...Should medical marijuana be legalized nationwide? Team A BCOM/275 October 9, 2011 UoP Instructor Should medical marijuana be legalized nationwide? The use of marijuana for the treatment of patients with serious health conditions is currently one of the top contentious debate topics in the United States. Until its prohibition in 1937, marijuana was one the top three most prescribed medicines in the United States. To date, 13 states have statutory laws legalizing medical marijuana; however, it is not legal at the federal level. Several pros and cons exist to support whether medical marijuana should be or not be legalized nationwide. The primary arguments in debating the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana nationwide focus primarily on medical benefits, disease prevention, medical risk, substance abuse, and legal issues. Many scientific professionals and patients claim medical marijuana provides some sort of medical benefits. Although it has been a contentious battle between the states and federal governments to legalize or not medical marijuana nationwide, there are three important points to take under consideration; first, marijuana is a potent analgesic in patients with chronic pain. Second, it is a strong anti-emetic for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy treatment. Third and most important, medical marijuana should be legal, so patients do not have to break the law to receive treatment. Across the nation state organizations...
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...illegal for many years now, but can only be used for medical purposes. The drug is used to provide medical treatment for many diseases. Cannabis sativa plant is the really name for marijuana. One of the ingredients in marijuana is THC. Cox (2012) says: THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects. THC changes behavior by binding — fitting together like a lock and key — to receptors on nerve cells, which then respond with a change in activity. (para1). When people are taking drug test, they use the levels of THC in a person’s system to calculate the usage of marijuana. Other names for marijuana are weed, pot, mary jane, or grass. Lately, the legalization of marijuana discussion has been a controversial issue in the United States. The government will allow marijuana to be legally regulated on the state level. Why wait until now to legalize it? Or is this a way to control drug trafficking and crime? Legalizing marijuana may solve some issue but can also create new ones. Marijuana should be legalized but regulated similarly to tobacco and alcohol. No longer will people have to run to the streets corners to purchase a bag of marijuana. No more dealing with drug dealers. Legalizing marijuana will put drug dealers out of business. People will be able to purchase marijuana out of stores soon. Some states are taking advantage of the government allowing them to legalize marijuana. Sullum (2013) said: After...
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...FDA-approved cannabis-based drugs helped to reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. When taken orally, the drugs “worked as well as or better than some of the weaker FDA-approved drugs to relieve nausea and vomiting.” (5 Common Uses of Medical Cannabis) Also, medical marijuana helped patients with their loss of appetite. Cannabis stimulated appetite in cancer and AIDS patients in many studies. Animal studies have proven that inhaling cannabinoids increased food consumption. Furthermore, cannabis relieves muscle tension and spasms. Liquid extract used by MS experienced a decrease in muscle spasms and shacking. Studies on MS patients had a decrease in tremors and muscle stiffness when they had an intake of THC. Additionally, marijuana helped relieve pain. A Canadian team has found that three puffs a day of cannabis has helped people with chronic nerve pain due to injury. (Three Puffs a Day Helped People With Nerve Pain, Study Finds) “Those suffering from neuropathic pain – commonly caused by alcoholism, amputation, and spine surgery, HIV or MS – often turn to medical cannabis as a source of relief. In a 2010 study done by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, 21...
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...Salem Goodrum English 1002 Bovey 19 March 2015 The subject of legalizing marijuana has been a very popular and debatable topic recently. It has been such a popular topic because, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States” (par. 2). You often hear or see people talking about the pros of legalizing marijuana, and not so many cons. I have done extensive research and came up with some powerful cons as to why we should not legalize this drug. The negative issues associated with legalizing marijuana are the physical and mental effects to the body, it typically leads to the further use of drugs that are more harmful, and it has multiple implications on society. This drug is a plant known as a herb. According to Dictionary.com a herb is such a plant when valued for its medicinal properties, flavor, scent, or the like. Marijuana has a never-ending list of names such as “weed”,” pot”,” Mary Jane”, “cannabis”, and many more labels people come up with. “The main hallucinatory chemical in marijuana is THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol; this chemical is responsible for majority of the intoxicating effects. The plant contains more than 500 other chemicals, including over 100 compounds that are chemically related to THC.” (NIDA. Par. 2). Marijuana can be smoked in almost any way involving a lighter. The topic of legalizing cannabis has been a controversy that just will not go away. I am not...
