argumentative essay about medical marijuana

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Medical Marijuana Argumentative Essay

Type of paper: Argumentative Essay

Topic: Ethos , Medical Marijuana , Aids , Marijuana , Nursing , Medicine , Law , Drugs

Words: 2500

Published: 02/29/2020

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Introduction Several medical and health organizations have recognized marijuana’s medical value. In fact, some of these medical organizations and other prominent associations have favorable medical marijuana positions such as the AIDS Action Council, American Academy of HIV Medicine, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS Project Rhode Island, just to name a few (Logos). Medical experts say that there is substantial evidence that have proven that marijuana is safe and effective for some patients (Ethos). My point is that marijuana is not to be considered as a purely illegal substance because of its medicinal value (Metacommentary). Essentially, I am arguing that medical marijuana does not send the wrong message to children. In short, legalizing the use of medical marijuana will not increase the recreational use of adolescents if they are properly informed that it can only be used by sick people for their cure (Metacommentary). My conclusion then is that it is absurd to punish patients for using medical marijuana so it is about time that all states enact laws to legalize its use. Thesis Statement: Legalizing the use of medical marijuana or its decriminalization is beneficial for the State as part of an income-generating measure and the patients who suffer from neuropathic pain.

- Marijuana has been proven to possess valid therapeutic purposes. - Medical marijuana does not send wrong message to children and adolescents. - Marijuana has not demonstrated significant harm to the immune system.

Reason One/Post One: Marijuana has been proven to possess valid therapeutic purposes.

For example, the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of Gonzales v. Raich, 545 U.S. 1 (2005), it was held that marijuana holds valid therapeutic purposes (Ethos) My point is that the SC ruling did not overturn the validity of state medical marijuana laws nor did the decision prevent the states from enacting new medical marijuana laws. In fact, the Supreme Court ruling preserved the status quo of Proposition 215 which was passed in California in 1996 (Logos). To put it in another way, it was maintained that the states may stop the arrest of medical marijuana patients on the basis of the state law. What legalization of medical marijuana really means is that there will be no prosecution of medical marijuana activities which had been permitted by state laws as expressed by the present Obama Administration in 2009 (Metacommentary). In other words, the new research confirmed that marijuana has indeed medical benefits. In sum then, the report of the three University of California studies that were published since from February 2007 reported that marijuana relieved neuropathic pain. This is known as the “pain that have been caused by the damage to nerves” (Logos) (Abrams, Jay, Shade, Vizoso, et al. 516). My conclusion then is that marijuana was able to provide “relief for neuropathic pain, which is the kind of pain which generally afflicts patients that have been diagnosed of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and other related conditions” (Abrams et al., 517). Essentially, I am arguing that “marijuana is one of the safest and most effective medicines for some patients” (Mirken, “New evidence shows marijuana is safe, effective – and maybe legal drugs aren’t”). For example, the recent studies that involved 215 patients who were allowed to use cannabis to manage chronic pain for a period of one year showed relief from muscle stiffness, spasms, sleep problems and body pains (Metacommentary). Medical experts say that the “215 patients showed promising results, as compared to the other patients who did not use marijuana” (Ethos) (Mirken, “New evidence shows marijuana is safe, effective – and maybe legal drugs aren’t”). My conclusion is that the substance marijuana has the tendency to augment the analgesic effects of opioids, that will allow longer treatment with only lower doses of substance needed by the patients, and has fewer side effects (Logos).

Reason Two/Post Two: Medical marijuana does not send wrong message to children and adolescents.

For example, the state-sponsored California Student Survey (CSS) that was conducted showed that medical marijuana laws did not increase teen marijuana use (Logos). To put it in another way, after the enactment of “California’s medical marijuana law or otherwise known as “Proposition 215” had shown that one year after the law became effective, the number of adolescents who use marijuana significantly dropped nearly half in some age groups” (Logos). (Skager, Austin, and Wong, “Marijuana Use and the Response to Proposition 215 among California Youth”). My point is that the use of medical marijuana should be legalized. To put it in another way, the surveys conducted by states have shown that students in the other medical marijuana states have reported decrease in teen marijuana use after state laws passed their own medical marijuana laws (Metacommentary). In fact, the state of “California has conducted an independent study to examine the effects of Proposition 215, as part of the 1997-98 CSS” (Ethos) (Skager, et al., “Marijuana Use and the Response to Proposition 215 among California Youth”). My conclusion then is that there was no convincing evidence that will support the claim that the passage of Proposition 215 increased marijuana use during the given period. In other words, the passage of laws that criminalize patients for using their medical marijuana is that which send the wrong message to children which advocate dishonesty (Pathos). Essentially, my point is that the claim that sick people who need medical marijuana must continue to suffer for the purpose of protecting the youth is what sends the wrong message to the children (Metacommentary). The legalization of marijuana requires that the youth should be taught on the difference between prescribed medicine and drug abuse. For example, the “children must be educated on what substances are to be prescribed under the Physicians’ Desk Reference, and these substances should not be used for recreational purposes” (Ethos) (Institute of Medicine 159). In sum, then, the youth must be fully informed that these drugs are not to be used for fun, but are given to patients as medicines with the prescription coming from a physician (Metacommentary). My conclusion, then, is that, it is the duty of the state to regulate marijuana use by advocating an advertisement campaign addressed to the public that marijuana should only be used by people who are seriously ill and suffering from dreaded diseases (Metacommentary).

Reason Three/Post Three: Marijuana has not demonstrated significant harm to the immune system.

For example, the recent scientific studies did not show any meaningful harm to the immune system from marijuana. This has been affirmed by the Institute of Medicine which stated that in spite of several allegations that marijuana suppresses the human immune system, the “health effects of marijuana-induced immunomodulation remain to be unsubstantiated” (Ethos) (Institute of Medicine 109). In other words, the short-term immune suppressive effects of marijuana have not been clearly established if they do exist. As a result, “patients who need marijuana should not deprive of the right to avail of the medical use of such drug (Logos) (Institute of Medicine 109). Essentially, my argument is that extensive research involving HIV/AIDS patients, having vulnerable immune systems did not demonstrate signs that will indicate any marijuana-related harm (Metacommentary). Based on the study of researcher/physician Donald Abrams from the University of California at San Francisco had revealed that there was no finding of any immune system damage after studying the effects of marijuana and Marinol. The participants of the study were “HIV/AIDS patients who took the anti-HIV combination therapy” (Ethos) (Institute of Medicine 125). In other words, the results revealed there is no indication of any immune system damage. In sum, the claim of the famous AIDS specialist in the person of Doctor Mary Romeyn who cited that even during the early studies on marijuana in the 1970s, the negative effect of the substance in the human immune system has not been shown to be triggered by excessive use of drugs by recreational users (Ethos). My conclusion, then, is that it is “better to consider marijuana and its medicinal value, rather than the socio-political effects it holds since it is considered as an effective medicine for HIV/AIDS patients” (Logos) (Institute of Medicine 126).

Post Four/Opposing Perspective: The adverse effects of marijuana outweigh its medicinal value.

Essentially, my argument is that marijuana does not differ significantly the other kinds of opiate drugs since it does not produce addiction obtained from morphine. In other words, the abstinence of marijuana will not cause the physiological withdrawal syndrome of its users (Metacommentary). For example, the continued use of marijuana is known to result in psychological dependence and deprivation that may lead to “anxiety, fear, fretfulness, irritability, restlessness, and even a state of depression” (Pathos) (Goode 159). In other words, this is the type of depression that may cause suicidal fantasies, episodes of mutilating actions or actual suicidal attempts (Pathos). In sum, another detrimental effect of marijuana includes the splitting of consciousness, where the user shall experience depersonalization or de-realization after it has entered the human system (Metacommentary). Medical experts reported that in one case, a “child who was accidentally exposed to marijuana resulted to amnesia” (Ethos) (Doweiko 152). They say that marijuana use resulted to impaired reflexes that can last up to 24 hours after the person’s last use of this particular substance. For example, a more serious and rare “adverse reaction of marijuana use can develop to a psychotic reaction leading to a drug-induced “psychosis” that will only clear-up after seven days” (Logos) (Doweiko 153). I therefore conclude that marijuana use can bring negative outcomes on the perception and memory of an individual based on 25 years of research (Metacommentary). In other words, the substance will accelerate the heart rate leading to cardiac diseases. Essentially, my point is that evidence had shown that chronic use of marijuana may cause physical changes in the brain. Medical experts revealed that the “smoke that comes from marijuana cigarettes is more harmful compared to the smoke that comes from the tobacco substance” (Ethos) (Doweiko 157). My argument is that decriminalization of marijuana in several states allowing marijuana use for medicinal purposes only increased the number of recreational users. Although marijuana has been proven to hold medicinal benefits, the unregulated use of the substance can cause harmful effects to the human system. The “primary ingredient of marijuana is the compound “tetrahydrocannabinol” or THC” (Logos) (Doweiko 157). In other words, the compound produces a significant effect on the human brain by creating a sense of euphoria among the users. Further, it gives the “high sensation that marijuana users experience while they see bright colors, go through rapid hallucinations and uncontrollable laughter” (Logos) (Grady, “5 Reasons Why Legalizing Marijuana Stinks). They say that after the euphoria lapses, the users experience a fear, anxiety, and depression which can also permanently affected the memory. For example, smoking marijuana also induces the heart beat by 20 to 100 percent (Logos). Medical experts claim that the frequent use of marijuana of at least five times or more may lead to a fatal heart attack (Ethos). Aside from these, the “smoke of marijuana can also affect the lungs which may eventually lead to cancer after having been exposed to toxic chemicals of at least five cigarettes per day” (Logos) (Grady, “5 Reasons Why Legalizing Marijuana Stinks”). Finally, my position is that decriminalization and legalization of medical marijuana shall only be allowed by every state for the purpose of curing the sick people who suffer from neuropathic pain, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. To put it in another way, marijuana use should only be allowed for medicinal purposes and not for recreational use (Metacommentary).

Essentially, I am arguing that legalizing the use of medical marijuana is beneficial for the State since it can serve as income-generating measure (Metacommentary). At the same time, it will also decriminalize the acts of patients who use marijuana to relieve neuropathic pain. Thus, legalizing the use of medical marijuana will prevent the arrest and imprisonment of seriously ill patients who use marijuana with their doctors’ approval (Logos). In the future, the best way to decriminalize the use of marijuana by sick people is the enactment of medical marijuana laws of all states. In short, the regulation of the substance will not only be for the benefit of the sick people, but the tax funds collected can be used to defray the expenses of the government (Metacommentary). Another argument that will support the legalization of marijuana is that it has been proven to possess valid therapeutic purposes to cure HIV/AIDS patients (Logos). In sum, the legalization of medical marijuana does not send wrong message to children since they should be informed that marijuana can only be used by seriously sick patients (Pathos). My conclusion is that medical marijuana has should be legalized since there is no proof that it can cause considerable harm to the immune system. Therefore, there is no valid reason why medical marijuana should remain illegal.

Works Cited:

Abrams, D., Jay, C., Shade, S., Vizoso, H., Reda, H., Press S., Kelly M., Rowbotham M., and Petersen, K., “Cannabis in painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial,” Neurology. 68: 515-521. Boles Ponto, Laura L. “Challenges of Marijuana Research”. Brain 129.5 (2006):1081- 1083 Drug Guide. Marijuana. The Partnership at Drug Free.org. (2014.) Web. Retrieved on 04 April 2014, from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/marijuana. Doweiko, Harold E. Concepts of Chemical Dependency. USA: Cengage Learning, 2009. Print Dupont, Robert L, MD. “Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana.” Marijuana and Money. CNBC Special Report. (April 20, 2010). Web. Retrieved on 06 April 2014, from http://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223/Why_We_Should_Not_Legalize_Marijuana. Gonzales v. Raich, 545 U.S. 1 (2005) Goode, Erich. Marijuana. New Jersey, USA: Transaction Publishers, 2010. Print. Lynne-Landsman, Sarah D., Melvin D. Livingston, and Alexander C. Wagenaar. “Effects of State Medical Marijuana Laws On Adolescent Marijuana Use.” American D.C.: National Academy Press, 1999. Print. Mehling, Randi and David J. Triggle. Marijuana. USA:Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. Print. Mirken, Bruce. “New evidence shows marijuana is safe, effective – and maybe legal drugs aren’t”. Marijuana Policy Project (2010). Web. Retrieved on 04 April 2014, from http://www.westcoastleaf.net/?p=161. Skager, R, Austin, G., and Wong, M. (1998). “Marijuana Use and the Response to Proposition 215 Among California Youth, a Special Study From the California

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Legalizing Medical Marijuana Argumentative Essay

• Author Kimberly Ball
• Category Popular Essay Topics

Disclaimer: This paper has been submitted by a student. This is not a sample of the work written by professional academic writers.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of StudySaurus.

Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) gets its name from the Spanish word marihuana. The first time for marijuana to be used was in 1894, it came from hemp, an Asian herb. The leaves of the plant can be smoked to cause intoxication to the patient. Many people have fought against the legalization of marijuana for medical use since the use of the drug began to spread among the people. A lot of research shows that marijuana has a positive effect on the society in America. The great number of people who say that marijuana should not be legalized do so because they assume that it cannot have any good effects on the society. The fact is that they do this without having considered both sides of the debate. Although it is true that legalizing marijuana can be the cause of many crimes and injuries, the benefits that could come from it if it is authorized for use as medicine would outweigh those disadvantages. Marijuana can be used in curing deadly diseases and boost the country’s economy. This essay aims at persuading law makers in the United Sates to make the use of marijuana for both medical purposes legal.

Marijuana has been with us for many years. In the past, the plant’s leaves and flowering parts were used to treat physiological as well as psychological disorders- the seeds were used as food. Many people support the proposition that marijuana should be made legal for medicinal purposes. There are many reasons why these people do this. One such a reason is that marijuana has shown a high efficacy in the management of medical conditions. In the United States, 20 states have legalized the medical use of marijuana (Ferner 2012). The first retail stores for Marijuana in Colorado were opened for the sale of Marijuana to people who have attained the age of 21 years or higher. There are still other countries where the use of medical marijuana has been legalized. Canada is one such a country. Since its legalization, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has reported a number of testimonies showing the success of use of marijuana as medication. One testimony is that of Pariseau, a 30-yaer-old AIDS patient. Before starting using medical marijuana, Pariseau could keep neither food nor medication in his system. After he began using marijuana for medication, a report from his doctor stated “He is doing remarkably well because he can now digest his medication. The HIV has been suppressed because of his improved immune function, he has put on weight and he has learned to walk again -with a cane” (Gray, 1998).

