Cannabis, also referred to as marijuana, grass or pot, is derived from the leaves and flowers of Cannabis sativa. Possession of this illegal substance in both the USA and many other countries is considered a crime. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, chemicals with no known medical use and the potential for abuse. Over the years, numerous studies have suggested some compounds may have therapeutic benefit in terminal illnesses like AIDS and cancer. This sparked a national debate on the advantages and drawbacks of medical marijuana use. The Institute of Medicine eventually released an IOM report to provide clarity, but it didn’t offer an unambiguous yes or no Effects of Marijuana answer. While proponents of medicinal cannabis often refer to parts of this report in support of their cause, its final resolution never truly determined anything.
Let us consider the reasons why Effects of Marijuana should be legalized.
(1) Cannabis has been used as an herbal medicine for millennia in countries from South America to Asia. With the recent surge of interest in natural and organic wellness products, using herbs such as pot could potentially offer users more safety than pharmaceutical drugs.
(2) Marijuana Has a Potential that is Great. Studies, as reported in the IOM report, have indicated that cannabis may be used as an analgesic, helping with pain management. Indeed, some trials have even demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of THC (the active component in Marijuana buds) when treating chronic discomfort. Studies on severe pain, such as that experienced during injury and surgery, have been conducted. Studies have suggested that certain cannabis elements possess properties which make them effective against vomiting and nausea – both common side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Some researchers are optimistic about cannabis’ potential to treat disorders like multiple sclerosis. Certain compounds, like cannabidiol (CBD), found in large amounts in marijuana, have demonstrated powerful antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant effects. Additional cannabinoids have been demonstrated to significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), an important risk factor for glaucoma. The US FDA has even approved medicines which contain active ingredients found in marijuana but were manufactured from the laboratory; one example being Marino, an agent used for nausea and vomiting.
(3) The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), a US-based business, is one of the major proponents of medical marijuana. Numerous medical societies and associations have expressed their support as well. American Chiropractic Association (ACP) endorses research into marijuana’s purpose as well as exemption from civil purpose of marijuana accountability federal prosecution or sanction for doctors who dispense or prescribe it based on state law. Furthermore, individuals using medical marijuana as allowed under state laws would face no civil or criminal penalties.
(4) Medical marijuana is legalized in certain nations if allowed. The debate continues as to why not? States such as Canada, Belgium, Israel, the Netherlands, UK, Spain, Austria and Finland have already legalized medical cannabis use; even some American states are considering exemptions.
Here are the statements against medical Effects of Marijuana:
(1) Lack of Information on Safety and Efficiency. Drug regulation relies on security; the security of elements like marijuana must be guaranteed. Efficacy must also be taken into consideration, with benefits outweighing risks before use being considered for medicinal or therapeutic use. Access to medication or therapy without adequate safety information doesn’t help anyone; having accessibility without adequate safety protocols doesn’t serve patients well either.
(2) Unknown Chemical Composition. Medical marijuana can be affordable and easily available, though there are still unknown chemicals present. As with other herbs, bud falls under the category of products and is subject to issues like dose consistency, potency, shelf-life, toxicity. According to the IOM report: Characterizing dope’s elements would require money and time – costs that may exceed what’s currently available on the industry. Presently no company appears interested in investing additional capital beyond what’s already available to isolate curative components.
(3) Potential Abuse Hazard. Cannabis or pot is addictive, though perhaps not to the same degree as hard drugs like cocaine, it cannot be denied that there is a potential for chemical abuse. Studies such as those outlined in the IOM report have demonstrated this potential danger.
(4) Lack of Secure Delivery Systems. Smoking is the most popular delivery method for marijuana, but due to current legislation it cannot be approved by medical authorities. More secure and dependable delivery methods like vaporisers, nebulisers or inhalers are still in testing phase and could soon become commonplace.
(5) Suppress symptoms, not cure. Marijuana only alleviates symptoms associated with certain illnesses; it doesn’t cure or treat them. Given that this medication can be effective against certain indications without the potential risks and negative repercussions associated with marijuana misuse, there are other medications available which function similarly without these side effects.