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...this plant’s DNA reach up to Northern China, thousands of years ago. For many decades this plant has been looked down upon. Media analysts and government officials in the United States give it a negative approach which allows the public to think negatively about it. Many people assume that weed is deadly because of what authority wants the public to believe, but what many do not know is the positive scientific evidence and facts that proves how effective it really is. The social policies regarding marijuana have changed throughout the years in the U.S. Although, several states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, the issue still stands because federal officials have not yet legalized weed in all fifty states. The outcome of legalizing marijuana will be positive, but it’s up to the citizens to take action against the social policy and get it legalized by acting together. I believe the legalization of cannabis will decrease deaths related to...
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...Illegal November 6th 2012, a date that will live in infamy for more reasons than one. While one may associate this day with the election of Barack Obama into his second term as President of the United States, weed smokers across the nation rejoiced for another reason. That very same day, a groundbreaking law was passed legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in Colorado and Washington. In the eyes of many avid smokers, this law was just as monumental as landing on the moon was for Neil Armstrong: one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. Despite the fact that marijuana is legalized for recreational use in these two states and legalized for medicinal purposes in 16 others, the drug is still forbidden under federal law, meaning marijuana is still an illegal drug. For decades, the subject of legalization has been a recurring theme in Washington and state governments. Should marijuana join the ranks of alcohol and cigarettes and be made legal? No, we must realize the damaging health effects and the detrimental societal/cultural effects that legalizing marijuana could have on Americans in the future. Although there are some advantages to legalizing marijuana in the United States, the disadvantages tremendously outweigh any advantages when considering this touchy topic in politics. Of course, there has been research conducted that states that marijuana could be positive for the nation. Advocates to legalization suggest that if marijuana were legal, it would tremendously...
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...is not as bad, as thought to be. In fact there are many positive things that come from marijuana use, and many negative things that come from it being illegal. Although marijuana is made up of a drug, THC, it should be legalized. Laws on marijuana put a burden on the United States. First, there are many more crimes being committed other than crimes evolving marijuana each year. According to Paul Rushman, more people are arrested for marijuana crimes than all violent crimes each year, imposing a major burden on U.S. law enforcement (2004). Legalizing marijuana would result in the ability of law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes than those of marijuana crimes. Secondly, the U.S. government must send a considerable amount of money to enforce marijuana laws. Since 1997 the government spends $7.5-$10 billion yearly as well as 2.4 million would allow law enforcement’s time to be better spent over all. Third, marijuana legalization would save billions of dollars each year, that could be better spent (Taylor, 2005). With the legalization of marijuana the $7.5 -$10 billion could be put toward education; public health, and other government projects. Legalizing marijuana would lessen the burden of both time and money marijuana has imposed on the U.S. The drug in marijuana, THC, has medicinal purposes. For instance, Victims of cancer and HIV have benefited from the use of marijuana. In cases such as AIDS and cancer the use of marijuana has increased the way of life and/or extended...
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...you information about medical marijuana. There are four main points to touch on. First, What is marijuana and how does it affect humans? Second, What is the history on marijuana? Third, When and why did marijuana become illegal? Fourth and finally, I will speak about the states legalizing and the medical purposes of it. Using these four points, I am going to attempt to inform you about marijuana and the movement to legalize it. What is marijuana? How does it affect humans? According to University of Washington, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institution, Cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). Marijuana is made from dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It is the least potent of all the cannabis products and is usually smoked. It grows wild in many of the tropical and temperate areas of the world. It can be grown in almost any climate, and is increasingly cultivated by means of indoor hydroponic technology. There are main active ingredients in cannabis is called delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol, commonly known as THC and Cannabidiol commonly known as CBD. This is the part of the plant that gives the "high." There’s a wide range of THC potency between cannabis products. When THC reaches the brain, it stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It induces relaxation and a feeling of euphoria. It also typically heightens the senses and relieves pain. [At http://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/whatiscannabis.htm I found this information]. Now that we have a closer...
