...The Viewpoint of the Society on Medicinal Marijuana Everything in the society is changing, especially the laws. Legal and illegal drugs are everywhere in society. People, especially teens, know someone who has drugs and could easily get access to them. Drugs like marijuana are one of those easily accessible drugs. Marijuana is still one of the common drugs and is still considered illegal under the federal laws in the United States. Some states such as California have passed laws allowing marijuana legal to smoke and sell. The medical marijuana is to use for medicinal purposes and can only be prescribed by a doctor. Researchers and scientists support the use of marijuana as a medical drug. Some people like patients may view this positively, because the medical marijuana actually worked on them as they get a lot better. Despite some viewpoints in favor of the use of marijuana, it is still an unethical use of the drug, because there are still negative effects of using marijuana. Even though patients who are suffering from illness or disease and are using medical marijuana, patients viewed that it helps them feel better. With the increase of medical marijuana, the worldwide report estimates between 200 and 300 million people are now smoking marijuana (Earleywine 29). With 40% of the public using marijuana as medicine, it has changed the needs and values of our society. The use of medical marijuana can treat patients with many different ailments such as pain, nausea, vomiting,...
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...Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal use? Cierra Cook Medical Ethics April 12, 2014 Marijuana has been hailed as a prescription for many ills and physicians once used it to stimulate appetite, relieve chronic pain, and treat asthma and migraines. But is marijuana really a medical miracle? If so, do its clinical benefits outweigh its drawbacks? Should we legalize marijuana? Is medical marijuana really worth the risks? These are the issues one needs to think about before making the decision to legalize marijuana. Marijuana is a drug that is derived from the dried and cut leaves of the hemp plant known as "cannabis sativa". Marijuana has a variety of street names such as "grass", "Mary Jane", "pot", "smoke", "reefer", "herb", and "weed". The active ingredient in marijuana is delta tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (3). Marijuana has been used throughout history and in many different cultures to change mood, perception, and consciousness (to get "high"). Its effects range from increasing creativity to provoking mystical experiences, to heightening the capacity to feel, sense and share. After alcohol, it is the most popular of what are called "recreational drugs." It has been used around the world for other purposes. In some primitive tribes of South America, Africa, and India, "cannabis" is used in religious ceremonies and for medical purposes. African mine workers have used it to ease the drudgery of their work and many Jamaicans use it at the end of the day to relieve...
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...1020 10 November 2015 The Legalization of Medical Marijuana Legalizing marijuana has been a controversial issue for quite some time, but only recently have commercials in regards to legalization flooded American television. The recent exposure occurred largely because the issue finally made it to a ballet for Ohioan’s to vote. Ohio spoke and the legalization of marijuana was not passed. Those that are for the legalization of marijuana believe that marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of chronic illnesses. It is marijuana’s addictive properties and ability to become a gateway drug that concerns those who are opposed to legalizing marijuana. While some say medicinal marijuana is safe and effective, others say that marijuana as a whole is dangerous. There has not been enough research and medicinal marijuana lacks FDA approval. Should we be concerned with the legalization of marijuana? Medical marijuana refers to using the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or chemical derivatives from it to treat diseases or symptoms. Marijuana contains over 400 chemicals, the chemical that is most talked about and used in medicine are cannabinoids which are related THC. THC is the main ingredient that gives users the effect of being “high”. Currently, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine. Scientific studies however, of the chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, have led to two FDA-approved medications...
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...Marijuana, Mary-Jane, weed, ganja, bud, reefer pot, bud . . . one plant, numerous names. I believe we all know what Marijuana is and have tried or know someone that has tried it. Marijuana and its legalization has been argued about for many years now. Some peoples view the drug as a bad thing while others identify it as a beneficial herb; marijuana should be legalized. ”Cannabis Sativa is perhaps the most recognizable plant in the world.” (Bonsor, 2) The pot leaf is put on clothing, jewelry, bumper stickers and is used in graffiti. “Marijuana is the single most used drug in the United States.” (Bonsor, 2) According to “InfoFacts - Marijuana” 60.4% of 12th graders in 1979 had used marijuana at least once in their lifetime. There were 2.6 million new users in 2001 and 47.8% of 12th graders in 2002 had used marijuana in their lifetime. Thirty six percent of those students had used it in the past year, and 21.5% of those had used it in the past month. We should look to the reason Marijuana is outlawed by the United States Federal Government (USFG). It might be for its terribly addictive nature and ability to destroy the life of those who attempt to use it as a recreational drug. Smoking marijuana is one’s own choice and in some cases a religious aspect. A person can have the freedom to smoke tobacco and drink alcohol, how is that different from smoking marijuana? Some religious rituals even include the of use marijuana. In some places, it is a “Holy Plant” and is said to be...