Use of marijuana as medicine can help alleviate pain alongside other health benefits. In addition, there are no proven disadvantages that are associated with the use of marijuana as medicine (Barnes, 2017). Unlike some other drugs, marijuana used for medical purposes is not addictive. No research has ever shown that marijuana is an addictive drug- people simply use it to please themselves. Marijuana is a herbal drug that can be obtained naturally. It is considered to be very safe in managing the symptoms of various diseases and health conditions like HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, Arthritis, hepatitis C, Alzheimer’s disease and migraines as well as some psychological conditions. For a fact, doctors from both within and outside the United States have recommended the use of marijuana as medicine (Friese & Grube, 2013). Marijuana has not shown any long term effects on the cognitive processes of the individual. The only effects occur only for a short time after intoxication, but the brain is not damaged by this in any way.

The people who protest the use of marijuana for medication think of economic relief. They have brought the topic of economic relief from the legalization of marijuana many times. If we take a look at the current problems that the economy of the United Sates is facing, we realize that legalizing medical marijuana has the potential to help boost our economy. Since many Americans will now be free to use the herb, it is likely to funnel money into our economy. The history of the United States has seen similar incidences before. In the prohibition, the bootleggers issue resembles the one on marijuana. At that time, when the government lifted the ban on alcohol, more money came back into the economy. Although the use of marijuana should be legalized, it goes without saying that the use of marijuana needs to be regulated. Just like on cigarettes and alcohol, laws should be made to regulate the use of marijuana once it is made legal for medical use. (smokers should not operate machines). Also, smoking at the place of work should call for firing just like drinking would. Though the feelings of people on this subject are mixed, quite a large number of people believe that marijuana is harmless. The legislators should look at the fact that marijuana makes one to be relaxed and less motivated. This would somehow link to the effect that it would have on the workforce and businesses in general. Lawmakers have to make laws that will govern how businesses that plan to sell only marijuana should operate- they have to determine its use and how much the business owner is going to be taxed for selling marijuana.

The natural herb could generate a lot of money for the economy if the right infrastructure were laid down showing how the drug should be used. Therefore, lawmakers should regulate the use and the sales of the drug. Legalizing marijuana at the federal level would give a large new stream of revenue. Although it may not be possible to know the size of the market for marijuana now and what may happen to the demand and the price for the drug under different legalization levels, we know that the legalization can cause a positive effect on the revenue income and the tax from sales (Ferner, 2012).

The economic benefits of marijuana legalization are not only from taxes- both the local and state governments would save a lot of money that is being spend currently on the regulation of the use of marijuana. Colorado and Washington states (which have made it legal to use marijuana for medical purposes) will serve as the testers for the other states when it comes to the possible positive effect on the economy of the whole country if all the states make it legal to use marijuana in treatment of diseases. It is estimated that Washington will generate up to $1.9 billion in a period of five years because it made marijuana legal. Marijuana legalization, nonetheless, should be made for use as medication and also be allowed for sale in retail shops so that if one person needs to use this medication but cannot get it from the hospital because it is so expensive there that they cannot afford it, they can obtain cheaper options from the dealers and stores to manage their conditions.

Although there are states that have legalized the use of marijuana as medication and have allowed people who possess the permit to sell it to the public, the laws that allow for this in such states have been ruled out by the federal government as being unconstitutional and therefore illegal. Majority of the people in America favor the use of marijuana for medical purposes and have expresses their support by voting. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration still can arrest and impose charges on any people who are aught trading in this substance in accordance with the act that deals with controlled substances (CSA). The laws that are in place in the United States are not in support of the demands of the people. This shows that more people are involved in the use of marijuana than the records show. The problem therefore comes in that while the substance is being sold and used all over the country, nothing comes from it in terms of income tax to help in boosting the economy of the country.

Just like all controversial topics, there are opponents. The first point presented by the opponents is that when smoked, marijuana causes a number of side effects- stunted growth and cancer. However, smoking is not the only way in which marijuana can be taken, one can take it orally or intravenously. These methods of administration will get rid of the problems associated with smoking the drug. Another claim they make is that despite being natural, hemp has harmful chemicals that can damage the user. They claim that THC that is contained in marijuana is harmful to the body. They favor the use of Marinol which also contains THC. In addition, technology can be used to separate the compounds present in the plant, it can also be used to remove he chemicals that are toxic and breed plants that do not have the chemical.

The opponents also claim that the use of marijuana also results in abstinent effects. Although Renard, Krebs, Le Pen & Jayin their 2014 study that there are some short-term effects on adolescents that are associated with marijuana, other later studies contradict this. These studies claim that no clearly defined relationship has been found between the use of marijuana and rates of addiction. According to drugabuse.gov, the use of marijuana does not cause the individual to use other drugs and there are very few withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana. It is therefore evident that the claims of the opponents are not based on facts and therefore they are not valid.

It does not seem reasonable that an herb that has been used by people since time immemorial because of its medicinal value has been made legal in the past few years just because of the people who have used it as a narcotic to harm their bodies. It is true to say that marijuana is not abused as much as other opium-derived drugs that are legal like ketamine and oxycodone. It is therefore unfair that marijuana, which is more valuable as medicine, is illegal while these other drugs are legal and are sold all over the country freely.

In conclusion, Marijuana is a very efficacious drug for medical use and therefore it needs to be legalized. We should stop grouping marijuana, a useful drug, with narcotics such as heroin and cocaine, it should instead be grouped together with other drugs that are used for the management of serious health conditions such as Adderall. Legalizing marijuana will boost the economy of our country by creating jobs to thousands of people in the United Sates who would otherwise be economically unproductive. My research shows that the positive effects of legalizing marijuana by far outweigh the negative impacts that could arise. Besides boosting the economy and keeping it strong, it can be used to manage health conditions that have previously been difficult to manage. Whether it is made legal or it remains illegal, people will still use it. Research has shown that the illegal drug whose use is commonest is marijuana. All the fifty states in the United States of America should legalize marijuana to help out people who are struggling with medical conditions that can seriously damage their health if not treated and which can be managed effectively by the use of marijuana. Marijuana can replace many things that are harmful to the environment and thus help to save the environment. There would be a tremendous decrease in violence and crime. Although a lot of people think that marijuana is harmful, I believe it can really help our society in this time of need.

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• Effective Arguments for Medical Cannabis Advocates
• Medical Cannabis

Introduction

The key to being a successful medical cannabis advocate is effective communication. Specifically, advocates must be able to: 1) convey the most important arguments in support of medical cannabis laws, and 2) respond to arguments made in opposition to medical cannabis laws. Whether you are engaging in personal discussions, participating in public debates, conducting media interviews, or corresponding with government officials, it is critical that you are prepared.

This document will provide you with the most persuasive talking points and strongest rebuttals to employ when communicating about medical cannabis. We recommend you keep it handy when conducting interviews or engaging in public debates. You are also welcome to convey the information verbatim or simply use it as a general guide when carrying out advocacy activities.

NOTE: Statistics can change rapidly and there are constant developments surrounding the issue. If you would like to confirm whether a given piece of information is current, or if you would like to suggest additions or revisions to this document, please contact the Marijuana Policy Project communications department at [email protected].

Proactive Arguments

These are the key points to convey when given the opportunity to make our case.

• Medical cannabis is proven to be effective in the treatment of a variety of debilitating medical conditions. A vast majority of Americans recognize the legitimate medical benefits of cannabis, as well as a large number of medical organizations.
• Seriously ill people should not be subject to arrest and criminal penalties for using medical cannabis. If cannabis can provide relief to those suffering from terrible illnesses like cancer and HIV/AIDS, it is unconscionable to criminalize them for using it. People who would benefit from medical cannabis should not have to wait – and in some cases cannot wait – for the right to use it legally.
• Suffering individuals should not be forced to use far more dangerous and addictive prescription medications. Cannabis is far less harmful and poses fewer negative side effects than most prescription drugs – especially opiate-based painkillers – and patients often find it to be a more effective treatment. Medical cannabis has been shown to allow patients to decrease or eliminate their use of prescription opiates — which cause more than 16,000 fatal overdoses each year in the U.S. [1] Cannabis does not cause fatal overdoses. It is cruel and senseless to force patients to use a potentially fatal medication instead of a safer alternative.
• State medical cannabis laws are needed to ensure patients have legal, safe, and reliable access to medical cannabis. Patients should not have to resort to the potentially dangerous underground market to access their medicine. By regulating medical cannabis, we can ensure it is free of pesticides, molds, and other impurities, and patients will know exactly what they are getting.
• Ninety-three percent of U.S. voters think cannabis should be legal for medical use, including 85% of Republicans, more than 95% of Democrats and independents, and more than 92% of each age group. [2] Thirty-seven states, the District of Columbia, and fiveS. territories have adopted laws that allow people with certain medical conditions to use medical cannabis, and similar laws are being considered in states around the country. An additional 12 states have adopted laws that recognize the medical value of at least some preparations of cannabis, but are either unworkable or exceptionally restrictive. Only one state — Idaho — has not approved any form of medical cannabis law.

Reactive Arguments

These are responses to arguments frequently made by opponents.

Cannabis has no medical value.

• There is a mountain of scientific evidence that demonstrates cannabis is a safe and effective medicine for people suffering from a variety of debilitating medical conditions. According to a review of more than 10,000 scientific abstracts released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in January 2017, “There is conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective” in the treatment of chronic pain in adults, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis spasticity. [3] In 1999, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported, “Nausea, appetite loss, pain, and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana.” [4]

Seven University of California studies published since July 2015 [5] have found that cannabis relieves neuropathic pain (pain caused by damage to nerves), a symptom commonly associated with multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and a variety of other conditions for which conventional pain drugs are notoriously inadequate — and it did so with only minor side effects . [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] Further, a 2015 McGill University study — the “‘first and largest study of the long term safety of medical cannabis use by patients suffering from chronic pain’” — found cannabis to have a “‘reasonable safety profile’” [13] with no increased risk of serious adverse effects. [14]

A 2008 article in the journal Cancer Research reported that cannabis has profound cancer-fighting abilities, killing malignant cancer cells associated with brain cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, and lymphoma. [15]

A 2011 study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal found cannabis to be effective in treating Crohn’s disease, with 45% of patients going into full remission and most of the remaining patients reporting significant improvement. [16]

• Some federal agencies have taken actions that demonstrate it recognizes the medical benefits of cannabis. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services holds a patent on the use of cannabinoids as neuroprotectants and antioxidants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the medical benefits of THC, a key component of cannabis, when it approved a synthetic form known as Marinol (or dronabinol in its generic form). Unfortunately, this prescription pill version has proven to be less effective than actual cannabis and has much more pronounced side effects, and many patients need the synergistic effects of many or all of cannabis’ compounds. The FDA also recognized the benefits of CBD, another cannabinoid, when it approved Epidiolex (which has CBD as its sole active ingredient) for certain intractable seizures.

On September 6, 1988, after hearing two years of testimony, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief administrative law judge Francis Young, ruled: “Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis cannabis can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care ... It would be unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious for DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance.” [17]

• Numerous medical organizations have examined the evidence and concluded that cannabis can be a safe, effective medicine for some patients. They include the American Public Health Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Nurses Association, and a number of state medical and public health organizations, among others. For example, the American College of Physicians stated, “Evidence not only supports the use of medical cannabis in certain conditions, but also suggests numerous indications for cannabinoids.” [18] In 2009, the American Medical Association called on the federal government to reconsider cannabis’s classification under federal law, noting clinical trials have shown cannabis’s medical efficacy. (See the following section for a larger list of organizations that support medical cannabis).

Medical cannabis is opposed by the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, and other medical organizations.

• A large and growing number of medical and health organizations have recognized cannabis’s medical value. In 2009, the American Medical Association made a major shift in its position, calling on the federal government to reconsider cannabis’s status as a Schedule I drug, which bars medical use under federal law. [19] Some medical organizations — such as the American Cancer Society — do not have a position on allowing medical cannabis, but neutrality shouldn’t be confused with supporting the arrest and imprisonment of patients. As former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders put it in a 2004 newspaper column, “I know of no medical group that believes that jailing sick and dying people is good for them.” [20]
• Surveys of physicians show strong support for medical cannabis. For example, a 2013 national survey of physicians conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine found that 76% of doctors supported use of cannabis for medical purposes. [21]
• Several prominent organizations have taken favorable positions on medical cannabis, including but not limited to: [22]

The American Academy of HIV Medicine, the American Bar Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association, the Arthritis Research Campaign, the British Medical Association, the California Society of Addiction Medicine, the Epilepsy Foundation, the Episcopal Church, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Lymphoma Foundation of America, the Medical Student Section of the American Medical Association, the National Association of People With AIDS, the National Association of Public Health Policy, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Union of Reform Judaism, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, and the U.S. Pain Foundation.

Medicine should be based on science, not politics or public opinion.

• The science is clear — cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of debilitating medical conditions. Countless researchers and organizations have documented the medical benefits of cannabis, including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the American College of Physicians, the American Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association, the Epilepsy Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the U.S. Pain Foundation. If medicine should be based on science and not politics, our laws should reflect the facts and allow doctors to recommend cannabis to patients if they believe it will be effective. If politicians stand in the way in states with a ballot initiative process, citizens often have no other option than to take the issue to the voters.

Medical cannabis is already available to some people.

• Thirty-seven states have adopted laws that allow patients with certain conditions to access medical cannabis if their doctors recommend it, but it is still illegal in the other 13 states and under federal law. A single patient in the United States legally receives cannabis from the federal government. He is enrolled in an experimental program that was closed to all new applicants in 1992. Thousands of Americans used cannabis through experimental state programs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but none of these programs are presently operating.

