Medical Marijuana Should Be Legal - 1545 Words

Many scientists, doctors, and patients recognize the medicinal utility of marijuana. However, the federal government opposes passing legislation that would legalize medical marijuana because of its potential to be abused or unregulated. The states are continuously challenging the federal government causing complications in legislation in regards to medical marijuana. Because of its history of medicinal properties and accumulating amounts of state and local legislation, the federal government should decriminalize medical marijuana and legalize its use. Dr. Lester Grinspoon, an Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Harvard and an authority on medical marijuana, researched medical marijuana’s history for a legal hearing. He†¦show more content†¦Those who didn’t comply with the regulations were jailed or fined. The law made it very difficult to obtain marijuana medically. The Federal Bureau of Narcotics used â€Å"anti-diversion† regulations, or regu lations to prohibit certain exported goods, which angered physicians further. By 1941, medical cannabis was removed from the U.S. Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (Grinspoon 1-8). In the 1960s, stories of its medical properties were published in mainstream magazines, and as the legislative concerns about the recreational purposes surfaced, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (1970). Also known as the Controlled Substances Act, this placed psychoactive drugs into five categories, with marijuana in Schedule I: the most restrictive, indicating very little medicinal value, safety concerns, and a high potential for abuse. Dronabinol (i.e. marinol), a marijuana derivative, was placed in Schedule III, allowing it to be used safely as medicine. Following the categorization, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) attempted, through several petitions and legal hearings, to encourage the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs to re-categorize natural marijuana as a Schedule II drug, so it could be prescribed by doctors (Grinspoon 8-10). Also, the states began to challenge federal legislation, creating a significant conflict within federalism. Court cases also impacted medical marijuanaShow MoreRelatedMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal904 Words   |  4 PagesMedical Marijuana Although marijuana is illegal and lacks FDA approval it should be used to treat cancer. Opponents of medical marijuana argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They believe marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain. They also believe that medical marijuana is a front for drug legalization and recreational use. Benefit that it is isn’t a great treatmentRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1249 Words   |  5 PagesMarch 1, 2017 Medical Marijuana Informative Unless you ve been living under a rock, you have probably at some point in the last few years had a conversation with a friend or family member regarding medical marijuana. Although it is considered a controversial topic, in recent months it has been gaining approval by the public. But it does not come without opposition and arguments. Medical marijuana is a complex subject and still requires more education for the public, the medical community, and theRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1477 Words   |  6 Pagesacross the nation believe that medical marijuana can provide a variety of benefits ranging from pain relief to increasing appetite. Others won’t provide the drug to patients until more significant evidence is presented. The drug has been a topic of debate for many years, but one thing that researchers can always count on is a growing library of testimonials from patients who have legally experimented with the drug to manage their conditions. As it stands, mari juana has had a different impact in eachRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1651 Words   |  7 Pagesmost commonly referred to as marijuana. Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis and its cannabinoids to treat disease or improve symptoms (Wikipedia.com). Cannabis contains two active ingredients inside called cannabinoids (CBD) along with the delta-g-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The medicinal and psychoactive effects that personally associate with marijuana are caused by unique structures of cannabinoids. In addition, the major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC, which additionallyRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1778 Words   |  8 Pagesusing medical marijuana for chronic pain outweigh the risks? Medical Marijuana is a topic we have all heard a couple of times in the past years. It has been a debatable topic since there seems to be a lot of opinions on what should be and shouldn’t be legal. Some say its benefits outweigh anything else, and some others state that there is a hazard involved with this drug. There are studies on both sides of the question that demonstrate what appear to be clear benefits for medical marijuana, asRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1053 Words   |  5 PagesMedical marijuana, also called cannabis, is used in some places as a medication to treat diseases and symptoms. Many people consider it helpful and harmless making it the most used illicit drug in North America. With legalizing medical marijuana people can alleviate some health problems and help ease physical pain, but it also can bring many concerns, questions, and responsibility. Legalizing cannabis can help many people with their health conditions. There are some advantages to taking medicalRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1591 Words   |  7 Pagesdebated topic on marijuana legalization is widely argued. Whether it’s for medical or recreational usages, this topic is reaching boiling point. The complicity on the legalities of marijuana has reached a point in society where legal usage has been popping up across the country. In the medical sector, studies have shown benefits, and harmful effects in patients. Some physicians support, however some physicians do see health concerns that influence their stance on whether medical marijuana laws are toRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal897 Words   |  4 PagesMedical Cannabis Weed Cannabis, also known as Marijuana has many effects to it. In recent years officials have decided that it should be used for medical usage. They have found out that it helps many medical conditions. Medical cannabis has many things that could cure. Studies has shown that it slows the response time in the synapses in the brain it helps the brain heal. For example if someone was in a bad wreck it allows the brain to eventually heal. Because it is unlike other prescribed drugs weedRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal860 Words   |  4 Pagesthat medical marijuana might be useful in reducing this pressure. Marijuana has also became a common sight in the medicine cabinets of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS and many different forms of cancer. Cannabis consumptions has been known for its ability to stimulate appetite commonly referred to as â€Å"getting the munchies.† Medical marijuana can successfully benefit its patients with HIV or cancer by helping generate an appetite through the use of plant. Researchers have shown that medical cannabisRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1777 Words   |  8 Pages Medical marijuana brings many benefits to the medical community and should be legalized. Medical marijuana also known as medical cannabis, brings relief too many people with multiple different types of diseases. One major benefit of marijuana being such a good relief medicine is that it is not addictive. Medical marijuana would also be very easy to regulate and bring many economic benefits to our country. Medical marijuana also known as medical cannabis brings relief too many people with many different