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...Legalizing Marijuana: The ethical issue and problem Dorcas Rivera SOC 120 Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Instructor: Robert Gala September 23, 2013 Legalizing Marijuana: The ethical issue and problem Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug. Therefore, legalizing marijuana, not only now, but for many years, has been the topic on rather or not it should be legalized. Even though marijuana has been legalized for medical use in 18 U.S. states, this has caused big controversy in our country and the ethical issue and problems it presents. In this article I will explain; what is marijuana, the risk of marijuana use, the effects of marijuana (in the brain and body), and the pros and cons of legalizing it. I will also explain how one of the classical theories, utilitarianism, would resolve the problem. On the other hand, I will contrast the response with the perspective brought to the issue by, ethical egoism. Lastly, will ended off choosing which of the two are closer to my view. Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant. You may hear marijuana called by street names such as pot, herb, weed, grass, boom, Mary Jane, gangster, or chronic. All forms of marijuana are mind-altering. In other words, they change how the brain works. They all contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana. They also contain more than 400 other chemicals. Marijuana's...
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...medical use. This is perplexing, knowing marijuana has been considered a schedule I controlled substance since 1972, according to the Controlled Substance Act. As defined by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), a schedule I controlled substance is; "Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". The conflict of interest leads to the question, what are the benefits, if any, of legalizing medical marijuana? While researching the benefits of marijuana in a medical standpoint, one must also look into the negative effects of the drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are several long and short-term health effects associated with marijuana. The most common short-term effect, euphoria, is persistent with marijuana as well as almost every other controlled substance. Euphoria is defined as “a state of intense happiness and self-confidence. The state of euphoria is caused by the mind-altering chemical, found in marijuana, called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is introduced into the bloodstream orally or through the lungs, once the THC reaches the brain, it releases the neurotransmitter called dopamine, causing the euphoric effect. The release of dopamine is also a contributing factor of addiction in marijuana users. The NIDA states that about 9% of marijuana users become addicted. Although this number is minute compared to common legal drugs, including nicotine (85%) and alcohol (20%). Short and long-term memory impairment is another...
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...judicial system. When The Liberals won the election back in October, 2015 as majority government, Justin Trudeau made a promise that the Liberals will legalize the use of marijuana. The issue that the Liberal Party has been trying to overcome is finding the right way to strictly regulate the use of marijuana while considering all factors faced in today’s society such as accessibility to minors, impaired driving, and selling it illegally outside the regulated licensed institutions. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate the possibility of it containing harmful additives. Currently, there is a possibility that some marijuana is being laced with other harmful substances such as crystal- meth or heroin that the dealer does not inform the user of. The legalization of marijuana would eliminate the laced marijuana and provide a safer environment for users. Marijuana contains a psychoactive ingredient called THC, which is the short form for delta-9 tetrehydrocannabinol. Medical marijuana contains THC, it is known to be therapeutic for ill patients and has been scientifically proven to reduce nausea and vomiting during cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, as well as increasing appetite in HIV patients, and a therapeutic drug for patients suffering from chronic pain or muscle spasms (Medveczky, 2004). According to Statistics Canada the estimated amount of marijuana users in Canada sums up to 2.3 million people (Statistics Canada, 2012). Whether the same amount of people would...