The only research studies on whole plant cannabis in the U.S. are a very small number of short-term , placebo controlled trials (meaning half of the participants do not get any cannabis) that have exhaustive lists of who cannot participate. In other words, the only way for patients to safely access medical cannabis is through state programs.

Medicine should be prescribed, not recommended.

• Doctors who recommend medical cannabis must examine patients and review their records, just as they would before prescribing any other medication. If we can trust doctors to write prescriptions, why not trust them to provide their professional recommendations on their letterhead? The only difference is that a prescription is recognized under federal law. The vast majority of doctors who are willing to write such recommendations do not do so lightly or casually, and state medical boards often investigate and discipline physicians who fail to follow appropriate standards of care.
• Despite its proven medical benefits, federal law prohibits doctors from “prescribing” cannabis for any reason. There needs to be a way for state criminal justice systems to determine who has a legitimate medical need for medical cannabis, so they require doctors’ recommendations instead. Doctors recommend many things: exercise, rest, chicken soup, vitamins, cranberry juice for bladder infections, and so on. The right of physicians to recommend cannabis when appropriate for a patient’s condition has been upheld by the federal courts.

There are already drugs available that work better than cannabis.

• Cannabis is safer than many prescriptions. More than 16,000 Americans die of overdoses on opioid-based medications each year, [23] while cannabis does not cause fatal overdoses. State laws should not force patients to use more addictive and deadly medications.
• Cannabis can be the most effective treatment — or the only effective treatment — for some patients. For example, existing prescription drugs often fail to relieve neuropathic pain — pain caused by damage to the nerves — whereas cannabis has been shown to provide effective relief, even in patients for whom the conventional drugs have failed. This type of pain affects millions of Americans with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Different people respond differently to different medicines; the most effective drug for one person might not work at all for another, or it might have more pronounced side effects. There are often a variety of drugs on the market to treat the same ailment, which is why the Physicians’ Desk Reference comprises 3,000 pages of prescription drugs instead of just one drug per symptom or condition. For example, consider all of the prescription drugs available to treat pain: Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Codeine, etc. There is a reason why we don’t just determine which is “best” and then ban all of the rest. Treatment decisions should be made in doctors’ offices, not by politicians, bureaucrats, and law enforcement officials. Doctors must have the freedom to choose what works best for each of their patients.

Cannabis is already available in the form of a prescription pill.

• The prescription pill can be problematic for many patients. The prescription pill known as Marinol (with the generic name dronabinol) is not actually cannabis; it is a synthetic version of THC, the psychoactive component responsible for cannabis’s “high.” It can take an hour or longer to take effect, whereas vaporized or smoked cannabis is effective almost instantaneously. Also, the dose of THC absorbed in the pill form is often too high or too low, and its slow and uneven absorption makes dosing difficult. In 2003, The Lancet Neurology reported, “Oral administration is probably the least satisfactory route for cannabis.” [24] In its 2008 position paper on medical cannabis, the American College of Physicians noted, “Oral THC is slow in onset of action but produces more pronounced, and often unfavorable, psychoactive effects than those experienced with smoking.” [25] If the prescription pill were sufficient, why would hundreds of thousands of seriously ill people break the law by using whole cannabis instead?
• Cannabis contains more than 80 active cannabinoids in addition to THC, and many of them contribute to cannabis’s therapeutic effects. [26] For example, cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, anti-seizure, and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as the ability to protect nerve cells from many kinds of damage. [27] CBD also moderates the effects of THC, so patients are less likely to get excessively “high.” Other cannabinoids naturally contained in cannabis have also shown significant therapeutic promise.
• Patients suffering from nausea, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are often unable to keep pills down. During a meeting of an expert panel convened by the National Institutes of Health in 1997 to review the scientific data on medical cannabis, panel member Mark Kris, M.D. said, “[T]he last thing that [patients] want is a pill when they are already nauseated or are in the act of throwing up.” [28]

If the prescription pill form doesn’t work, we should just develop other forms of delivery.

• The availability of such delivery systems should not be used as an excuse to maintain the prohibition of the use of natural cannabis. As long as there are patients and doctors who believe whole cannabis is effective, they should not be punished for using or recommending it, regardless of what alternatives are available.
• A safe and effective delivery system for whole cannabis already exists: vaporization. Vaporizers are simple devices that give users the fast action of inhaled cannabinoids without most of those unwanted irritants. [29] , [30] Essentially, vaporizing entails heating it to the point that it releases the active chemicals in vapor form, so there is no smoke involved. Any delivery system that helps patients should be made available, but their development should not substitute for the research into cannabis that is necessary for FDA approval of this natural medicine.

There is a cannabis spray that makes the crude plant unnecessary.

• The liquid extract of whole cannabis proves cannabis is an effective medicine. Sativex (or nabiximols in its generic form) is a mouth spray that has been approved in Canada and a number of European countries for the treatment of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Its producer, GW Pharmaceuticals, is in the process of getting it approved in the United States, but it is likely to take several years.
• Cannabis in its natural form has significant advantages over Sativex. For one thing, Sativex acts much more slowly than cannabis that is vaporized or smoked. Peak blood levels are reached in one and a half to four hours, as opposed to a matter of minutes with inhalation. [31] Also, patients have found that different strains of cannabis are often more effective for different conditions. Sativex is just one specific preparation of cannabis, so it is unlikely to help every patient who benefits (or could benefit) from whole cannabis or other preparations of extracts. Patients and doctors should be able to choose which form of cannabis presents the best option.

The FDA says that cannabis is not a medicine and medical cannabis laws subvert its drug approval process.

• We know much more about cannabis’s safety and efficacy than most off-label prescriptions. Half of all current prescriptions have not been declared safe and effective by the FDA. Around 20% of all drug prescriptions in this country are “off-label” — i.e., they are prescribed to treat conditions for which they were not approved. [32]
• State medical cannabis laws do not conflict with the FDA drug approval process. They simply protect medical cannabis patients from arrest and jail under state law. Also, the FDA does not bar Americans from growing, using, and possessing a wide variety of medical herbs that it has not approved as prescription drugs, including echinacea, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort.
• The federal government has blocked most researchers from doing the specific types of studies that would be required for licensing, labeling, and marketing cannabis as a prescription drug. They’ve created a perfect Catch-22: Federal officials say “Marijuana isn’t a medicine because the FDA hasn’t approved it,” while making sure that the studies needed for FDA approval never happen.
• Technically, cannabis should not require FDA approval. Prior to the agency being created by the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, about two-dozen preparations of cannabis were on the market, many of which were produced by well-known pharmaceutical companies. Under the terms of the Act, cannabis is not a “new” drug, thus it should not be subject to FDA new drug approval requirements. Many older drugs, such as aspirin and morphine, were “grandfathered in” under this provision without ever being submitted for new-drug approval by the FDA.

Cannabis is too dangerous to be used as a medicine; there are 10,000 studies showing cannabis is dangerous.

• A large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates that the health risks associated with cannabis are actually relatively minor. The 1999 Institute of Medicine report noted, “[E]xcept for the harms associated with smoking, the adverse effects of marijuana use are within the range of effects tolerated for other medications. [33] In 2008, the American College of Physicians agreed, citing cannabis’s “relatively low toxicity.” [34] (See the following section for more information about smoking.)
• Cannabis is non-lethal and does not contribute to or increase the likelihood of death. In January 2017, the National Academies of Sciences released an exhaustive review of cannabis-related research that found no link between cannabis use and increased mortality or fatal overdoses. [35] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has never listed cannabis as a cause of death (although it does list alcohol and other drugs). A government-funded study conducted by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente HMO found no association between cannabis use and premature death in otherwise healthy people. [36] Cannabis is so safe that patients can easily find the proper dose themselves with no danger of overdose. As University of Washington researcher Dr. Gregory Carter and colleagues noted in a recent journal article, “THC (and other cannabinoids) has relatively low toxicity and lethal doses in humans have not been described ... It has been estimated that approximately 628 kilograms of cannabis would have to be smoked in 15 minutes to induce a lethal effect.” [37] Meanwhile, prescription drugs have become one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. [38] Why is it okay for people to use these potentially deadly prescription drugs, but not okay for them to use a drug that has never killed anyone?
• All medicines can have some negative side effects, but with cannabis they are relatively minimal. For example, Tylenol (acetaminophen) has been estimated to kill nearly 500 Americans per year by causing acute liver failure, [39] while no one has ever died from cannabis But no one would seriously suggest banning Tylenol because it’s too dangerous. In contrast, recent medical cannabis studies have found no significant side effects. The question is this: Do the benefits outweigh the risks for an individual patient? Such decisions should be made by doctors and patients, not the criminal justice system.
• The “10,000 studies” claim is simply not true. The University of Mississippi Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences maintains a 12,000-citation bibliography on the entire body of cannabis The institute notes: “Many of the studies cited in the bibliography are clinical, but the total number also includes papers on the chemistry and botany of the Cannabis plant, cultivation, epidemiological surveys, legal aspects, eradication studies, detection, storage, economic aspects and a whole spectrum of others that do not mention positive or negative effects ... However, we have never broken down that figure into positive/negative papers, and I would not even venture a guess as to what that number would be.” [40]

Medicine should not be smoked, and smoking cannabis is more harmful than smoking tobacco.

• There are many ways to consume cannabis other than smoking, such as vaporizing, edible products, tinctures, and capsules. Vaporizers are simple devices that give users the fast action of inhaled cannabinoids without most of the unwanted irritants found in smoke. Research on vaporizers has proceeded more slowly than it should have because of federal obstructionism.
• Extensive research has failed to find a link between cannabis and cancer. In January 2017, the National Academies of Sciences released a review of more than 10,000 scientific abstracts that concluded there is no link between smoking cannabis and the development of lung, head, or neck cancers. [41] It also did not find a link between cannabis use and asthma or other respiratory diseases, and the respiratory problems it did link to smoking cannabis, such as bronchitis, appeared to improve after consumers stopped using it. Similarly, in 1999, the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine reported, “There is no conclusive evidence that marijuana causes cancer in humans, including cancers usually related to tobacco use.” [42]

According to research published in the journal Cancer, Causes, and Control , cannabis inhalation — unlike tobacco smoking — has not been positively associated with increased incidences of cancers of the lung, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast, colon, skin, or prostate. [43] It was also reaffirmed in 2006 by the largest case-controlled study ever conducted to investigate the respiratory effects of cannabis smoking and cigarette smoking. The study, led by Dr. Donald Tashkin at the University of California at Los Angeles, found “no association at all” between cannabis smoking and an increased risk of developing lung cancer, even among subjects who reported smoking more than 22,000 joints over their lifetimes. [44] , [45]

Surprisingly, the UCLA researchers found that people who smoked cannabis actually had  lower incidences of cancer compared to non-users, leading them to the conclusion that cannabis might have a protective effect against lung cancer. Other studies have shown that cannabis can kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. [46] , [47]

• All medicines have risks and side effects, and part of a physician’s job is to evaluate those risks in relation to the potential benefits for the individual patient. Many prescription drugs have side effects — most of which are far more severe than those of cannabis — but that doesn’t mean it should be illegal for seriously ill people to use them.

Smoking cannabis allows near-immediate relief and is one of the most affordable modes of administration. For some patients — including terminal cancer patients and people needing emergency relief from a paralyzing spasm or during a pre-seizure aura — the benefits of smoking cannabis outweigh the risks.

Cannabis is bad for the immune system.

• Scientific studies have not demonstrated any significant harm to the immune system caused by cannabis. The Institute of Medicine reported, “Despite the many claims that cannabis suppresses the human immune system, the health effects of cannabis-induced immunomodulation are still unclear.” [48] The IOM also noted, “The short-term immunosuppressive effects [of cannabis] are not well established; if they exist at all, they are probably not great enough to preclude a legitimate medical use.” [49]
• Extensive research in HIV/AIDS patients — whose immune systems are particularly vulnerable — shows no sign of cannabis-related harm. University of California at San Francisco researcher Donald Abrams, M.D. has studied cannabis and Marinol in AIDS patients taking anti-HIV combination therapy. Not only was there no sign of immune system damage, but the patients gained T-lymphocytes, the critical immune system cells lost in AIDS, and also gained more weight than those taking a placebo. Patients using cannabis also showed greater reductions in the amount of HIV in their bloodstream. [50] Long-term studies of HIV/AIDS patients have shown that cannabis use (including social or recreational use) does not worsen the course of their disease. For example, in a six-year study of HIV patients conducted by Harvard University researchers, cannabis users showed no increased risk of developing AIDS-related illness. [51] In her book Nutrition and HIV , internationally known AIDS specialist Mary Romeyn, M.D. noted, “The early, well-publicized studies on marijuana in the 1970s, which purported to show a negative effect on immune status, used amounts far in excess of what recreational smokers, or wasting patients with prescribed medication, would actually use ... Looking at marijuana medically rather than sociopolitically, this is a good drug for people with HIV.” [52]

Cannabis contains over 400 chemicals, including most of the harmful compounds found in tobacco smoke.

• The number of chemical compounds in a substance is irrelevant. Coffee, mother’s milk, broccoli, and most foods also contain hundreds of different chemical compounds. Cannabis is a relatively safe medicine, regardless of the number of chemical compounds found therein. The fact that cannabis has more than 80 cannabinoids is actually another reason that whole plant cannabis is such an important option for patients — and why prescriptions with a single extracted cannabinoid often fail to provide the same relief. As CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained, “While science has not yet shown the exact role or mechanism for all these various compounds, evidence is mounting that these compounds work better together than in isolation: That is the ‘entourage effect.’”

Cannabis use can increase the risk of mental illness, including schizophrenia.

• There is no compelling evidence demonstrating cannabis causes psychosis in otherwise healthy individuals. Overall, the evidence suggests that cannabis can precipitate schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals but is unlikely to cause the illness in otherwise normal persons. [53] A recent study implied the reverse, finding that those predisposed to schizophrenia may be more likely to use cannabis. [54] Epidemiological data show no correlation between rates of cannabis use and rates of psychosis or schizophrenia. Countries with high rates of cannabisuse don’t have higher rates of these illnesses than countries where cannabis use is more rare, and research has consistency failed to find a connection between increases in cannabis use and increased rates of psychosis. [55] , [56] , [57] As with all medications, the physician needs to consider what is an appropriate medication in light of the individual patient’s situation and may well suggest avoiding cannabis or cannabinoids in patients with a family or personal history of psychosis. This is the sort of risk/benefit assessment that physicians are trained to make. 

