Medical Marijuana: The Pros and Cons

Over the past twenty-seven years there has been much debate in America about medicinal marijuana and its effects on the human body. Many people argue that marijuana is an effective treatment for those suffering from Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. While marijuana may work well for these patients, it is not a remedy for all.

Marijuana has many soothing effects, that can ease the pain of a chronic illness, or a severe injury. A friend of mine, named "Gary", used prescribed medical marijuana pills to help his suffering from pancreatic cancer. He told me on many occasions how the pills turned the degree of his pain down, and allowed him to function throughout a day without too much trouble. He also revealed that the pills increased his appetite, which had been severely degraded as a result of his chemo treatments. They were specially manufactured pills that did not contain the element, THC [Tetrahydrocannibinol].

THC is a hallucinogen that produces a sense of euphoria, with a heightened stress on the five major senses. It can, however, cause many people under its effect to experience a heightened paranoia, or fear of things around them. With all of these fun, but somewhat dangerous effects, marijuana in medical form has to be altered.

The benefits of medical marijuana are great, but the negative influences on one's psychology are a concern. Long term use of the drug can lead to memory loss, both short term and long term. It also creates a sense of complacency, or lack of will. Science has not proven if marijuana, when smoked, causes lung cancer, but many report experiencing shortness of breath and other breathing problems associated with smoking it.

The original ban on marijuana in the United States began in 1937 when the Roosevelt administration crafted the first national US law making cannabis possession illegal in the US. This was enforced by waging an un-payable tax. Since being made illegal, thousands of American citizens have been sent to jail or hit with huge fines for the possession and cultivation of Marijuana. Recent studies have shed light on the fact that marijuana is currently the number one cash crop in the United States.

In conclusion, medical marijuana can be a viable alternative to mainstream medicine for those who can benefit from its effects. People must use caution however, as marijuana can lead to a devastating end if used in the wrong manner. The fact of the matter is, if you are incoherent you shouldn't operate machinery, or do anything potentially dangerous to yourself or others. It is my personal hope that marijuana can be used to help those who need it most.

DLP