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...Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug in the United States. There is a huge debate on whether marijuana should be legal or not and many people have substantial view points for both sides of this topic. Although marijuana can be used for medicinal purposes, many proponents of this subject say it can be a harmful substance that can not only cause short term but also long term harm. Marijuana is such a controversial topic in today’s society that it really needs to be discussed. There are many different theories and misconceptions as to whether marijuana should be legalized or not and it is something that should be examined, researched and discussed more closely. There are many unwavering reasons why marijuana should be legalized. Unfortunately, these truths are under heavy criticism due to the stereotypical view of what people view as the “pot smoker.” This infers to someone who is lazy, lackluster,...
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...Legalize Marijuana The issue of marijuana is a very conservative and taboo subject in American Politics today. According to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, the act that effectively made marijuana illegal, was based on the notion that "marijuana caused violent crime and sexual excess." These theories have since been discredited. If marijuana was legal, crime would decrease because street dealers would be replaced by the government which can provide lower prices, and the government would benefit from the added tax revenue. The government could also control the purity and potency of drugs. The reason that it is such a taboo subject is because many people are uneducated or misled under government education, and feel that marijuana users are a danger to society. However, marijuana use is a victimless crime only affecting the user and their body. It is evident that these laws eliminate personal responsibility and free choice, leading to government infringement on individual rights. This was on drugs is not only affecting our civil liberty, it is also wasting our tax money at a rate of 18 billion dollars a year, and there are more than 300,000 people each year arrested on marijuana charges filling up our prisons and over-crowding our courts. The legalization of marijuana would also bring utility to people because it would generate much needed revenue, and it would only affect the people who choose to use it. Marijuana should be legalized because it would promote human rights...
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...Growing up, everyone is told that, “Drugs are bad for you,” time and time again. When you are a kid you don’t really understand the reasoning behind it, but you listen to your elders regardless. I remember being told this my entire life and even to this very day. But when I got older I realized that people would still use drugs even though it’s illegal. I could never understand why someone would go against the law and risk there future just to use drugs? The drug that I am talking about is marijuana, and surprisingly it is all around us. Marijuana is even referred to in today’s media Mainstream media sources that people enjoy, like music, movies, and TV shows, do not even bother to leave the drug out of their system. Now being a young adult and having my own personal experience with the drug and knowing its effects on others, I wonder why it’s not legal. Why is it that this drug has become illegal all over the world? The debate to legalize marijuana in the United States of America has been fought over nonstop since the existence of the drug and its effects. Marijuana has been tested and proven to provide a very positive impact on the American society for many reasons. Some of these reasons are for America’s economy, health and even crime. These reasons could very well help America thrive in the future and that is why Marijuana should be legalized in the United States of America. This naturally found plant known as marijuana is recognized all around the world. This plant...
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...Legalizing Marijuana Legalizing Marijuana If Green is Life Why isn't it Legal? Humanity throughout history has fought against diseases using drugs, with good results. Several medicinal drugs have been discovered since remote times, and have saved many lives or helped complement human nutrition. Not all drugs are medicinal, some are used however for recreational purposes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (House of Representatives Conference Report, 1998) consider these kinds of drugs as Schedule I drugs (high potential for abuse, unsafe and with no medicinal properties). Heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and many other drugs appear in this classification. There are some kinds of drugs that are considered dangerous and have a high potential for being abused of, but have medicinal properties: marijuana is one of them. Lila Gutterman states that cannabis was used in ancient Greece and China 5000 years ago to soothe pain, and still today may be used illegally by 50,000 Americans suffering from multiple sclerosis in order to alleviate their symptoms (2000). There has been enough research done by experts on marijuana's practical application as a medicine. Marijuana has several medicinal properties that can help treat many diseases and helps soothe a big number of symptoms, so it should not remain as a totally illegal drug. A focus has to be given to it so to make possible for ill patients to acquire it without legal restraints. Marijuana has been known for centuries...