Medical cannabis laws send the wrong message to teens.

• There does not appear to be a link between the passage of medical cannabis laws and increases in teen cannabis use, and in some cases it appears to be associated with decreases in teen use. A national study covering 24 years of data published in The Lancet Psychiatry in 2015 found that medical cannabis laws do not lead to an increase in teen cannabis According to the lead researcher, the findings “provide the strongest evidence to date that marijuana use by teenagers does not increase after a state legalizes medical marijuana.” [58] Similarly, as an exhaustive 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics concluded, “Consistent with the results of previous researchers, there was no evidence that the legalization of medical marijuana encourages marijuana use among youth.” [59] In a 2021 follow-up study, the researchers found, “In the fully adjusted models, [medical marijuana law] adoption also was not associated with current marijuana use or frequent marijuana use.” [60]
• Laws that are not based on science send the wrong message to young people — especially those that needlessly criminalize seriously ill people for using a substance with proven medical benefits. Children should be taught the facts about all drugs and the difference between medical use and abuse. We allow doctors to prescribe cocaine, morphine, and methamphetamine, and we teach young people that these drugs are used for medical purposes. We can do the same thing with cannabis.

We can’t allow patients to grow cannabis, especially in homes with children.

• Patients should be able to grow their own medical cannabis if it is the best way for them to access it, and sometimes it’s the only way to access — or afford — Some patients are not able to access a medical cannabis dispensary because there isn’t one nearby or they do not have a means of transportation. Because it is federally illegal, medical cannabis isn’t covered by insurance, so many patients are only able to afford cannabis if they cultivate it themselves.
• We allow people to possess all sorts of prescription drugs, most of which are far more dangerous than a few cannabis plants being grown in a patient’s basement or closet. All medicines need to be handled with appropriate care and kept out of easy reach of children. There are already laws against selling cannabis to non-patients, and child protective services agencies already have the power to protect children whose parents are engaged in criminal activity. A medical cannabis law that allows patients to grow limited amounts of cannabis will not change any of this.
• Criminals break into homes every day to steal valuable items — jewelry, high-end electronics, and even prescription drugs. We don’t ban possession of these items because the owners might be victims of a crime. By this logic, parents shouldn’t be allowed to drive Chevrolet pickup trucks (the most-stolen vehicle in 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau). If medical cannabis is legal, it should be treated like any other legal product.

Medical cannabis laws are full of loopholes.

• With 37 states having enacted medical cannabis laws, the laws are as varied as the states themselves. Some early laws did not include regulations, while some newer ones are so restrictive and onerous that they leave behind most patients or force them to make lengthy drives to get their medicine. There are also plenty of examples of states that have taken a more reasonable middle ground, imposing reasonable regulations without steering pain patients away from medical cannabis and toward opiates. Arkansas, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah are some of the many states that fall into that category. States considering medical cannabis legislation have a variety of examples to learn from, which allows them to craft a well-regulated program that serves both patients and communities.
• No law will ever be considered entirely perfect by everyone. The goal is to produce the best possible law that is supported by the most voters. Ultimately, medical cannabis advocates have nothing to gain and everything to lose by wording initiatives poorly.

Medical cannabis laws basically legalize cannabis for everyone.

• These laws typically only allow people to use cannabis if they have a qualifying medical condition and receive a recommendation from a licensed physician who believes it will benefit them. In most states — especially states where legislatures enacted the medical cannabis law — patients only qualify if they have a medical condition that is listed in the bill.
• Government data shows that an average of 1.5% of medical cannabis states’ populations are enrolled in most medical cannabis [61] In comparison, one-third of Americans were prescribed painkilling opioids in the past two years, and 16% use cannabis each year. [62]

Medical cannabis laws confuse law enforcement officials.

• What’s so confusing? If a person has documentation showing they are a legal medical cannabis patient or caregiver, they shouldn’t be arrested or prosecuted . It is no more confusing than determining whether someone is a licensed driver, the legal owner of a piece of property, or whether they are drinking alcohol underage.
• It is not uncommon for law enforcement to initially be wary of or opposed to proposed medical cannabis laws; but post-enactment, law enforcement officials often recognize that the laws have not caused problems . For example, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Dennis Flaherty had strenuously opposed allowing medical cannabis. However, a year after enactment, he did not oppose adding intractable pain to the program. As a local paper reported, Flaherty “said police are unaware of any problems with the current cannabis program and do not expect any now that pain will be included.”

Medical cannabis dispensaries are out of control or magnets for crime.

• State-regulated medical cannabis dispensaries are tightly controlled and have not been linked to any significant problems. In most states, medical cannabis dispensaries are among the most tightly regulated businesses, and they are under an exceptional amount of scrutiny. As a result, they do everything they can to follow the rules and keep things under control.
• There is no evidence that medical cannabis businesses contribute to an increase in crime, and there is some evidence that they might reduce it. In February 2017, researchers published an analysis of FBI crime data from 1988-2013 that found “no causal effects of medical marijuana laws on violent or property crime” at the national level or in individual states. [63] The one exception it highlighted was California, where the medical cannabis law appears to have contributed to a 20% drop in such crimes.

Medical cannabis is just a Trojan horse for broader legalization.

• Medical cannabis laws are being passed to help people, not to further broader legalization efforts. Criminalizing seriously ill people for using medical cannabis is the most egregious element of cannabis prohibition, so it’s not surprising that voters and lawmakers are addressing it before moving on to the broader legalization debate. Supporters of medical cannabis include some of the most respected medical and public health organizations in the country, including the American College of Physicians, the American Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association, the Academy of HIV Medicine, the Epilepsy Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Surely these organizations are not part of a conspiracy to legalize cannabis and other drugs.
• Every law should be judged on its own merits. If voters or lawmakers believe seriously ill people should be allowed to use medical cannabis, they will support a law that allows it. If a broader reform measure comes up, they can decide then whether they want to support or oppose it. There is no reason why we can’t pass a medical cannabis law now just because some people are worried there will be support for other laws later.

The government is making it easier to do medical cannabis research.

• The federal government remains intensely hostile to medical cannabis. As a Schedule I drug, cannabis can be researched as a medicine only with federal approval. Some studies have been completed, and they have all shown medical cannabis to be safe and effective, but they have not been large enough to bring about FDA approval of cannabis as a prescription drug. More research is always desirable, but we know enough right now to know that there is no justification for arresting patients using medical cannabis under their doctors’ care.

State medical cannabis laws violate federal law.

• Since late 2014, Congressional appropriations bills have prohibited the Department of Justice (including the DEA) from using funds to interfere in the implementation of laws that allow the cultivation, distribution, and use of cannabis for medical purposes. [64] A federal court of appeals ruling found that this provision was applicable not only to state government programs, but to individuals and groups that are acting in compliance with state laws. [65]
• States are not required to enforce federal laws against cannabis possession or cultivation. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) specifically allows states to enact their own laws related to controlled substances, and states are free to determine their own penalties — or lack thereof — for drug offenses.
• State government employees have never faced punishments for carrying out state medical cannabis laws — even in situations when law enforcement officials have returned seized cannabis to the owners. Following the passage of a medical cannabis law in Arizona, Gov. Jan Brewer filed a lawsuit claiming the state could not implement the law because state employees would face prosecution. In a reply brief, the Department of Justice basically said the fears were unfounded. 

The courts have ruled cannabis is not medicine and states cannot legalize medical cannabis.

• No court has ruled that states cannot adopt and implement medical cannabis There would not be 37 functioning state medical cannabis laws if that were the case. The Supreme Court’s June 2005 decision in Gonzales v. Raich simply preserved the status quo — states can stop criminalizing medical cannabis under state law, but these laws don’t create immunity from federal prosecution.

Since late 2014, however, Congressional appropriations bills have prohibited federal law enforcement from interfering with state medical cannabis laws. Why would states tie their own hands in the name of a federal law that isn’t enforced?

• The U.S. Department of Justice has never tried to challenge the rights of states to enact medical cannabis
• If the federal government tried to force states to ban medical cannabis, it would be unconstitutional “commandeering” — a violation of the Tenth Amendment. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Congress' attempt to prohibit states from legalizing sports gambling, finding, "It is as if federal officers were installed in state legislative chambers and were armed with the authority to stop legislators from voting on any offending proposals. A more direct affront to state sovereignty is not easy to imagine.” [66] The same rationale would apply to any federal attempt to prohibit states from enacting their own medical cannabis laws. But of course, Congress has done the opposite since 2014 — it has prohibited the enforcement of federal laws in a way that interferes with state medical cannabis laws.

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[32] Radley, David C., Finkelstein Stan N., and Stafford, Randall S., “Off-label Prescribing Among Office-Based Physicians," Archives of Internal Medicine  166 (9), 2006: 1021–1026. [33] Institute of Medicine, 5. [34] American College of Physicians, “Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana,” 2008. [35] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. “The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research,” (2017). [36] Sidney S., et al., “Marijuana Use and Mortality,” American Journal of Public Health 87(4), April 1997: 585-590. [37] Carter, Gregory T., et al., “Medicinal Cannabis: Rational Guidelines for Dosing,” IDrugs 7(5), 2004: 464-470. [38] Guarino, Mark, “Prescription drug abuse now more deadly than heroin, cocaine combined,” Christian Science Monitor , October 7, 2013. [39] Fontana, Robert J., “Acute Liver Failure including Acetaminophen Overdose,” Medical Clinics of North America 92(4), 2008: 761-794. [40] Letter from Beverly Urbanek, Research Associate of the University of Mississippi Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (601-232-5914), to Dr. G. Alan Robison, Drug Policy Forum of Texas, June 13, 1996. [41] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. “The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research,” (2017). [42] Institute of Medicine, Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base (Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1999). [43] Sidney, et al., “Marijuana Use and Cancer Incidence,” Cancer, Causes, and Control 8 (1997): 722–28. [44] Hashibe, et al., “Marijuana Use and the Risk of Lung Cancer and Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer: Results of a Population-based Case-control Study,” Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention 15 (2006): 1829–34. [45] Mark Kaufman, “Study Finds No Cancer-Marijuana Connection,” The Washington Post , May 26, 2006. [46] Sarfaraz, et al., “Cannabinoids for Cancer Treatment: Progress and Promise,” Cancer Research 68 (2008): 339–42. [47] Manuel Guzman, “Cannabinoids: Potential Anticancer Agents,” Nature Reviews Cancer 3 (2003): 745–755. [48] Institute of Medicine, 109. [49] Institute of Medicine, 126. [50] Abrams D., et al., “Short-Term Effects of Cannabinoids in Patients With HIV-1 Infection,” Annals of Internal Medicine 139 (2003): 258-266. [51] Di Franco, M.J., et al., “The Lack of Association of Marijuana and Other Recreational Drugs With Progression to AIDS in the San Francisco Men’s Health Study,” Annals of Epidemiology 6(4), 1996: 283-289. [52] Romeyn, Mary, Nutrition and HIV: A New Model for Treatment , Second Edition (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998), 117-118. [53] Hall, W., Degenhardt L., “What are the policy implications of the evidence on cannabis and psychosis?,” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 51(9), August 2006: 566-574. [54] Power, R. A., et al., “Genetic predisposition to schizophrenia associated with increased use of cannabis,” Molecular Psychiatry 19 (2014): 1201-1204. [55] Hall, W., “Is Cannabis Use Psychotogenic?,” The Lancet , vol. 367, January 22, 2006. [56] Frisher, M., et al., “Assessing the Impact of Cannabis Use on Trends in Diagnosed Schizophrenia in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2005,” Schizophrenia Research , Vol. 113, September 2009. [57] Proal, Ashley C. et al., “A controlled family study of cannabis users with and without psychosis,” Schizophrenia Research 152 (2014): 283-288. [58] Hasin, Deborah S, et al., “Medical marijuana laws and adolescent marijuana use in the USA from 1991 to 2014: results from annual, repeated cross-sectional surveys,” The Lancet Psychiatry , Vol. 2, Issue 7, 601-608. [59] Anderson DM, Hansen B, Rees DI, Sabia JJ. “Association of Marijuana Laws With Teen Marijuana Use: New Estimates From the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys,” JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(9):879–881. [60] Anderson DM, et al. Association of Marijuana Legalization With Marijuana Use Among US High School Students, 1993-2019. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(9):e2124638. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.24638 [61] See: “Medical Marijuana Patient Numbers, MPP, September 2022 update. https://www.mpp.org/issues/medical-marijuana/state-by-state-medical-marijuana-laws/medical-marijuana-patient-numbers/ [62] "One-Third of Americans Have Received an Opioid Prescription in the Past Two Years," NORC at the University of Chicago, Sept. 27, 2018; A.J. Herrington, "Gallup Poll Finds More Americans Smoke Marijuana Than Cigarettes," Forbes, Aug 29, 2022. [63] Chu, Yu-Wei Luke and Townsend, Wilburn. “Joint Culpability: The Effects of Medical Marijuana Laws on Crime,” February 2017: 1. [64] Pub. 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Marijuana Argumentative Outline

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211 Marijuana Essay Topics & Examples

Should marijuana be legalized? This question is controversial and worth discussing!

🔝 Top 10 Marijuana Research Topics

🌱 marijuana essay: how to write, 🏆 best marijuana essay examples.

• 💡Interesting Cannabis Topics to Write about

🥇 Exciting Marijuana Essay Topics

🎓 controversial weed topics, 🔎 marijuana research paper topics, ❓ marijuana research questions.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug made from a plant and used for recreational and medical purposes. Being fully prohibited in some countries, it is fully legalized in others. In your essay about marijuana, you might want to focus on the pros and cons of its legalization. Another option is to discuss marijuana dependence. One more idea is to compare and contrast marijuana laws in various US states. Finally, you can discuss the business aspects of the issue.

