Medicinal Marijuana

Table of Contents:
I. Overview
II. History of Marijuana in the United States
III. Uses/Benefits of Medical Marijuana
IV. Negative Aspects
V. References
I. Overview
Throughout the history of the United States, there have been a plethora of fiercely debated and
controversial issues that have materialized. While many of these issues are of critical importance,
perhaps none is more controversial and trivial than the issue of marijuana. While many countries
have stepped out of the proverbial stone age, the federal government continues to abide by the
prohibition of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal uses, despite strong movements
fighting for the legalization of marijuana by multiple states. While countries such as Canada are
slowly but surely reforming their marijuana policies, the United States continues to bury its head
in the sand, failing to acknowledge the seemingly endless potential benefits and effects
marijuana can provide on both an economic and medical level.
II. History of Marijuana in the United States
The legality of marijuana has been in a constant state of change since it was first prohibited by
the United States. In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was enacted into law. Passed by
Congress, the Controlled Substances Act was the first of its kind, setting up a scheduling system
for both licit and illicit drugs. There are five schedules (I-V in roman numerals), with Schedule
I drugs having the highest risk. In order to be classified as a Schedule I, a drug must meet three
criteria: a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United
States, and a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical
supervision. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, MDMA, and LSD; however, the
most controversial and often-disputed Schedule I drug is marijuana. Many proponents argue that
cannabis does not meet the Controlled Substances Acts very strict and well-defined guidelines
for Schedule I placement and should therefore be removed. However, progress has yet to be
made, despite the fact that 17 states, including Washington D.C. have legalized the use of
medical marijuana.
[1]

[2]

III. Uses for Medical Marijuana

A number of states have passed legislation which enables the usage of medicinal marijuana.
Modern research suggests that cannabis has numerous medicinal uses, including but not limited
to: neuropathic and physical pain, nausea, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is an
invaluable aid to those having issues eating, as seen in persons with HIV/AIDS or those going
through chemotherapy. As of recent, a plethora of tests and studies have been conducting with

regards to marijuana and its effect on cancer. According to multiple emerging studies, some
properties of medicinal marijuana may help fight off forms of malignant tumors. Recently, a pair
of scientists at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco conducted extensive research
on medical marijuana and cancer; they determined that a compound derived from marijuana
could potentially stop metastasis, defined as the spread of cancer from one part of the body to
another , in many forms of aggressive cancer. Marijuana is also highly effective at
[3]

IV. Negative Aspects

The main ingredient that in marijuana is THC, tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the predominant
ingredient in the drug that gets a person high. In the human body there are already pre-existing
receptors, cannabinoid receptors, that THC acts upon. In the brain, where those receptors are
located, is where the human receives similar chemicals to THC named endocannabinoids, such
as anandamide. The main function of the receptors and chemical is to control brain development
and function. When marijuana is smoked it acts as those similar chemicals and overrides the
receptors, causing: distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and
problem solving, along with disrupted learning and memory
[1].

Other than it affecting a person negatively in their brain it also has negative effects on one's life.
There has been research conducted and it was able to conclude that a heavy user of the drug has
reports of lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, and less academic and career
success . The research was also able to conclude that, when abused, there was a more likelihood
of dropping out of school due to the fact that the users were either not going or just being late. It
also caused some test subjects to either lose their job and an increase of accidents at the
workplace.
[1]

One of the most common beliefs is that it can help aid in the process of omitting cancer from
one's body. That has been proven true but only to the fact that it stops the cancer cells from
forming. But, what it can do is actually speed up the process for a person to develop cancer due
to the fact that, when smoking marijuana regularly, it can deplete your immune system. While it
depletes your immune system, it is affecting your whole body because it causes a person to be
prone to more sickness. Especially when inhaled through the lungs, it is found to be more
harmful because it can rid of the macrophages, which help stop microorganisms from entering
your lungs. Without those it can be easier for potentially harmful organisms to enter and cause
damage to the body.
In addition to some sickness, some people are at more risk than others if they either have an
already bad immune system due to HIV/Aids, recent surgery, or chemotherapy because it can
cause them more harm by lowering their immune system even more. Some studies have also
been conducted showing that it is a possibility for HIV to turn into to full blown AIDS because
of smoking marijuana regularly.
According to many social beliefs marijuana is seen as not being addictive. But, as research
proves it is, in fact, addictive. Unlike many other drugs, where there is a constant need of the
drug to function properly, marijuana takes its addictive effect psychologically. The side effects
of this addiction is most commonly linked with:

Aggression
Anxiety
Depressed mood
Decreased appetite

V. References
1. "DEA / Drug Scheduling." DEA / Drug Scheduling. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
<http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ds.shtml>.
2. "17 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org." 17
Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org. N.p., n.d.
Web. 27 Sept. 2012. <http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?
resourceID=000881>.
3. "National Cancer Institute." Definition of Metastasis. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
<http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=46710>.
4. "DrugFacts: Marijuana." National Institute on Drug Abuse. N.p., Dec. 2012. Web. 7 Nov.
2013. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana>.
5. "Marijuana - Marijuana Use and Effects of Marijuana." WebMD. WebMD, 02 Mar. 0001.
Web. 7 Nov. 2013. <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/marijuana-use-and-itseffects>.
6. "THE MEDICAL DANGERS OF MARIJUANA USE." THE MEDICAL DANGERS OF
MARIJUANA USE. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
<http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99/marijuana/Health_1.html>.