Medical Marijuana: the Controversial Herb Essay Example

glaucoma. Medical marijuana has been applied to treat conditions like gonorrhea, insomnia, epilepsy, bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma.

Due to prohibition, patients with these diseases now have to endure the severe side effects of alternative medications in an effort to treat their illnesses. Mitch Earlywine PhD states that some patients do not respond well to other medications and need medical marijuana for symptom relief. Certain patients are unable to tolerate the unpleasant side effects produced by many pharmaceutical drugs. Despite the various advantages of medical marijuana, there is a continuing controversial discussion about its safety and potential risks for consumers.

According to a study conducted in 1998 by the World Health Organization, the risks of cannabis use were found to be less significant compared to the public health risks associated with legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco (Teresa Odle and Clare Hanrahan). Throughout history, there has been no reported instance where marijuana use directly caused death. Unlike alcohol, marijuana does not cause brain cell death or encourage violent behavior. Moreover, cannabis does not lead to brain damage, genetic damage or harm the immune system.

Researchers at Complutense University, School of Biology in Madrid, Spain, led by Manuel Guzman, have discovered that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has the ability to induce programmed cell death specifically in brain tumor cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed (Paul Armentano). Unlike tobacco, marijuana does not increase the risk of developing lung cancer even though it contains similar toxins. By using alternative methods to consume marijuana without smoking it, any potential respiratory health hazards can be completely eliminated. If medical marijuana is recognized and legalized as a legitimate form of

medicine, viable solutions could be identified.

Decriminalizing cannabis is essential for unlocking advancements in medicine. In addition to its healing properties, marijuana has many other uses that can greatly benefit people in their daily lives. Throughout history, it has been used as a sustainable and renewable source of paper fiber and for producing fine linen by the Scythians around 500 B.C. It also held religious importance in certain countries where it was considered sacred.

The herb had various uses in India during cultural and religious ceremonies, being regarded as a sacred plant with titles like "soother of grief", "the sky flyer", or "the poor man’s heaven". In the second century, the Chinese physician Hoa-Tho implemented cannabis in surgical procedures due to its pain-relieving properties. All parts of the plant, such as buds, leaves, seeds, and roots, can be utilized. Additionally, hash oil extracted from the plant is used for cooking purposes and is particularly potent, commonly employed in creating pastries like brownies.

The legalization of medical marijuana not only has benefits for individuals but also has the potential to benefit the entire country. It is important for the government to understand that by legalizing medicinal marijuana, it could provide an opportunity for the country to address its debt. According to Alison Stateman's report, in California alone, marijuana generates approximately $14 billion in annual sales and is considered the state's largest cash crop. This revenue from just one state demonstrates how nationwide legalization of marijuana can swiftly resolve the financial struggles faced by the country.

During a previous time, America had a positive view towards hemp and actively cultivated the plant. By

the 1850s, hemp had become the third largest agricultural crop in North America, with 8,237 hemp plantations recorded in the U.S census that year. Queen Elizabeth I also recognized the economic potential of cannabis and imposed requirements for landowners to either cultivate hemp or face fines. Considering the existing consumer base, it would be prudent for the government to legalize marijuana.

According to the Rosen Publishing Group, a survey conducted in 2010 revealed that 22. million individuals were drug users, with 77% of them reporting marijuana use. In a separate survey conducted in 2011 on American high school seniors, it was found that 36% had smoked marijuana in the past year, 23% in the past month, and 46% at some point in their lifetime, with nearly 7% using it daily (Rosen Publishing Group). Legalizing marijuana could generate tax revenue to address the country's debt and improve the economy. The criminalization of medical marijuana is ineffective and wasteful, so it should be abolished.

Legalizing medical marijuana would have various benefits. It could lead to the development of new cures and technology for patients with diseases like cancer. Additionally, it can provide alternative solutions for non-medical problems and bring in extra resources. Most importantly, legalizing medical marijuana would alleviate America's financial burden. To settle this ongoing debate, it is crucial for America to vote in favor of legalization while also implementing safety guidelines that address concerns from all perspectives. Medical marijuana should not be hidden but acknowledged for its potential advantages.