Whether you have to write an argumentative, descriptive, or cause and effect essay, our article will be helpful. It contains marijuana topics to research and write about. You can use them for a paper, speech, or any other assignment. Best marijuana essay examples are added to inspire you even more.

• Mental and physical effects of cannabis
• Marijuana and mental ability: the correlation
• Cannabis consumption: the key modes
• Marijuana: short-term and long-term effects
• Cannabis and reproductive health
• History of cannabis
• Legal status of marijuana in various countries: compare and contrast
• Should cannabis be legalized?
• Cannabis as a gateway drug
• The use of marijuana for medical purposes

With the current-day process of drug legalization and the popularization of cannabis, writing a marijuana essay becomes more than a one-track, anti-drug endeavor.

Whether your stance is for or against recreational drug use, you should be able to call upon credible sources to form a well-rounded and informed opinion that may sway your readers toward your cause.

Starting from your pre-writing process and bibliography and until you write your conclusion, you need to keep in mind particular points that will make tackling any marijuana essay topics easy. From a structural and pre-writing viewpoint, you should:

• Brainstorm your ideas. Doing so will allow you to decide on a particular approach to your subject.
• Do your research, compiling your bibliography, and perusing various book and journals titles, as well as research papers, interviews, and statistics.
• Utilizing authoritative sources to support your argument will make your writing more academic and respectable.
• Write a marijuana essay outline, which should help you better your essay structurally.
• Compose an eye-catching title. Marijuana essay titles are already intriguing, so do your best not merely to draw your readers in but to prepare them for your argument by demonstrating your stance on the topic.

If you are still not sure how to begin your paper, look for sample ones online. Searching for good examples will help you understand the tools that work in essay writing, which ones you can apply to your issue, and which bore the audience.

Just remember that plagiarism is a punishable offense. However, gaining some inspiration from the work of others is not!

Now you are ready to begin, having carried out the research and created guidelines for your writing process. However, an intriguing title and an issue that may easily excite people is not enough to convince your readers of your subject’s validity.

Nonetheless, the potentially provocative nature of your paper provides you with the ability to write a fail-safe marijuana essay hook. Your introduction should build upon the sentiment expressed in your title and give your audience an initiative to read further.

You can start by providing surprising statistics or describing a present drug scenario. The goal of writing an introduction is to give your readers a brief understanding of your issue and present them with partial facts, making them want to continue reading.

Do not be afraid to expand your topics and link various data together while keeping in mind an academic approach.

Adverse societal effects of marijuana use may include an increase in the number of car accident cases, especially if there is no culture of safety around recreational drug use. However, trying to link it to society’s degradation may require more evidence than mere statistics.

Understand which approach is more likely to convince your audience and be ready to respond to potential counterarguments to your facts. Treating your audience as knowledgeable is one of the central characteristics of a good essayist.

Remember to write only sentences that are relevant to your argument. A sound mental practice when writing an essay is to continuously ask yourself, whether each phrase relates to your thesis statement.

If yes, does it help advance it forward? If the answers for these questions is no, you may have to rephrase, remove, or even re-research your facts to demonstrate a compelling understanding of the issue.

Need more essential tips to get your essay started? Use IvyPanda for all your academic needs!

• Reason Why Marijuana Should Be Legal This is an important consideration since data on the prevalence of Marijuana indicates that the US is still the world’s largest single market for the drug.
• Alcohol and Drugs Effects on High School Students According to Martin, “society also advertises the image of individual and social happiness for alcohol and drug users; this misconception results in the societal decrease of achievement, especially, of high school age students”.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Marijuana Countries including Netherlands, Israel and Canada have lenient laws regarding the use of marijuana, cases in point that proponents of its legalisation have used to highlight the merits of legalising it.
• Legalization of Marijuana: Arguments For and Against It will therefore be difficult to regulate the use of marijuana among young people and other unauthorized people if it is legalized. It should be noted that marijuana has various negative effects to the health […]
• Legalizing Marijuana: Pros and Cons The focus of this paper will be on the impact of the legalization of the U.S.economy with possible positive and negative sides of the matter.
• How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain? One of the profound findings of the studies is on the negative effects of marijuana on the brain. Research findings on the brain show that abuse of marijuana for a long time affects the brain […]
• Should Marijuana Be Legal? It is perhaps very essential to be acquainted with an account of laws that surround marijuana in order to understand the reasons why the drug ought to be legalized.
• Marijuana and Its Effects on Mental Health The effects of the use of marijuana can be comparable to those exhibited by the removal of this important part of the brain.
• Marijuana Legalization and Crime Rates The possible outcome of this effort will be the safe consumption of the drug, easy monitoring, and creation of awareness to the public on the dangers of excessive use of the drug and lastly the […]
• Legal Marijuana Market Analysis and Taxes Impact Consequently, the primary goal of this paper is to understand the impact of taxes on the financial stability of the market for legal marijuana with the help of the law of supply and demand and […]
• Usage and Effects of Marijuana In the modern world, more and more countries are recognizing the role of cannabis in bringing benefits to the population. For the purposes of better understanding the drug and navigating the modern realities, it is […]
• Political Opinion on Legalization of Marijuana On the other hand, the case introduces the man as a member of the Methodist Church, and this community is known for its strict opinion about marijuana as a gateway drug.
• Discretion Powers Regarding Marijuana Laws Albeit, marijuana laws in New York are favorable for the users as marijuana was fully legalized in March of 2021, allowing for both medical and recreational use.
• Marijuana as an Alternative Medication for Pain Relief The PICOT question for the identified health care issue is the following: in a patient population requiring pain relief, does marijuana represent a viable alternative medication as compared to opioid-based prescription drugs for alleviating the […]
• Marijuana: Properties, Effects, and Regulation At the same time, a regulated cannabis industry slowly emerges, with companies attempting to profit off of the legalization and destigmatization of marijuana.
• Preventing Negative Effects of Marijuana Use The aim of the study is to ascertain specific interventions that would allow reducing cannabis use within the framework of the environment where marijuana is legal.
• Analysis of Arguments: Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Pro Arguments: The majority of Americans agree on the necessity to legalize marijuana. This initiative is accompanied by concerns regarding the actual use of marijuana.
• Risks and Benefits of Medical Marijuana The use of marijuana in the medical sphere is a highly debated and discussed topic. Patients with epilepsy claim that the use of marijuana prevents seizures and provides immense relief.
• Medical Marijuana: Issues & Ethical Considerations The use of medical marijuana in anxiety disorders and PTSD has many concerns. Prescribing medical cannabis can potentially benefit a patient but can cause additional health and legal issues.
• The Benefits of Medical Marijuana This paper aims to discuss that medical marijuana is helpful in the treatment and management of chronic pain conditions such as cancer and epilepsy.
• The Issue of Legalization of Marijuana The issue of the legalization of marijuana in the territory of the state is not unambiguous, therefore it is analyzed by a large number of specialists.
• Synthetic Marijuana: Physiological and Social Factors The report generated by Drug and Alcohol Dependence article in the year 2010 showed that the majority of the people who used synthetic marijuana were between the ages of 12 to 29.
• Cannabis or Marijuana for Medical Use In the West, for the first time, medical use became known thanks to the work of Professor O’Shaughnessy, who personally observed the process of her treatment in India.
• Marijuana Research: Personal Connection and Medical Use In the United States, military marijuana is prohibited, but initially, it was used for recreation and as a form of medicine in the twentieth century.
• Marijuana Possession in a High-School Student Case Her participation in the program will be an educational experience and put the juvenile offender in touch with professionals who can understand the motives of her behavior instead of giving Jane Doe an actual criminal […]
• Marijuana Legitimization and Medical Controversy The proponents of the legitimization of marijuana for medical use argue that it has numerous medical uses. Currently, in the US, there is a rather peculiar situation with the legalization of marijuana for medical use.
• Workplace Policy on Marijuana Use in Michigan The legalization and decriminalization of marijuana use in 23 states of the US lead to complicated issues when it comes to the consideration of workplace policies.
• Law: Legislation Regarding Marijuana Farming To evaluate the applicability of the proposed marijuana farming bill, the current marihuana production legislation needs to be reviewed, and the changes in social norms regarding criminal behavior are to be analyzed.
• Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the cultivation and consumption of cannabis in 2018. Besides, the substance is addictive, and it is challenging to stop consuming it.
• Marijuana: Myths and Legal Justification Over the past decades, much attention has been drawn to the question of the categorization of marijuana in terms of the national systematization of drugs controlled by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
• Marijuana Legalization and Issues to Consider If marijuana is fully legalized, there might be a rise in use among youth, which is dangerous from the physiological point of view, and there will be no legal justification to end it.
• Hip-Hop and Marijuana Use in College Students It has been estimated that over half of the college student population regularly use marijuana, while over 25% used it during past month.
• Marijuana Use among American and Bolivian Students The study is a perfect example of the use of theory in a research. As such, it is possible for college students in Bolivia to have a similar deviant behavior, which in this case is […]
• The Relationships Between Marijuana and the Legal System The most common ideas discussed within a framework of this debate are connected to the issues of permission to keep marijuana at home for personal needs such as medical needs, and a total ban on […]
• Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option? Medical marijuana is used to refer to the use of marijuana as a physician-recommended form of medication in its natural or synthetic form.

