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Also, there are no reported cases of overdose from this drug since the lethal dose is much
higher than the recommended dose for treatment. Several scientific studies have shown that
synthetic prescriptions such as oxycodone have worse negative effects on the human body
compared to THC (Hill, 2481). Thus, it seems obvious that when it comes to pain relief for
patients with various conditions, marijuana is the innocuous option. Marijuana is also much
cheaper than most of the drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. Considering that it
only undergoes fewer steps from its preparation to the point that it can be ingested, the costs
incurred are much less than the other medicines capable of inducing the same therapeutic
effects.
On the other hand, medical marijuana should not be endorsed due to its mind altering
capabilities. THC can be introduced into the body through smoking, consumption of several
baked products and inhalation in vapor form. Smoking is the most common means, especially
for recreational purposes. Through this method, the smoke particles are known to cause throat
and lung cancer, and other cardiovascular conditions (Hill, 2475). Based on these harmful
impacts, legalization of marijuana does not appear to be a practical solution. Long-term
marijuana users are also at a risk of addiction. This situation can lead to unproductive
members of the society. A person under the influence of this drug loses most of their motor
functions and thus cannot be relied upon to perform any duties or make important decisions
(Friese & Grube, 36). Over extended periods, the use of this drug can lead to an inability to
concentrate and think properly. Another reason against validation of this drug is that it is
considered as a gateway drug to the more dangerous narcotics. Some people claim that a
person that begins using marijuana is more likely to try out other drugs such as cocaine,
crystal meth and heroine (Friese & Grube, 35). Such reasons are causes for concern when
considering whether to legalize medical marijuana.
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Research on the medical capabilities of THC are still ongoing, and although the
findings are yet to be fully accepted by the professions in the field of medicine, the results
consistently show the usefulness of medical marijuana. Patients suffering from cancer and
full-blown AIDS can manage weight loss through the use of cannabis (Hill, 2479). This drug
increases the appetite of an affected patient and helps them consume their daily nutritional
requirements. People with health conditions that cause them pain can find quick and simple
relief from marijuana. The benefit of THC over the other available analgesics is that it is
harmless. Whereas it is easy for a person to overdose on drugs such aspirin, overdosing on
cannabis is highly unlikely because it would require a large amount of it to have the same
impact (Hill, 2481). Marijuana is much cheaper as well due to the low cost of production.
The harmful side effects that may arise from smoking it can be minimized by creating safer
ingestion ways such as vaporization. This method ensures that a patient in need can obtain
this drug in a safe manner while avoiding the carcinogenic compounds found in smoke. Use
of medical marijuana under strict supervision is unlikely to cause addiction since the patient's
dose is always monitored.
Conclusion
Although there are many people against the legalization of medical marijuana, the
practical solution would be to validate it. Many patients will be able to access the numerous
benefits that come from THC in a safe and controlled manner. The main setback towards this
option is the current stigma that marijuana has within the society. The community should be
enlightened on the importance of this drug and how it can help the sick without making their
health worse or even depleting their finances. By authorizing this drug, more studies can be
conducted, which, can lead to the realization of the unknown benefits. Thus, medical
marijuana should be legalized.
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Works Cited
Cerdá, Magdalena, et al. "Medical marijuana laws in 50 states: investigating the relationship
between state legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use, abuse and
dependence." Drug and alcohol dependence 120.1 (2012): 22-27.
Friese, Bettina, and Joel W. Grube. "Legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use
among youths." Drugs: education, prevention and policy 20.1 (2013): 33-39.
Hill, Kevin P. "Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and
psychiatric problems: a clinical review." Jama 313.24 (2015): 2474-2483.
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- Selina Kolls (Author), 2016, Should Medical Marijuana be Legal?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/338147
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