine discrepancies inside their brains (Kelly 184). Differences The three drugs also contain slight but specific differences between them. At the outset, they arise from different sources. Marijuana is acquired from the cannabis sativa plant and it is generated from the dried particles of cannabis. Heroin comes from opium which is a product of a plant referred to as poppy. Hence, heroin is categorized as an opiate and it is derived from morphine a synthesis of opium poppy. Alternatively, MDMA (ecstasy) is a strong CNS stimulant and its methylenedioxy is created from methamphetamine. MDMA (ecstasy) unlike heroin and Marijuana is manufactured from base components including isosafrole along with safrole instead of naturally occurring plants (Riviello 42). Hence, MDMA is a synthetic drug created under a laboratory setup with strong stimulant plus psychoactive effects. Another difference arises from both their psychological and physical outcomes of use. In particular, marijuana brings about particular short-term effects which make it dissimilar from both heroin and MDMA. These comprise amplified heartbeat, overblown tachycardia, and desiccation of both mouth and throat in addition to generation of dilated eyes (Kelly 184). Marijuana also results in panic anxieties which are rather different from heroin and ecstasy. Furthermore, within the immediate term marijuana unlike heroin and MDMA, results in obscurity when it comes to thinking or even solving of issues and crisis. This is because it distorts the user perception, especially by mislaying coordination. However, heroin brings about a long-term impact of suppressing the user respiratory processes, and unlike Marijuana which results in obscurity in thinking, heroin results in packed mental functioning (Riviello 42). Hence, the adverse outcomes arising from heroin use includes progression of ruthless withdrawal tendency by the users. On the other hand, MDMA long-term effect normally comprises serious outcomes such as ecstasy which leads to bewilderment, depression, and frequently sleeping problem attributed to severe anxiety levels (Kelly 184). Addicts are particularly more vulnerable compared to heroin and marijuana in acquiring deprived cognitive functions and memory operations. Thus, with sustained usage the users develop blurred vision, together with euphoria and serious paranoia. MDMA (ecstasy) contains higher hallucinatory outcomes, and unlike heroin and marijuana it makes the users to experience serious difficulties in preserving their attention to otherwise complex duties. This is because MDMA acts on the users chemical serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine found on the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that conveys messages along synapses involving adjacent neurons (Kelly 184). Since, serotonin shapes moods and thought processes, ecstasy affect the chemical control of sleeping patterns, and reactions to peripheral stimuli. In terms of chemical composition, marijuana is derived from either Cannabis sativa or the Cannabis indica which differ greatly based on their chemical makeup. However, marijuana contains more than 400 different chemicals of which around 60 are classified as cannabinoides. The cannabinoides comprises tetrahidrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Cannabinol (Gardner and Anderson 410). Furthermore, delta-9 tetrahidrocannabinol is the key chemical compound which makes marijuana to possess some therapeutic and psychoactive outcomes. Hence, during smoking, tetrahydrocannabinol-4-oic acid is partly converted to tetrahidrocannabinol (Riviello 42). Marijuana unlike heroin and ecstasy produces smoke which has toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde and some form of phenol and naphthalene. The smoke possesses a pungent but characteristic sweet to sour scent. On the other hand, heroin is a semisynthetic product and chemically different from MDMA and marijuana due to the presence of a powdered chemical compound referred to as diacetylmorphine. Heroin is a derivative of morphine and it is formed by acetylation comprising the double hydroxyl collection of morphine using acetyl chloride. Hence, heroin is thus packaged in form of blocks of powder. Conversely, MDMA has a chemical compound referred to as 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine which belongs to a group of drugs referred to as phenethylamines which are manufactured. Hence, the drug is readily available as a capsule or in form of pills compared to marijuana or heroin. Since, the MDMA doses and heroin doses vary considerably, handling them on a weight-for-weight basis implies a single dose of MDMA (ecstasy) being comparable to 10 heroin doses (Gardner and Anderson 410). Another difference between the drugs arises from their mode of use. Firstly, marijuana is usually smoked in form of hand rolled cigarette or smoked as some sort of water pipe (Riviello 42). While others smoke it in form of blunts or cigars in which the tobacco has been removed and then replaced with a combination of marijuana and tobacco, others mix it with food or simply brew the marijuana in tea. On the other hand, heroin is normally intravenously injected as it is believed doing this offers greatest intensity including faster onset of feeling of euphoria compared to intramuscular injection, sniffing or smoking. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reveals that some users are now sniffing liquefied heroin through nasal spray-bottles, while others smoke it in marijuana joint, straw or otherwise normal cigar pipe (2). MDMA (ecstasy) is ingested orally in form of a capsule or tablet. Its outcome usually lasts between three to six hours. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals that it is mostly taken concurrently with other drugs such as methamphetamine, ketamine, or sildenafil. Thus, MDMA (ecstasy) unlike heroin or marijuana is seldom injected or smoked (3). Why Marijuana should be downgraded to Schedule II Drug Marijuana Cannabinoids contain remarkable safety verification compared to other schedule 1 drugs, especially its therapeutically vigorous substances (American Medical Association 1 ). Furthermore, its consumption in spite of quantity or strength cannot bring on fatal overdose. That is why marijuana has no recorded instance of overdose fatalities. There are numerous scientific studies which justifies the removal of marijuana from schedule 1 drugs to schedule 11 types of drugs. This is because marijuana can be utilized for medical values. In another study marijuana was found to relieve agonizing pain arising from nerve damages, and studies based on deep chemical composition reveal that marijuana can be rather useful in managing inflammatory bowel ailments, asthma, and complications arising from neurogenic pains (Grant, Atkinson and Gouaux 20). Furthermore, a clinical assessment of patients having multiple sclerosis revealed that cannabis can help in managing spasticity which is a common and immobilizing symptom multiple sclerosis. Thus, shifting of marijuana into Schedule II drugs will help in reviewing its potential medicinal value, since maintaining it as a schedule I restrict researchers from accessing and conducting studies on its medical value as it requires not just scientific study but also empirical assessment so as to be confirmed (Corey 25). Also, the American Medical Association has also called for placing of marijuana as schedule 11 drugs, since such a move will facilitate clinical research on cannabinoids' capability to curb autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or the inflammatory bowel ailments (2). This is also the same position taken by American College of Physician as they argue that marijuana can play a role in management of neurological ailments like Alzheimer's disease including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (11). Furthermore, such a move would help to ascertain the numerous temporary controlled trials which show that Marijuana acts as medicinal and therapeutic intentions. For instance, these studies insists that marijuana helps in boosting appetite, minimizing nauseous feelings, facilitate caloric intake in patients experiencing compact muscle mass, and even evidence of relieving spasticity and soreness in patients with neurological ailments like multiple sclerosis. Given that marijuana cannabis projected lethal dose in human beings as extrapolated from animal evaluations are extremely high, by shifting it into a schedule 11 drug would provide researchers with the flexibility to assess cannabis anti-cancer performances (Corey 24). This will then help to substantiate as true or not the various preclinical plus clinical information which asserts that cannabinoids can decrease multiplication of particular cancer cells through apoptosis or program cell demise. Furthermore, other studies involving glaucoma, whereby marijuana cannabinoids have been found to aid in minimizing not just pain, but intraocular pressure can also be substantiated (American College of Physicians 10). Therefore, rescheduling of marijuana into a schedule II drug would certainly facilitate patients to lawfully and easily pay for the drug any instance their physician calls for. Conclusion This paper has compared and contrasted Heroin, marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy) based on their similarities and differences. Secondly, the paper has argued the case as to why Marijuana should be categorized as schedule 2 type of drug. The paper asserts that heroin, marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy) possess a number of similarities based on their effects and consequences on users, access to the drugs, in addition to both legal and medical legitimacy. Also, various differences have been noted such that the three drugs can be differentiated based on their different means of use, dissimilar chemical makeup, and having particular and diverse psychological plus physiological outcomes. This paper argues that Marijuana should be rescheduled to a schedule 2 drug, since its cannabinoids contain remarkable safety verification compared to other schedule 1 drugs. In particular, the therapeutically substances which can aid patients with certain conditions like neurological disorders to relieve pain. However, it should not be observed to be a totally harmless substance, since marijuana active elements can create not just negative physiological outcomes, but a number of euphoric outcomes. Furthermore, it is also important to consider that certain populations do have high risk exposure to marijuana, such adolescents, mental sickness patients, and even the pregnant or nursing mothers. Even patients with patients with reduced lung function, history of heart ailments and stroke can be at greater threat of using marijuana. Hence, strong physician consultation and control of the drug should be put in place before rescheduling. Works Cited American College of Physicians. "Supporting Research Into The THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF Marijuana." 2008. http://www.acponline.org/advocacy/where_we_stand/other_issues/medmarijuana.pdf. 18 March 2013. American Medical Association (AMA) . "Recent Research on Medical Marijuana:Emerging Clinical Applications For Cannabis & Cannabinoids." 2013. http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana. 18 March 2013. Corey, S. "Recent developments in the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids." P R Health Sci J. 24.1 (2005): 19-26. Drug Enforcement Administration. "Drug Schedules." 2013. http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ds.shtml. 18 March 2013. Gardner, Thomas J and Terry M Anderson. Criminal Law. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2005. Grant, Igor, J. Hampton Atkinson and Ben Gouaux. "Medical Marijuana: Clearing Away the Smoke." Open Neurol J. 6 (2012): 18–25. Kelly, Jennifer. Adverse Drug Effects: A Nursing Concern. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2006. Lyman, Michael D. Drugs in Society: Causes, Concepts and Control. New York: Elsevier, 2010. National Institute On Drug Abuse. "How Is Heroin Abused?" 2010. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin. 18 March 2013. Riviello, Ralph. Manual of Forensic Emergency Medicine. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2009. Read More