💡 Interesting Cannabis Topics to Write about

• Use of Marijuana for the Medicinal Purposes It is therefore quite evident that even though the marijuana legalization will go hand in hand with a set minimum age within which individuals will be allowed to use it, at the long run the […]
• The Medicinal Value of the Marijuana: There Are Potential Benefits to a Patient Other Than Risks This article provides an insight to the effects of chemotherapy treatment to the body of the cancer victims. It defines the drug in a lengthy way including what the drug is, the effects of taking […]
• Pros and Cons of Legalization of Medical Marijuana It is evident that medical treatment with the use of marijuana would be beneficial for both: patients and the government because of the opportunity to earn on taxation.
• Legalization of Recreational Use of Marijuana The role of the Supreme Court in the specified case boils down to stating the conditions, in which the prescription and the following use of marijuana by the patient, can be deemed as legitimate.
• The Chances of a Successful Appeal by a Marijuana Convict The Superior Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment rights of the defendant were violated; a decision that was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
• Marijuana Legalization: Chronic Seizure Treatment With that said, despite numerous states already having legalized one or both applications, the federal government remains opposed to either form of legalization, and marijuana possession and use remain federal offenses.
• Adverse Effects of Marijuana Use This paper aims to provide an analysis of the article that gives a perspective on the adverse health effects and harm related to marijuana use. Thus, the academic article on the adverse effects of marijuana […]
• “Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use” by Volkow et al. Based on national marijuana studies and DSM-IV, the researchers conclude that addiction to marijuana is a non-debatable statement and that starting marijuana use in adolescence doubles or even quadruples the risks of cannabis use disorder.
• Marijuana Use May Double the Risk of Accidents for Drivers According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the number of Americans driving under the influence of illegal substances has risen drastically. The risk of a crash is also related to the number of […]
• Legalized Marijuana: Negative and Positive Sides The economy and finance from the very beginning were anticipating that this law will bring the largest income to the state’s budget and create plenty of job opportunities under the rule of law.
• Marijuana: Legislative History and Future The focus of the legislation in many states is to end the illegal sale of cannabis and monetize it for tax purposes and so that distribution can be controlled.
• Ethical Perspective of the Legalization of Marijuana In spite of a popular view of the medical benefits of marijuana, doctors insist that the use of marijuana provides the same dangerous effect as other drugs.
• Marijuana Legalize: Advanatages and Disadvantages The truth that marijuana is illegal and prohibited is suitably caused by the number of funds invested in the war against drugs.
• Arguments for Banning the Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana is a dangerous drug that should not be legalized even if it is in the context of it containing the medicinal value.
• Federalism and Medical Marijuana Needless to say, United States faced political and social challenges as well, and the disputes over federalism and over the legal use of marijuana in medicine are still the most burning and controversial issues in […]
• The Effects of Marijuana on the Body, Mind and Brain Cells A drug is a substance that changes the bodily function of a body when consumed, there are several definitions of the word drug but it is believed that the most important function of a drug […]
• College Students in UK and Marijuana The reasons for the punishments are very different but the result remains the same: marijuana is still used by the majority of students and is available for everyone.
• Decriminalizing Marijuana for Medicinal Use Because of inconsistent and problematical data, it is impracticable to access quantitatively to what extent that drugs encourage the incidence of crime.
• Psychological Effects of Marijuana Some people experience panic reactions, which tend to be temporary and often are triggered by a feeling of not being in control Marijuana’s psychological effects include a sense of euphoria or well-being, relaxation, altered time […]
• Logical Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana This will be a source of revenue to the government; when the revenues increase, it means that gross domestic product for the country increases. It will be a source of income not only to the […]
• Social Effects of Marijuana Research has shown that the use of marijuana affects the smoker’s day-to-day lifestyle in relation to society, the environment, and day-to-day activities.
• Federal vs. State Law: Medical Marijuana in the US The main problem is that these laws and regulations have not reduced the number of people who use marijuana for medical purposes.
• Medical Marijuana: Pros of Legalizing It must be admitted that at the time of the passage of these laws, histories from some, but not all, heroin users indicated that the use of marijuana had preceded the use of heroin.
• Marijuana: To Legalize or Not to Legalize? Marijuana, which is also known under dozens of nicknames such as weed or pot, is now the most widespread illegal drug across the US. Moreover, the vast majority of marijuana abusers claim pot to be […]
• Marijuana Legalization and Consumption Among Youth The most popular excuse among drug consumers is the instrumental use of the drug. As long as the drug influence is undermined, the number of college students willing to experience the marijuana effects will be […]
• Legalization of Medical Marijuana: Help or Harm? Nowadays, a majority of people worldwide support the legalization of marijuana, and it is possible to predict that this support will keep getting stronger in the future.
• Medical Marijuana Legalization Concerns This change raises political concerns and requires the government to review its economy to adapt to the use of MM. The representation of the legal process highlighted the history of previous legislations and reported on […]
• Medical Marijuana: Legal and Research Concerns However, while the purpose of recreational marijuana is often disconnected from its long-term effects on people’s health in scholarly discussions, the use of medical marijuana is viewed from the point of patient’s health and the […]
• Medical Marijuana in the Army: Addressing a Problematic Issue Denying the use of medicinal marijuana as one of the fastest and the most efficient ways of relieving pain in the military setting, one will inevitably infringe upon the rights of American troops.
• Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Marijuana legalization is a topic of social trends and beliefs that are based not only on health but political and economic factors as well.
• Marijuana Legalization and Its Benefits for Society The example of several states that have already introduced the appropriate law provides the ground for vigorous debates about the absence of the expected deterioration of the situation and emergence of multiple problems associated with […]
• Marijuana Legalization in 5 Policy Frameworks The legalization of marijuana is still one of the debatable issues at the federal and state levels. For instance, the use of marijuana is prohibited at the federal level while the recreational and medical use […]
• Marijuana Legalization in California The muscle relaxation effect of marijuana also appears to be a positive effect that should be used to argue for its legalization.
• Legalization of Marijuana in the United States It should not be forgotten that it is a cause of numerous tragedies. Also, some studies show that the use of marijuana is especially dangerous for young people.
• Medical Marijuana Legalization by National Football League However, it must be realized that some of these players are usually in excruciating pain to the point that some may have lost consciousness.
• Marijuana: Users, Desired Effects and Consequences The frequent users consist of youths and adults who have abused Marijuana to the extent they have become dependent on it.
• Effects of Marijuana on Memory of Long-Term Users The pivotal aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the impact of marijuana use on long-term memory of respondents. The adverse impact of marijuana after the abstinent syndrome refers to significant changes in prefrontal […]
• Trends in the Use of Marijuana The researchers claim that the legalization of marijuana in California led to the development of the acceptance of marijuana use as well as the increase in this drug consumption.
• Medical Marijuana Legalization Rebuttal The claim of fact is that A.C.A.continues to be beneficial despite the arguments of Republican politicians and current challenges. The claim of policy is the appeal to Republicans and Democrats to work together on the […]
• Marijuana Legislation and Americans’ Contribution To identify whether patients with intractable pain hold more favorable views regarding legislation of marijuana use than the general public, it is necessary to determine various inclusion and exclusion criteria that might influence the society’s […]
• Medical Marijuana Policy and Framing Approach This is a clear indication that different arguments can be presented by these actors to support the legalization and use of medical marijuana.
• Policy Analysis: Rules for Growing Medical Marijuana Overall, the main goal of the document is to address the health needs of people requiring marijuana to relieve the manifestations of their illness as well as the implications of growing marijuana for medical purposes.
• Marijuana Crime in California State and Federal Courts To compare the severity of the punishment that could be imposed by a federal court to what was announced at a state institution, it should be remembered that the investigation process would not take long […]
• Controversy Around Medical Marijuana Legalization The consideration of the problem of marijuana legalization from the perspective of public safety involves such points as crime rates and traffic accidents. The fact of economic benefits of the Cannabis legalization is also apparent: […]
• The Legalization of Marijuana: Regulation and Practice It is imperative to note that legalization of marijuana is a topic that has been quite controversial and has led to numerous discussions and disagreements.
• Marijuana History, Medical Purposes and Threats Although many people believe that marijuana is harmless and the access to it should be unlimited, it has a number of negative health effects and might lead to addiction.
• Marijuana Use and Serious Mental Illnesses 21% of the respondents of 18 years and above claimed to have used marijuana for the first time prior to their 12th birthday.
• Marijuana as an Unjustifiable Pain Reliever The debate on whether to legalize the use of marijuana has been there for the last 20 years. In addition to this, it causes panic and anxiety hence causing the user to hallucinate.
• The Safety of Using Medicinal Marijuana for Pain Relief Speaking about the introduction section of the study, it is important to note that it is rather short if compared to other parts of the article as the researchers were paying more attention to presenting […]
• Should Marijuana Be Treated Like Alcohol? Considering the benefits that would accompany the legalization of marijuana and its treatment like alcohol, I strongly agree with Buckley’s comparison; marijuana should be treated like alcohol. First, the use of marijuana affects the body […]
• Political Issues of Marijuana in America The largest demographic groups against the legalization of marijuana include the Republicans and the southerners. Most of the Democrats continue to support the legalization of marijuana in the country.
• Changes in Laws of Marijuana Regulation In addition, the study intends to uncover the impacts of the said laws and the accompanying changes. The case studies will be compared to assess the impacts of legislations on marijuana in the society.
• Concepts of Legalizing Marijuana Although in most cases, most individuals associate Marijuana with numerous health complications and social problems, for example, brain damage, and violent behavior hence, supporting its illegalization, such individuals take little consideration of its significance in […]
• Marijuana Legalization in Illinois The case for legalization of marijuana in Colorado evidences the need to alter federal laws prohibiting marijuana for its legalization law to have both statutory and federal backing in the state of Illinois.
• Public Safety and Marijuana Legalization Some of the states have failed to tax marijuana. Hence, it is difficult to get the precise figures in terms of tax values that states could collect from marijuana.
• Heroin and Marijuana Abuse and Treatment The success in the process of drug addiction treatment is only possible when the patient is willing to co-operate and has a desire to recover and defeat the habit.
• The Marijuana Usage Legislation This research paper is aimed at discussing the effects that can be produced by the changes in the legislation on the use, storage, and distribution of marihuana.
• Medical Marijuana Program in California The physicians should also do a periodic review of the treatment and how the patients respond to the medical marijuana. The medical marijuana is only restricted to patients who are qualified and recommended by a […]
• History and Effects of Legalization of Marijuana As predicted, the legalization of marijuana in several states has led to an increase of marijuana abuse among youngsters Studies have shown a pattern of the use of cannabis and risky behavior of the individuals.
• Debates Around Legalization of Medical Marijuana The supporters and opponents of the legalization of marijuana have opted to focus on either the positive or the negative aspects of the effects of the drug to support their views on policies to legalize […]
• Federal Drug Laws vs. State Medical Marijuana Acts A senate bill for the case of Los angeles is on the process of considering the use of marijuana for medical purpose.
• The Use of Marijuana and Its Benefits Criminalization of the use of marijuana and negative reviews as well as negative exposure from the media has driven marijuana use to the black markets with often negative consequences to the economy and society.
• Medical Marijuana use for Terminal Colon Cancer The author hopes to use this paper to highlight the uses of marijuana in management of colon cancer at its terminal stage.
• How New York Would Benefit From Legalized Medical Marijuana The arrests resulting from possession of marijuana in New York is quite huge compared to those in California and New Jersey states in America.
• Should Be It Legal to Sell the Marijuana in the United States? What I want to know is the reasons of why so many people use such serious psychoactive drug as marijuana of their own accord and do not want to pay special attention to their activities […]
• Supporting of Marijuana Legalization Among the Adult Population Proponents argue that legalization of marijuana will lead to increased revenues for the government amid economic challenges. Legalizing marijuana will not lead to cancer and deaths but will spark the debate for apparent effects of […]
• Marijuana: The Issues of Legalization in the USA To understand all the possible effects of the marijuana legalization, it is necessary to pay attention to the definition and classification of the drug with references to determining the most important social and legal aspects […]
• Reasons for Legalization of Marijuana The legalization of the drug would bring to an end the discrimination of the African Americans in marijuana-related arrests, reduce the sales of the drug and its use among teenagers, encourage the development of hemp […]
• Legalizing Marijuana: Arguments and Counter-Arguments On the other hand, many groups have outlined that the legalization of marijuana would lead to an increase in the rate of crime in addition to opening up of the gateway to the abuse of […]
• Drug use and misuse in western society: Effects of chronic marijuana use among young women and girls It is also based on the fears of the impacts of the drug use, concerns over the reduced productivity that’s likely to cause harm to the user and the society and so on.
• Medical Marijuana Policy in the United States The importance of legalization of medical marijuana is that, the government will be able to monitor and control marijuana in the country.
• The Arguments For and Against Marijuana Decriminalization The production, preparation, trade and use of marijuana has been prohibited in most parts of the world and a lot of resources are used every year to combat it.
• The Illegal Use of Marijuana Canada is among the leading nations in the percentage use of illegal marijuana as stated in the World Drug Report of the year 2007.
• Marijuana and Its Economic Value in the USA The grim reality of the economic performance of the United States of America lies in the lengthy debate over the legalization of marijuana.
• Should We Legalize Marijuana For Medical Use? In addition to that, the use of Marijuana especially by smoking either for medical reasons or to heal ailments, is a social activity that will help bring them together and improve their social ties.
• Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized? The government should save that money it uses in prohibiting the use of marijuana as it has no proved harm to the users.
• Arguments on Why Marijuana Should Be Illegalized The greater part of the population believes that the sustained use of this product is beneficial in numerous ways. Therefore, it is clear that the negative effects of the drug outdo the constructive ones.
• A Case for Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana is one of the drugs that the government policy targets and as it currently stands, the government uses a lot of resources in prosecuting and punishing marijuana consumers through the legal system.
• The Marijuana Industry and Its Benefits Marijuana use also slows down the growth of cancerous tumors in the brain, lungs, and breasts; thus, it is valuable in the management of cancer.
• The Decriminalization of Marijuana One of the main reasons that the supporters of this argument have progressed is that by decriminalization of marijuana, the government would save huge amounts of money that it uses on enforcing laws that relate […]
• The Use of Marijuana in California The US government ensures that its use is limited to a minimum by enforcing harsh punishments to the dealers and users of marijuana.
• Federal Government Should Not Legalize the Use of Marijuana On the other hand the use of marijuana actually increased in the country. It is not only the DEA or the federal government that is reluctant in the legalization of marijuana.
• Issues with Marijuana Legalization in the United States This is the reason why the debate on the legalization of marijuana has been on the increase since the past 10 years.
• The history of marijuana According to the new set of legislation, it was considered illegal to be found in possession of 25 grams of marijuana.
• Does Legalizing Marijuana Help or Harm the United States? The latter measure is not merely being advocated by the proponents of marijuana use since the legalization of marijuana has been supported by NAACP not because it fully backs the smoking of marijuana.
• Marijuana, Heroin and Prescription Opiate Abuse and How Are They Related to the Society The core issues mentioned in the article revolves around addiction and abuse of opioid agents as well as its relation to the use of heroin and marijuana.
• Increasing Marijuana Use in High School The author’s concerns in the article are that the usage of marijuana is becoming prevalent among the American youth. It is evident that the author is against the publication and marketing of the medical marijuana […]
• The Union: The Business Behind Getting High by Brett Harvey Some other reasons advanced by the documentary include the ability of the government to control the sale of such drugs to minors and also collection of tax revenue. The documentary espouses a number of reasons […]
• The Debates on the Legal Status of Marijuana This means that the use of marijuana encourages the consumption of other drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes. Additionally, the use of marijuana is associated with increase in crime and consumption of other illicit drugs.
• Marijuana Is a Healthier Alternative to Cigarettes Cigarette smoking has also been reported to cause respiratory infections due to the damage caused in the cells that prevent entry of microorganisms into the respiratory system hence reducing the immunity of the system.
• Marijuana’s Negative Effects and Advantages Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug among the youths and adults in the United States and other countries in the world.
• Use of Marijuana and Its Consequences The plant was grown in the United States of America for agricultural purposes during the colonial period up to the beginning of the 20th century.
• Should Marijuana Drugs Be Decriminalized? The production, preparation, trade and use of marijuana has been prohibited in most parts of the world and a lot of resources are used every year to combat it. Thus, decriminalization of marijuana is likely […]
• Argument About Legalizing Marijuana in America Therefore, if at all the government of the United States is to prohibit the use of marijuana in the country, it should be ready to cater for the high costs that come in hand with […]
• Marijuana’s Positive and Negative Effects The main aim of creating these institutions is to evaluate the impact and the effects of marijuana on the abusers and on the environment.
• Limited and Controlled Use of Marijuana The question of legalizing marijuana refers to the legal use of marijuana both in private and public places for medical use or otherwise.
• The Moral and Ethical Reasons Why Marijuana should be legal It is my humble opinion that the billions of dollars being spent on the war against marijuana should be diverted to more useful projects like feeding the less fortunate in the society.
• The Problem of Legalization of Marijuana and Hemp Many individuals tend to believe that the use of Marijuana is morally wrong as it alters the mental state of the user and leads to dangerous addictions and actions in the end.
• Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana Premises 1: If marijuana were to be legalized it would be impossible to regulate its’ sell to, and use by the minors. Making marijuana illegal is denying them a right to the use of this […]
• The Reasons Why Marijuana Should be Made Legal Among the reasons that support the legalization of marijuana include: the medical basis that marijuana has some benefits and that the state could gain revenue from the trade of marijuana as opposed to the costs […]
• Why Is Marijuana Legalized In Some States And Not Others? I consider the legalization of marijuana to be a positive step as its prohibition entails intrusion of personal freedom and just like any other substance it is only harmful when it is not taken in […]
• The Effect of Legalization of marijuana in the Economy of California It has been predicted that if the government legalizes the drug, there will be a lot of changes pertaining to the demand for the drug in the market and as a result, there will be […]
• Marijuana Must Not Be Legalized According to the national institute of drug abuse, the active chemical in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, act on the region of the brain responsible for time awareness, sensory, attention, thoughts, memory and pleasure.
• Decriminalization of Marijuana The decriminalization of marijuana resulted due to public outcry over the effects of marijuana. Among the disadvantages include the saving of money and time for other businesses, promotion of the judicial justice as the centre […]
• Policy Brief: Why Marijuana Use Should Be Legalized in the Us In this perspective, it is valid to argue that marijuana users may be undergoing long incarcerations in US jails due to the misconceived fantasies that took root in the public mind in the 1930’s, and […]
• Medical Uses of Marijuana The feelings of hallucination make one to lose consciousness and feel as though in very different world that is full of bliss.
• Should Marijuana Be Legalized in Canada?
• Drug Testing and Legalization of Marijuana
• Has the Time Come to Legalize Marijuana?
• Framing the User: Social Constructions of Marijuana Users
• Drugs and Legalization Drug Marijuana Dealing
• Decriminalization and Marijuana Smoking Prevalence
• Has Marijuana Become More Accepted in Today’s Culture?
• Get Ready for Americas Fastest-Growing Industry: Marijuana
• Clearing the Smoke Between Cigarettes and Marijuana
• Key Findings and Decriminalization of Marijuana
• Facts That Most People Don’t Know About Marijuana
• Issues Hampering the Legalization of Marijuana
• Economical Argument for the Legalization of Marijuana
• Juvenile Smoking and Marijuana Use
• All the Reasons Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized for Medical Purposes
• Exploring the Effects and After Effects of Marijuana
• Factors That Influences Teenagers to Use Marijuana
• College Students Attitude Toward Marijuana Use on Campus
• Drugs Case for Legalizing Marijuana
• Logical Reasoning for the Legalization Marijuana
• Future Trends and Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes
• Countering Anti-Medical Marijuana Efforts in Massachusetts
• Abnormal Psychology Problem: Excessive Use of Marijuana and Alcohol
• Food and Drug Administration Bans Use of Marijuana in the US
• Addiction and Smoking Marijuana Plays
• Analyzing Affordable Care Act and Marijuana
• Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana is Hazardous
• America Requirements Medicinal Weed: Marijuana Legalization
• Comparing and Contrasting Marijuana and Alcohol
• Many People Believe That Marijuana Should Be Legalized
• How Media Framing Effects Marijuana Prohibition and Legalization?
• How Can Legalize Marijuana Help the United States?
• How Does Military Jurisdiction Deal with Marijuana Now Would Legalization?
• How America Will Benefit from Legal Marijuana?
• How Legalizing Marijuana Will Impact Society?
• Does Marijuana Cause Brain Damage?
• How Marijuana Will Not Work in the US?
• Does Marijuana Have Any Medicinal Uses?
• How Many Individuals Smoke Marijuana in the United States?
• Does Previous Marijuana Use Increase the Use of Other Drugs?
• How Medical Marijuana Works?
• How the Social Contract Theory Prevents the Legalization of Marijuana?
• How Marijuana Affects Hauora?
• Why Do Americans Enjoy Marijuana?
• What are the Positive and Negative Effects of Legalizing Marijuana?
• What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Legalising Marijuana?
• Does Legalizing Marijuana Make Sense?
• What Are the Medical Causes and Effects of Marijuana Use?
• How Are Employers Coping with Medical Marijuana Legislation?
• Does Marijuana Work the Treatment of Diseases?
• Does Marijuana Have Medicinal Purposes?
• How Does Marijuana Law Work in District of Columbia Class?
• Does Increasing the Beer Tax Reduce Marijuana Consumption?
• How Legalizing Marijuana Could Help Boost the Economy?
• Does Marijuana Have More Harmful or More Beneficial Effects?
• How Will Marijuana Legalization Affect Public Health?
• Does Marijuana Use Impair Human Capital Formation?
• How Gender and Age Effects Marijuana Usage and Brain Function?
• How Marijuana Affects Our Society?
• How American Children Start to Smoke Marijuana and Why?
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Medical Marijuana - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, is a topic that has gained much attention in recent years. With its legalization in some states in the United States, many people have become interested in learning more about its impacts on medicine. To help students in their studies, our experts have prepared a collection of free argumentative essays about medical marijuana.