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... Marti Abitheira Legalizing Marijuana: Recognizing Its Medicinal Value . Marijuana should be made legal as an accepted medical treatment for many conditions including, but not limited to, glaucoma, pain control, and appetite stimulation. Some stumbling blocks to legalization have been public sentiment, public opinion, and government opposition. It is possible that these can be overcome with education and time, especially if the medical community will recognize marijuana as a valid treatment option. Marijuana has been used over the centuries for many things. The Dutch used hemp rope to build their ships and used hemp sails to propel them back in their ‘Golden Age’ (Kold, Sjoerd, 2012) Jazz musicians in the early part of the 20th century smoked it during their breaks to enhance their musical skills. Reefer Madness, an exploitative film made in the 1930s, depicted marijuana as a horrible menace that would turn fine, upstanding young people into crazed murderers (Hoerl, Meade, and Franklin. 1938). The Dupont company lobbied heavily to have marijuana outlawed so it could own the rope market with its nylon version of the much more durable hemp rope. The US and Mexican governments have an unholy marriage in the illegal drug trade which has gotten to the point where too much is at stake for both to really change anything. In all the maelstrom of marketing and propaganda in the 20th century one of the best uses of marijuana has not been fully realized or researched...
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...2013 Period 1st Legalizing marijuana The drug I want to legalize it is marijuana. There's over a thousands different name for it. Some facts are for it is a drug that could kill you if you overdose and makes you hallucinate and they will think they hear voices and other things that didn’t actually happen. It could make you hear different things if you. Marijuana is sometimes called the “ Gateway drug’’. Marijuana has not been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Marijuana is one of the most valuable plants in the world. Every part of the plant is used. Hemp for paper, fabric, plastic. Did you know the U.S constitution was written on hemp paper? The hemp paper is what people use to roll a joint, or a blunt. The seeds can be used as a food source. It contains many of the necessary fats such as omega 3 and 6. The seeds oil has been used as a cheap source of fuel. The flowers have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times and has been known to help people going through chemotherapy and people diagnosed with aids. The reason it was outlawed because many multi-millionaires and billionaires felt threatened that it would make them lose money. Since it can't be patented, no single person can use it to get wealthy. I say we the people have a right to grow and use this plant for medical reasons and to sell to make money. Because the drug could kill you. If it was legal old days why can't we use it now. Proponents of medical marijuana argue that it can be a safe and...
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...Kevin Belanger English Comp 2 Analysis Response Marijuana, Medically Benign: A Look Into its Effects Phillip Boffey, formerly the president of the National Association of Science writers and currently the director of the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, is an editorial writer for the New York Times. He recently published an article about the health effects of marijuana titled “What Science Says About Marijuana.” The article is delivered in an informative and scientific tone by using research and proven facts to an audience most likely advocating the use of marijuana. It’s clear that anyone who picks up this article is most likely a user of the drug interested in its effects, or someone advocating for the legalization, or medical regulation of marijuana on a national scale. Boffey argues in his thesis that “It needs to be kept out of the hands of minors. But, on balance, its downsides are not reasons to impose criminal penalties on its possession, particularly not in a society that permits nicotine use and celebrates drinking.”(2) Boffey aims to educate his readers about how marijuana is far less harmful to the human body than some other completely legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications. While marijuana’s health effects may be minimal, these effects largely depend on the frequency of use, the age of the user, and if the user has any previous existing medical conditions. Phillip Boffey launches his debate on the subject with...
