Several jurisdictions around the world have passed laws legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. These legislations allow for the use of cannabinoids and cannabis to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with terminal cancer, epilepsy and neurological illnesses. However, there are serious public health concerns associated with marijuana as some experts argued that these jurisdictions have not effectively regulated its use in a manner consistent with the international drug control treaties. In many cases, Subbaraman (2014) indicated that marijuana is being diverted for use in non-medicinal purposes. In most of these countries, poor regulation of medical cannabis programs is attributed to the low perception of risk among the policymakers and the members of the public as a whole.
In the United Kingdom and several countries in Europe, marijuana is either totally banned or its use is heavily regulated. As a result, there have been increasing calls for the UK and the rest of Europe to follow the footsteps of Canada, the Netherlands, and a growing number of states in the United States where the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been legal for quite some time. In this regard, this essay evaluates whether the UK and the rest of Europe should legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. This paper explored some of the positive and negative effects of marijuana on the people and the rest of the economy.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History of marijuana and its early uses
Chemical structure and pharmacology of marijuana
Effects of marijuana on a person’s body
Positive and negative effects of marijuana for medical purposes
Positive effects
Negative effects
Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper aims to evaluate whether the United Kingdom and other European nations should legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes by conducting a critical literature review on the substance's therapeutic potential and public health risks.
- Historical evolution of cannabis use and its transition to medicinal applications.
- Pharmacological properties of cannabinoids and their physiological interactions.
- Positive therapeutic benefits, particularly in pain management and symptom relief for chronic illnesses.
- Negative health impacts, including cognitive, mental, and respiratory consequences.
- Regulatory considerations and the necessity of evidence-based policymaking.
Excerpt from the Book
History of marijuana and its early uses
Cannabis originated in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. However, the first use of the cannabis plant could be traced to China and Japan, which used its fibre for fabric and rope during the Neolithic age. Though it is unclear when the psychoactive properties of cannabis were discovered, evidence of burning cannabis dates back to 3500 BC among the Romanian kurgans (Subbaraman, 2014). Historical studies also indicated that the plant was used to perform ritual ceremonies among the Proto-Indo-European tribes living around the Pontic Caspian Steppe during the Chalcolithic period (Subbaraman, 2014). These ceremonies spread to western Eurasia with the Indo-European migrations. Other studies showed that cannabis was present in the Indo-Iranian drug, soma. Iranians used cannabis due to its psychoactive properties. Nonetheless, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is associated with West Africa, the Caribbean, and South East Asia. Herbal medicine is thought to have been imported into Europe from these regions. Spaulding and Fernandez (2013) indicated that evidence of therapeutic use of cannabis dates back to 1000 BC in India where it was used in drink and food.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the global debate regarding the legalization of medicinal marijuana and identifies the paper's goal of evaluating its potential for the UK and Europe.
History of marijuana and its early uses: Traces the origins of the cannabis plant, from early fiber use in the Neolithic age to its historical ritual and therapeutic applications.
Chemical structure and pharmacology of marijuana: Details the active components of cannabis, specifically THC, and explains the complexities of its interaction with the human body.
Effects of marijuana on a person’s body: Analyzes both short-term physiological effects and long-term consequences, including potential mental health impacts and addiction risks.
Positive and negative effects of marijuana for medical purposes: Discusses the dual nature of cannabis, weighing its therapeutic benefits against significant side effects and societal safety concerns.
Positive effects: Examines how medical marijuana serves as an effective alternative to traditional pain management and its potential role in treating various terminal illnesses.
Negative effects: Documents the adverse side effects of consumption, highlighting risks related to cognitive decline, withdrawal symptoms, and mental health disorders.
Conclusion: Summarizes the findings by advocating for a cautious, evidence-based approach to the legalization of medical marijuana under strict clinical supervision.
Keywords
Cannabis, Marijuana, Medicinal Marijuana, Legalization, THC, Cannabinoids, Pharmacology, Public Health, Pain Management, Addiction, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Entourage Effect, Policy, Clinical Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper evaluates whether the United Kingdom and European countries should legalize marijuana for medicinal use by reviewing current evidence on its benefits and risks.
What are the core thematic areas discussed?
The study covers the historical uses of cannabis, its chemical structure, physiological effects, and a comparative analysis of its medicinal advantages versus health risks.
What is the main objective of the author?
The objective is to determine if medical marijuana can be safely integrated into clinical practice to treat conditions like cancer and epilepsy without exacerbating public health issues.
Which research methodology does the author apply?
The author conducts a critical literature review, analyzing existing studies, clinical reports, and longitudinal data regarding cannabis use.
What topics are explored in the main body?
The main body examines the evolution of cannabis laws, the pharmacological complexity of cannabinoids, the pros and cons for patient care, and the societal impact of legalization.
Which keywords define the scope of this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Medicinal Marijuana, Legalization, Pharmacology, Public Health, Pain Management, and Substance Abuse.
How does the "entourage effect" influence medicinal use?
The "entourage effect" suggests that the synergy between various cannabis compounds provides greater relief than isolated components, which acts as a primary motivator for using the whole plant in medical settings.
What risk does the author identify regarding adolescent use?
The author notes that there is an inverse relationship between risk perception and consumption; as legalization occurs, adolescents may perceive the drug as safer, potentially leading to increased misuse and long-term cognitive health concerns.
- Citar trabajo
- Difrine Madara (Autor), 2019, Marijuana legalization. Positive and negative effects of marijuana for medical purposes, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/588145