The benefits of medical marijuana are numerous. It has been found to be effective in treating symptoms of cancer, depression, and other health conditions. However, its legal status is still a contentious issue, with some arguing for and against legalizing marijuana. Legalizing medical marijuana could have economic and social benefits, such as job creation and increased tax revenue, while opponents argue it could lead to negative social consequences, like impaired driving or addiction.

The subject matter is a complex topic with many facets. When writing an essay on medical marijuana, it is important to have clear thesis statements. The essay outline shall follow a logical structure. The introduction should provide background information on the topic, while the conclusion should summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the subject.

To help students in their research, our collection of essay samples includes medical marijuana research paper examples that cover various essay topics. By reviewing our samples, students can gain valuable insights into the subject and learn how to write a well-structured and compelling essay on this critical subject.

Medical Marijuana has been a Hot Topic for the Last few Years

Many states all have some form of law regarding the use of marijuana. There are 21 states that allow marijuana for medical use and 10 states have adopted legalizing recreational use of marijuana. I feel that the nation as a whole should be able to have access to at least medical marijuana. I feel that each state can decide on whether they will allow recreational use but as far as medical marijuana people should be able to have a prescription […]

Research Ethics and Medical Marijuana

Research ethics is specifically interested in the analysis of ethical issues that are raised when people are involved as participants in research. It is research that involves human subjects or participants raises unique and complex ethical, legal, social, and political issues. The primarily important part of ethics is to protect their participants. The second objective is to ensure that research is conducted in a way that serves interests of individuals. The researcher may come across many ethical issues surrounding their […]

Pro-Legalization of Marijuana

Marijuana has always been a much-discussed subject that has sparked heated discussions among experts and officials, in addition to a perpetual dialogue among family and associates. This is primarily due to the fact that people are still divided on whether cannabis should be legalized or not. While many people are aware of the dangers of cannabis for recreational purposes, many states are pushing for the legalization of medical cannabis. Several studies of cannabinoid elements have revealed its medicinal qualities, which […]

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What is Medical Marijuana and the Different Ways Medical Marijuana is Used

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience what medical marijuana is, the medical conditions that it treats, and the different ways medical marijuana is used. Preview: Today I am going to talk about the benefits of medical marijuana. There are many negative connotations that marijuana carries. Often times marijuana is perceived negatively because of its use as a recreational drug. While marijuana can be abused it has many health benefits for patients that struggle with illnesses such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal […]

Medical Marijuana for People

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a controversial subject when talk of legalization is in the air. Many people believe marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes, such as in prescriptions and for the use of medicinal drugs but not for recreational use. There are many benefits of marijuana when used medically, but there are also many risks when it is not properly regulated. Regulations would include prescriptions with select dosages, doctor visits, and more. Many might say these simple regulations are […]

About Medical Cannabis

These are all common labels for cannabis. However, this may be soon to change. New research with cannabis may prove the effectiveness of cannabis and its byproducts in the treatment of several severe and chronic diseases. Soon, those negative terms will become positive ones, such as treatment, medication, comfort, and relief. Cannabis works several ways within the body, may affect certain populations differently, requires thorough consideration before use, acts on several disease processes, and continues to be researched. The cannabinoid […]

Medical Marijuana and Marijuana Legalization

Thursday, June 09, 2011 Much debate has been conducted regarding the legalization of marijuana, with an unusual amount of contradicting research. There are many perspectives to take into account, and they always seem to come down to the personal motives of the debater. Whether it's being argued from a medical, political, or economical perspective; it continually comes down to whether Federal Government should be our dictators or we should be responsible for our actions. The Canadian medical Association Journal reports […]

Medical Marijuana and its Benefit on Patient Satisfaction

Medical marijuana is a trendy new treatment option that is becoming popular in a variety of states in the United States and around the world. The infrastructure and business is relatively new to the world, but the medicinal qualities of cannabis have been used for centuries dating back to its use in traditional Chinese medicine as far back as the first century AD (Parker 2017). Of the states that have legalized marijuana, the patient outcomes are outstanding, but there is […]

Marijuana Decriminalization in all States

The government should legalize marijuana on the federal use due to the multifaceted health, economic, and criminal benefits now outweigh the outdated downsides of use. Many researchers have come to the conclusion of outdated research not being correct. "One function of government is to protect citizens from harm, whether it is from foreign enemies or from internal causes such as poisonous food or contaminated water." Researchers believe that legalizing marijuana will not help the people only harm them and the […]

Medical Marijuana Legalization the Good Bad and Ugly

The legalization of medical marijuana has been discussed amongst the country's states for decades. Medical marijuana legalization has taken a positive shift throughout these years and is now legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia. The initial drug, marijuana, was band for the dangerous effects it brought to people. Throughout the year's people have turned to marijuana to ease anxiety, pain, and stress. Legalizing marijuana has brought multiple perspectives on the topic. Differences such as medical marijuana legalization, […]

How Medical Marijuana Works

Medical marijuana is the prescription of cannabis prescribed by a doctor to alleviate pain or to help improve a medical condition. It is most frequently given to patients in the form of a pill, but there are alternatives such as inhaling or smoking it. Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times for the benefit of easing pain but has now been adapted for other uses. People believe that it is beneficial because it aids in mental health, […]

Benefits of Cannabis Use

Imagine a country where humans have to take a great number of pills and therapy sessions in order to help cope with certain diseases such as HIV, Alzheimer's, cancer, opiate addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette's. Well, this is the country we live in. There is a simple solution to cut down on a lot of the pills consumed in the U.S, but that solution is considered a schedule one drug, and its name is marijuana. While traditional painkiller drugs […]

Medical Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana legalization has become a topic of relevance in the United States as recent changes in various state legislations fuel the controversial issue relating to its effects on society. With more than thirty states legalizing marijuana for medicinal or recreational uses, the once taboo topic has reemerged into the spotlight for policymakers to consider the benefits and adverse effects of cannabis for state legislation. Although the legal status is changing nationwide, the uncertainties surrounding marijuana today stem from the political […]

Medical Marijuana should be Legalized Throughout the US

For the first 5 years of her life, Charlotte Figi had frequent seizures and was constantly spending her nights in the hospital. Her family was told there was nothing more the doctors could do. Her parents became desperate to find a solution. When Charlotte was just 6 years old, she was prescribed to medical marijuana. Immediately her family began to see a change: her seizures dramatically decreased, she was able to walk and do everything else a 6 year old […]

Whether or not Medical Marijuana should be Legalized in all 50 States?

Hello my name is Jade Murdock thank you for coming to the to this meeting today. Today we are going to be talking about whether or not medical marijuana should be legalized in all 50 states. I believe that all people with medical problems should be able to smoke weed freely without the police jumping down their throats and arresting them over a little ounce of weed thats for medical use only. Many people around the world highly view legalized […]

What Conditions Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat?

Introduction Could you ever imagine being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness like cancer, HIV/Aids, multiple sclerosis, or even seizures? Wouldn't you want something to help ease the pain or give you an appetite? These are some of the key issues that medical marijuana can address. At present, medical marijuana is a hotly debated topic, not only regarding its legality but also its recreational use. Rather than worrying about the complexities of the law, the focus should be on how medical […]

The Stigma Surrounding Medical Cannabis

How medical marijuana works, and which conditions it treats.

Since the first discovery of the drug Marijuana back in America during the year 1611, discussion of the utilization and legitimization of the professed to-be Calendar I medicate spread around the country. While couple of specific states right now permit maryjane's creation and dissemination, the rest of the states still skepticize the innocuousness and handiness of this specific medication; along these lines, it stays illicit in most of the country. The administration authorities and residents of the contradicting states trust […]

Medical Marijuana Documented Essay

Why is a plant that can help millions illegal? Marijuana has an abundance of medical treatments and uses, for a much more affordable price then other medications. Not only that, the side effects are far less severe than that of prescribed medications for anxiety, depression, etc. Thirty two of the fifty states have already legalized or began legalizing marijuana. Medical marijuana should be legalized in the United states and utilize the medical advantages it offers. Marijuana has been used for […]

The Truth Behind Medical Marijuana

The truth behind medical marijuana is actually not surprising at all. Although medical marijuana has not always been a hot topic due to government laws, it is something medical researchers should be able to look into. Referencing ""Historical Timeline - Medical Marijuana"" (2017) it states that in 2700 BC, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung ordered his doctors to look into the healing properties of marijuana. It has been a type of medicine way before our time. In still referencing ""Historical Timeline […]

Treating Non-Malignant Pain in Adolescence with Medical Marijuana

Teenagers face a unique set of challenges managing school, home, and social lives, often without the necessary resources to maintain quality of life. Many teens also report chronic pain associated with stress such as back pain and migraines (Harrison, 2013). Adolescents going without treatment for their pain are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, therefore it is imperative that an acceptable treatment option is identified for teens. Medical Marijuana has made its way to the forefront of the […]

Marijuana it’s not about Hippies, Drug-crazed Teens and Addiction

Marijuana's image is not one of the best, as most people think of hippies, drug-crazed teens, and addiction. It is the exact opposite. It is a fact medical marijuana has multiple, powerful healing properties. It can help with pain, soreness, and can sometimes even be more powerful than some opioids. In fact, it can even help stop Alzheimer's disease from starting to take over the brain. Therefore, medical marijuana should be legalized because there are more positive than negative effects, […]

Medical Marijuana Available in England and Scotland

In wales, there is limited availability. MS sufferers are only allowed to take the drug for muscles spasms not to relieve pain, only once they have tried other medicinal options. Sativex isn’t authorised for use in the U.S as the FDA haven’t approved its use, although it is in phase 3 trialling. (independent.co.uk) In the U.K cannabis is not recognised as having any therapeutic value under U.K law, and individuals can commit a vast range of criminal offences, some of […]

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis has many different "slang" terms. A few common names that you may know are hemp, pot, weed, hash and marijuana. Cannabis comes from the term cannabinoid. Cannabinoids come from plants which produce tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. There are many side effects to THC that have made it illegal in the United States. It has only been just recently become legal in some states. Some of the side effects include: hallucination, depression, paranoia and food cravings. Cannabis has been […]

Legal Weed as Medical Treatment for Veterans

I think it would be good for it to be legalized. It would help a lot of soldiers that are going through a lot of personal issues. Most people really need a helping hand to get a better feeling and that's why soldiers would be able to use medical weed as there fix to solutions. Others see weed as a bad thing, but scientific facts show that it helps a lot of people pull through hard situations or help with […]

Marijuana and PTSD

As a 19-year old who has seen combat in Afghanistan, PTSD is inevitable. My older brother and I were walking through a haunted house when one of the workers popped out and scared us. My brother imminently grabbed his neck and pushed the worker up against the wall. I was laughing because I didn't understand, but my brother was experiencing one of the symptoms of PTSD. He's been smoking weed ever since. Medical marijuana has a wide variety of benefits. […]