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...Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana has been debated for decades all over the world, and it still unsure what is the best option for the people, either make it legal or keep it illegal like in almost all the countries. But here I am going to explain and show you some facts of each side of the coin. For the pro side there are many aspects that show how legalizing the marijuana can bring more benefits than keep it illegal; for example, there is evidence that show how marijuana helps some illness which means is good for medical use, there is also a fact that combating the Marijuana the governments spend tons of money, and also comparing the effects and causes of marijuana to the effects and causes of alcohol and tobacco makes thoughts easier to see legalization of marijuana makes the things better; On the other hand, looking to the other side of the coin, we got this drug which causes bad things in our bodies, it has immediate bad effects right after using it, it has also long-term effects, it seems also as a gateway drug in our society. The positive side of legalize the Marijuana. It has proved that Marijuana can be used as a treatment for many illness and bad symptoms of illness; for example, for those people who has Cancer Chemotherapy treatment and causes extreme nauseas and vomiting to them, Marijuana reduces those extreme symptoms, and it also alleviates pretreatment anxiety. For those people which because of their sickness had low appetite, and loss of muscle mass, Marijuana improves...
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...The Pretty Green Leaf You smoke marijuana for medicinal use, and you grow it, yourself? “Hell yes!” was the response from many members of this meeting. I was dreading this fourth Monday of the month. I was just too curious to pass it up. I knew I had to be there to find out how this subculture really was. I kept reminding myself, of how I grew up. In foster homes, you see a lot of terrible things. This can’t be that bad. The meeting started. The members the members sat casually and socialized, and discussed ways to make each other’s lives better. I was sitting and listening, grateful the welcoming I received. The whole room was chatting about their cultivation. It was already evident that they all have the same belief. The marijuana helps their ailments. As the night went on, my curiosity grew stronger. My thirty-seven-year old mind was hooked on the fascination of it all. Speakers rotated and gave advice on many topics. The first speaker spoke of the laws and regulations. Next, there was a young woman who explained some of her new organic soil. The tw- hour meeting seemed to fly by, as each person spoke. As I listened to each person, I encountered several different ailments. The range was quite extreme. The most common seemed to be migraines. I heard many different stories. I recall a few the most. One of the conversations I had was a nice lady who explained to me why she uses it. She described the excruciating pain in her legs, due to her diabetes. She expressed her reasoning...
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...Alternative medicine is something that has been around for thousands of years as Native Americans didn’t go to the drug store and pick up plastic pill bottles; they improvised with what they had and created various new medicinal techniques. Practices like these are starting to become more popular every day. It can range to anything from ancient Chinese recipes to the everyday chiropractor. They are environmentally friendly and for most of them are much cheaper than prescription drugs. They focus on treating the whole person not just physically but spiritually as well. It gives the individual receiving the medicine more attention, Prescription drugs were not made to fit just one person’s individual needs. So when consumers use an alternative medicine they can experiment and see what suits them best. They reduce their level of stress by doing something other than taking pills by doing things like, yoga and meditation. Many people consider medical marijuana one of these drugs; it is used to treat glaucoma, epileptic seizures and can even increase lung capacity. Alternative medicine is being used all around the world. Many people don’t even realize what alternative medicine really is. At the cobble health center in Brooklyn New York there’s a woman there by the name of Elizabeth Johnson. She is a patient in the Alzheimer’s unit. She has an advanced form of dementia, this used to cause her to have episodes. Previously the staff at Cobble hill health center would put her...
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...Should Marijuana really be illegal in America? Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been around for ages. The earliest known use of cannabis dates back to the Stone Age in Asia. During the Neolithic Era, when the development of agriculture came about, the ancient Asian nomads discovered how to grow the plant and began to harvest it. It became much more common to people once they started farming because it grew wildly. “…some 10,000 years ago, nomadic groups scavenged, hunted, fished, and gathered plants in an unending search for food. The search ended when they learned to plant the native grains (grasses) and developed agriculture. Agriculture requires a commitment to the land and grants a steady food supply which enables people to form permanent settlements. Cannabis and Neolithic bands probably came in contact often as plants invaded the fertile clearings — the campsites, roadsides, fields and garbage heaps — that occur wherever people live.”(Mel Frank and Ed Rosenthal) It was primarily used for the production of hemp. Hemp is a fabric made of the fibers that separate from the stem of the cannabis plant when it decays. Hemp fabric is extremely strong and durable, especially when compared to cotton fabric. The ancient Asians used hemp to make their clothes, fish nets and ropes. Hemp eventually became so popular that it clothed the majority of the people during the time period. “As their culture advanced, these prehistoric people replaced their animal skins with...
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