Non Medicinal Use Of Marijuana example essay topic

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal street drug, used by many as a depressant. Itis one of the cheapest illegal drugs, and can be found almost all over the world. This makes it very easy to find. In reality, almost anyone can get this drug even though it is presently still illegal. Marijuana is grown from the cannabis plant, which was cultivated for its tough stem fibers prior to the advent of synthetic fibers. Most often the leaves and the flowering tops of the plant are dried and rolled into marijuana cigarettes (joints), or cigars (blunts), but there are also various types of pipes used for smoking the drug.

Over 2,000 chemicals are released into the body when marijuana is smoked. However, psychological effects on the mind are produced by one main chemical, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Short term effects include an increased heartbeat, slurred speech, and red, glossy eyes. A high usually lasts approximately three to five hours, and usually consists of a dreamy, relaxed state in which the user seems more aware of their senses and surroundings. Sometimes the user may experience hallucinations, fantasies or a feeling of dread, panic, or paranoia. Above all though, it eases the pain a person feels inside which makes them forget their problems in a current situation.

In most countries, marijuana is by law illegal because of its classification as an illicit drug, but controversial issues have been established that this illicit drug can and does have many medicinal benefits. People have been using marijuana as a medicine for thousands of years, beginning in China, India, and the Middle East. The plant's therapeutic potential became known in western countries during the nineteenth century. Now more than one hundred articles have been published about cannabis in the European and American medicinal journals, recommending it as an appetite stimulant, muscle relaxant, painkiller, sedative, and anti-convulsion agent. Much of the controversy surrounding legalization of the drug, in medicinal terms then falls in the hands of the government, which claims that marijuana is not a safe form of medicine. Versus the doctors who have studied and believe that the use of marijuana may benefit their patients.

Not all doctors feel marijuana should be a legally prescribed medication, most feel that it should be in their hands to decide it so. Both the government's and the doctors' ethics have been questioned in debates about the topic of marijuana use, this has only fueled the controversy, it has been said that smoking marijuana is risky, but also recommended that critically ill patients should be allowed to use it under closely monitored settings. Withal l the speculation surrounding the drug, one would think that doctors of all people would not be exactly eager to offer the drug as relief. On the contrary doctors who are credible specialists and have researched much about marijuana use have actually authorized their patients to use this drug. The government still proclaims, however, that there is absolutely no therapeutic value in the medicinal use of marijuana, although they do not have any type evidence to prove this.

Patients should have the right to use any medicinal means necessary to control their conditions. Patients suffering from certain diseases or disorders find that use of marijuana aids both in dealing with their afflictions, and in some cases may reduce symptoms of the disorder. Patients with cancer find marijuana controls their vomiting, allowing them to continue chemotherapy. Patients find marijuana helps the wasting syndrome that often characterizes AIDS.

Patients with spinal injuries and multiple sclerosis find relief from severe muscle spasms that complicate nerve damage. Patients with glaucoma have derived benefits from marijuana when conventional treatments have failed. Government experts have indicated that marijuana does relieve pain, and aids in the treatment of some disorders, such as glaucoma, muscle spasms, intractable pain, epilepsy, anorexia, asthma, insomnia, and depression. Other such ailments in which marijuana has been said to help are Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, repetitive migraines, and Alzheimer's disease. However it does not cure them, therefore cannot be legalized as a prescription drug. The point to this argument then is that even if just for some time, it does help the patient as a painkiller or in other ways.

Marijuana that serves as a painkiller is just like other drugs found in pharmacies which serve the same purpose. So why can't marijuana be sold in pharmacies like its counterparts? I personally believe that the stereotypical interpretation of the drug and its users has blindfolded people from seeing its beneficial aspects, and has the government constantly questioning its output. Possibly if the two sides would work together, an agreement could be established concerning procedures for further development and treatment. As for non-medicinal use of marijuana, one might argue points both for and against legalization. Some facts are that marijuana use is significantly less harsh than the use of almost any other illicit drugs including alcohol and tobacco, both of which are legal, barring age restrictions.

Long term effects are not completely known, though chronic users have been known to suffer from bronchitis, coughing, and chest pains, all of which are characteristics seen in long term tobacco use, again, tobacco is legal. Reduced testosterone and lowered sperm count may also be seen in men who are long term users, and women may have menstrual irregularity or a reduction in fertility. None of which are life threatening. Some users may become psychologically dependent and have great difficulty in stopping usage of the drug.

However, marijuana use does not lead to physical dependence, which means that it is not addictive. Tobacco and alcohol are both quite addictive to a user of any length of time. People believe that smoking marijuana may also amplify creativity or improve talents and / or capabilities. Some professionals have used such words as peacefulness or unconcern when regarding the feelings of a marijuana high. Does this sound like the horrible drug that is sometimes referred to as "the devil's harvest"? In any manner marijuana at the present day is still illegal, hence it is against the law to buy, sell, or possess the drug in this country no questions asked, and it has been that way since 1937.

Prohibition of marijuana over the past decades has not diminished the demand or availability of the drug. In fact the use of marijuana has actually risen due to the mass attention given to it, and the drugs massive subculture in many movies and in music. Underground and mainstream artist alike have made insinuations of the use of marijuana as a social drug. While some groups such as Cypress Hill, The Kottonmouth Kings, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, to mention a few promote the use of marijuana to a great extent, and continue to staple the ideas of legal marijuana use as a social drug into popular culture. I believe that marijuana is a secure part of our society and is simply going through the stages that alcohol had gone through during the prohibition era. In my eyes the only problems dealing with marijuana and its use are those that the government creates by continuing to prohibit the use of marijuana.

Both medically and socially there are strong cases lobbying for its legalization, I feel it is only a matter of time before the world has to open its eyes and accept the inevitable, legalization.