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...Jill Porter April 26, 2014 Marijuana: Should it be legalized? There is an epidemic debate of deciding if legalizing marijuana in states will benefit not only the users but the community also. Marijuana has been illegal in the United States and now slowly the states are permitting medical marijuana for purposes. There still are many that oppose this legalization and hate the thought of making this drug legal. Some feel that if marijuana is made legal it can also lead to other gate-way drugs also being legalized. While others feel that it can help others medicate themselves and also bring up the economy. Despite which side one might choose marijuana is still considered a drug that is mind altering and many want to avoid this legalization and want nothing to do with while others are all for it. Marijuana is a seed based hemp that is usually smoked but can be used in the form of oil or hash. THC is what causes the brain to alter in what is usually called a high. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that, “Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which contains the psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as other related compounds” (Marijuana, 2014). It seems that marijuana is used a lot by individuals in the United States for medical and recreational purposes. With today’s youth being interested in marijuana it is very important to study its long-term effects...
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...When research was done to identify the drugs and alcohol used in these fatal events, Cannabis (Marijuana) caused zero deaths. So why is a drug that is grown so naturally and causes zero deaths at the center of so much controversy? Marijuana has been used for medical purposes and is a popular subject in the economic and political debate arenas. “Cannabis sativa is an annual plant that grows wild in warm and tropical climates throughout the world and is cultivated commercially. The leaves and buds of the plant have been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified 66 biologically active components, called cannabinoids, in marijuana. The most potent of these is thought to be the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, although other active substances are being studied. The medical use of marijuana is limited because different strains of the plant contain different amounts of various compounds, which makes effects hard to predict ("Find support & treatment ," 12).” Medical researchers have isolated substances from the plant (cannabinoids) that can be used in precise doses alone and in combinations with other medicines to achieve more predictable effects. Certain cannabinoid drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to...
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...marijuana’s effects on the human body when ingested by inhalation against the effects on the body when consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking tobacco, by submitting research facts on its medicinal qualities, and providing you with information on how the use of marijuana can benefit a lot of people as well as our nation as a whole. Legalization of Marijuana Legalization of marijuana is wide spread. There are so many benefits to it such as helping those with medicinal issues like anxiety, AIDS, Cancer, glaucoma, etc. Being able to assist someone without throwing pills down their throat is certainly a better approach. Most people don’t know this, but there are 18 states that have already gotten on the band wagon of legalizing marijuana. Colorado and Washington are the two most recent states that adopted this law. Not only is it a great way to aid in certain medical issues, but it is also a way for the states and our government to generate revenue and give back to the community. Benefits There are so many beneficial aspects of this substance being legalized that a lot of people deter from. We have school systems and community centers that need new books, equipment, etc. and nobody is seeing the big picture in all of this. Many doctors agree that this substance is a great aid to patients with chronic pain and lack of...
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...Marijuana Should Be Illegal Herlina Pryor BCOM/275 March 23, 2014 Instructor: Jamey Pippert Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal Published: February 26, 1994 To the Editor: I read with concern "Legalizing Marijuana Would Allow Regulation of Its Potency" (letter, Feb. 13). According to the writer, marijuana with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC (the chemical that causes the psychoactive effects on the abuser), is not a new phenomenon, and this high potency should not be used as a reason to keep marijuana illegal. Marijuana is not the same drug it was 20 years ago. Special fertilizers, plant hormones and steroids, carbon dioxide and advanced indoor horticulture techniques are used by the informed grower to "push" the plant to produce the highest grade, most potent variety of marijuana, sinsemilla. Because of its potency, domestic marijuana is the most highly prized cannabis product in the world. In 1970, the average THC content of a marijuana plant was 1.5 percent. The THC content of today's sinsemilla variety ranges from 8 percent to 20 percent. Today's marijuana is a drug that is significantly more potent than it was during the Woodstock era. The writer then states that "if the Government really believes that stronger varieties of marijuana are less desirable, then it has one more reason to support legalization. If cultivation of marijuana were legal, growers would not be pressed to produce the strongest possible product, and health authorities would...
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