Cannabis Conundrum

In recent years, there has been a dramatic shift in the federal regulation and scheduling of the cannabis flower. A plant that once sat at the top of a "slippery slope" and was deemed "public enemy number one" by Nixon's War on Drugs (citation) has glimpsed redemption through the rediscovery of the holistic health benefits it possesses. As of the 2018 midterms, 32 states have legalized the medical use of cannabis for qualified patients (citation); yet significant social stigma continues […]

Essay About Medical Marijuana Whether or not medical marijuana should be legalized is one of the most controversial topics of today. I believe that medical marijuana is not the way to go. Marijuana medical or non-medical is easy to get addicted to, it’s unhealthy and dangerous, and it has cancer-causing elements. My first argument is that it is really easy to get addicted to. Marijuana is still very addictive even if it is medical. It is known as one of the most threatening drugs in our society. “Whenever a popular recreational drug is dispensed legally, for whatever reason, there will be those who try to twist the system for their own benefit.” They do this because it is addictive and they want it for their own “benefits”. By the year 2014 25,000 people were dying from drugs such as marijuana. My second argument is that marijuana is unhealthy and dangerous. Medical or not marijuana can harm your lung tissue. This very often can lead to lung cancer which kills people every day. It also weakens your intellectual skills. This is another side effect that can lead to death because people do this drug and it weakens their common sense. This could lead to them doing reckless and dangerous things. “Marijuana has been implicated in a high percentage of automobile crashes and workplace accidents.” Marijuana causes people’s intelligence quotient to lessen by 8 points. It also enlarges the chance of getting schizophrenia. Most people on the opposite view from mine believe that medical marijuana is a good alternative to opioids. In reality, it really isn’t the best alternative. Though opioids are dangerous and have caused many deaths medical marijuana is not the answer. Marijuana is a schedule one drug. This means that it is one of the more dangerous drugs. Opioids are graded as a schedule two drug. It’s in the same category as morphine, which is also a drug used for medical purposes. There have been death rates at 24% because of opioids. This I will admit is a problem, but there have been death rates at 69.75% because of marijuana. Some would argue that there haven’t been any marijuana-caused deaths like there have been opioid-caused deaths. That is also not true. Though there have not been any recorded deaths from a marijuana overdose, while there have been many opioid overdose marijuana has still lead to the causes of many deaths. There have been people who have done marijuana and have done something afterward that has gotten them killed because they were high and didn’t know what they were doing. A lot of people have been lead to believe that opioids are better than marijuana, but it really isn’t. My third argument is that it contains cancer-causing elements. “The argument against the use of medical marijuana include the increased risk of psychosis, inferior effectiveness in treating glaucoma and increased risk in developing certain types of cancer.” One cancer this sentence was talking about is lung cancer. Lung cancer takes lives every day and marijuana has caused a lot of it. If medical marijuana became legal I believe that lung cancer will start to increase everywhere. Each year lung cancer is increased by 8%. Medical marijuana would only increase this. If marijuana would help treat other cancers, it would only cause this cancer to increase and get worse. Medical marijuana will continue to be a controversial topic even after it is legalized or illegalized. I will continue to believe that it is a bad idea and would only cause more heartache and medical problems than it would do good in our world.

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National Research Council (US) Committee on Substance Abuse and Habitual Behavior. An Analysis of Marijuana Policy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1982.

An Analysis of Marijuana Policy.

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CONCLUSIONS

For the last decade, concern with health hazards attributable to marijuana has been rising. The hearts, lungs, reproductive functions, and mental abilities of children have been reported to be threatened by marijuana, and such threats are not to be taken lightly. Heavy use by anyone or any use by growing children should be discouraged. Although conclusive evidence is lacking of major, long-term public health problems caused by marijuana, they are worrisome possibilities, and both the reports and the a priori likelihood of developmental damage to some young users makes marijuana use a cause for extreme concern.

At the same time, the effectiveness of the present federal policy of complete prohibition falls far short of its goal--preventing use. An estimated 55 million Americans have tried marijuana, federal enforcement of prohibition of use is virtually nonexistent, and 11 states have repealed criminal penalties for private possession of small amounts and for private use. It can no longer be argued that use would be much more widespread and the problematic effects greater today if the policy of complete prohibition did not exist: The existing evidence on policies of partial prohibition indicates that partial prohibition has been as effective in controlling consumption as complete prohibition and has entailed considerably smaller social, legal, and economic costs. On balance, therefore, we believe that a policy of partial prohibition is clearly preferable to a policy of complete prohibition of supply and use.

We believe, further, that current policies directed at controlling the supply of marijuana should be seriously reconsidered. The demonstrated ineffectiveness of control of use through prohibition of supply and the high costs of implementing such a policy make it very unlikely that any kind of partial prohibition policy will be effective in reducing marijuana use significantly below present levels. Moreover, it seems likely to us that removal of criminal sanctions will be given serious consideration by the federal government and by the states in the foreseeable future. Hence, a variety of alternative policies should be considered.

At this time, the form of specific alternatives to current policies and their probable effect on patterns of use cannot be determined with confidence. It is possible that, after careful study, all alternatives will turn out to have so many disadvantages that none could command public consensus. To maximize the likelihood of sound policy for the long run, however, further research should be conducted on the biological, behavioral, developmental, and social consequences of marijuana use, on the structure and operation of drug markets, and on the relations of various conditions of availability to patterns of use.

• Cite this Page National Research Council (US) Committee on Substance Abuse and Habitual Behavior. An Analysis of Marijuana Policy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1982. CONCLUSIONS.

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Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalization

Published by gudwriter on May 27, 2018 May 27, 2018

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Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: Marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Paragraph 1:

Marijuana has not caused turmoil in some of the countries where it has been legalized.

• Marijuana does not increase violent, and property crimes as many suggest.
• Studies reveal that in Colorado, violent crimes have declined following the legalization of marijuana.

Paragraph 2:

Prohibiting use of marijuana does not limit its consumption.

• In spite of the many laws prohibiting the use of marijuana, it is one of the most highly abused drugs.
• 58% of young people from all over the world use marijuana.
• It has not been attributed to any health complications.

Paragraph 3:

Legalization of marijuana would help state governments save taxpayers money.

• Governments spend lots of funds on law enforcement agencies that uphold laws restricting the use of marijuana.
• They also spend vast sums of money on sustaining arrested dealers and consumers in prison.
• Legalizing marijuana would result in saving vast sums of money.

Paragraph 4:

Marijuana is less noxious than other legal substances.

• Marijuana has less health side effects than other legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
• Alcohol is 114 times more destructive than marijuana.

Paragraph 5:

Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits.

• Marijuana helps stop seizures in epileptic patients.
• It helps stop nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .

Paragraph 6:

Marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever.

• Marijuana relieves stress and depression in their users by causing excitement.
• Its use reduces violence and deaths related to stress and depression.

Conclusion.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana existent in the modern world. People have continued to ignore health benefits linked to this substance citing their unproven beliefs. Owing to its ability to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals governments should highly consider marijuana legalization. Its legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from maintaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption.

Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay

The argument that marijuana use should be made legal has gained momentum both in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world in recent years. This has seen the drug being legalized in some states in the U.S. such that by 2013, twenty states had legalized medical marijuana. As of the same year, Colorado and Washington had legalized recreational marijuana. The arguments behind the push for legalization majorly revolve around the idea that the drug has medicinal effects. However, there are also arguments that there are serious health effects associated with the drug and this has only further fueled the already raging debate. This paper argues that marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Marijuana has not caused any notable negative effects in countries where it has been legalized. There is a general belief that marijuana consumers are violent. However, no authentic research can prove these assertions. As already seen, some states in the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. In spite of this, no cases of marijuana-related violence have been recorded so far in such states (Markol, 2018). Reports reveal that the rate of violence and property crimes have decreased in Colorado following the legalization of the drug. If marijuana does not increase violent crimes, there is no reason as to why it should not be legalized.

It is also noteworthy that prohibiting marijuana use does not limit its consumption. Less than 10% of countries in the world prevent the use of marijuana, but according to research, 58% of young people in most of these countries are marijuana users (Head, 2016). General reports reveal that marijuana is one of most commonly abused drug in the world. It is also readily available in most states as it is a naturally growing plant (Head, 2016). In spite of its continued use, there are few cases, if any, of marijuana-related health complications that have been reported in any of these countries (Head, 2016). Therefore, if the illegality of marijuana does not limit its consumption, then state governments should consider its legalization.

Legalization of marijuana would further help state governments save taxpayers’ money. It is widely known that in countries where marijuana is illegal, authorities are stringent and will arrest any individual found in possession of the drug (Sanger, 2017). However, as earlier mentioned, laws prohibiting the use of the drug do not prevent its consumption, and this means that many people are arrested and prosecuted for possessing it (Sanger, 2017). State governments therefore use a lot of funds to support law enforcement agencies that seek to uphold laws prohibiting the use of marijuana (Sanger, 2017). Many people have been arrested and incarcerated for either possessing or consuming the drug, and the government has to use taxpayers’ money to sustain such people in prison. Since these actions do not limit consumption of marijuana, state governments should legalize the drug so as to save taxpayers money.

Another advantage of marijuana is that it is less noxious than other legal substances. According to research, marijuana is the least harmful drug among the many legal drugs existent in the world today (Owen, 2014). There are millions of campaigns every year cautioning people against smoking cigarettes, but there has been none seeking to warn people about marijuana consumption (Owen, 2014). Lobby groups have even been making efforts to push for legalization of marijuana. If marijuana had severe health effects as many purport, state governments would be investing heavily in campaigns aimed at discouraging its consumption (Owen, 2014). According to studies, alcohol, which is legal in many countries, is 114 times more harmful than marijuana (Owen, 2014). Therefore, if such harmful substances can be legalized, then there are no justifications as to why marijuana should not be legalized.

Further, marijuana has been proven to have medicinal benefits. Several countries, particularly in Europe, and the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. Their move to legalize marijuana was based on medical reports that showed a variety of health benefits linked to the drug (Noonan, 2017). Research shows that marijuana can reduce seizures in epileptic persons. Several studies have also proven that the drug indeed has a variety of health benefits. For instance, Charlotte Figi, who is now aged 10, used to have more than 100 seizures every month at age three, but since Colorado legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana, her parents started treating her with the substance, and today her seizures have significantly reduced (Noonan, 2017). Marijuana has as well been proven to reduce nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Owing to this medicinal value, state governments should consider legalizing the drug.

Additionally, marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever. Consumption of the drug causes excitement among its users enabling them to forget about troubling situations. Unlike alcohol which is likely to aggravate stress and depression, marijuana works wonders in alleviating anxiety and depression (Sanger, 2017). There are many health and social effects associated with stress, including mental disorders and violence against others (Sanger, 2017). To avoid cases of stress-related violence and mental disorders, state governments should make marijuana consumption legal.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana in the world today. People have continued to ignore the health benefits linked with this substance and have instead focused on citing yet-to-be proven misconceptions. Owing to the ability of the drug to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals, governments should seriously consider its legalization. The legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from sustaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption. So far, there is more than enough evidence proving that marijuana has lots of benefits to individuals, the society, and the government, and therefore should be legalized.

Head, T. (2016). “8 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. ThoughtCo . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.thoughtco.com/reasons-why-marijuana-should-be-legalized-721154

Markol, T. (2018). “5 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. Marijuana Reform . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from http://marijuanareform.org/5-reasons-marijuana-legalized/

Noonan, D. (2017). “Marijuana treatment reduces severe epileptic seizures”. Scientific American . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/marijuana-treatment-reduces-severe-epileptic-seizures/

Owen, P. (2014). “6 powerful reasons to legalize marijuana”. New York Times . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.alternet.org/drugs/6-powerful-reasons-new-york-times-says-end-marijuana-prohibition

Sanger, B. (2017). “10 legit reasons why weed should be legalized right now”. Herb . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://herb.co/marijuana/news/reasons-weed-legalized

Why Marijuana Should be Legal Essay Outline

Thesis:  Marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells.

• Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer.
• In an experiment, researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with Cannabidiol.

Marijuana helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy.

• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains and nausea.
• This can further complicate their health.
• Marijuana can stir up their appetite, decrease nausea, and reduce pain.

Paragraph  3:

Marijuana can control epileptic seizure.

• Marijuana extract stopped seizures in epileptic rats in ten hours.
• The seizures were controlled by the THC.

Disadvantages of Marijuana

Marijuana is addictive.

• One in ten marijuana users become addicted over time.
• If one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms.

Marijuana use decreases mental health.

• Users suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain.
• Users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia.

Marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking .

• Marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer.
• The likelihood of lung cancer can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal

Paragraph 7:

Improved quality and safety control.

• Legalization would lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control.
• Users would know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer.
• There would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana.

Paragraph 8:

Marijuana has a medicinal value.

• Medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions.
• Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain.  

Paragraph 9: 

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving.

• This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it is a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes.
• It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

Legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay

There is an ongoing tension between the belief that marijuana effectively treats a wide range of ailments and the argument that it has far-reaching negative health effects. There has nevertheless been a drive towards legalization of the drug in the United States with twenty nine states and the District of Columbia having legalized it for medical and recreational purposes. It was also found by a study that there is a sharp increase in the use of marijuana across the country (Kerr, Lui & Ye, 2017). Major public health concerns are being prompted by this rise. This should however not be the case because marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells. A study found that Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer. A 2007 report by researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco also indicated that the spread of cancer may be prevented by Cannabidiol. In their lab experiment, the researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with this component (Nawaz, 2017). The positive outcome of the experiment showed that Id-1 expression had been significantly decreased.

Marijuana also helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains, appetite loss, vomiting, and painful nausea. This can further complicate their already deteriorating health. Marijuana can be of help here by stirring up the appetite, decreasing nausea, and reducing pain (Nawaz, 2017). There are also other cannabinoid drugs used for the same purposes as approved by the FDA.

It was additionally shown by a 2003 study that the use of marijuana can control epileptic seizure. Synthetic marijuana and marijuana extracts were given to epileptic rats by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robert J. DeLorenzo. In about ten hours, the seizures had been stopped by the drugs (Nawaz, 2017). It was found that the seizures were controlled by the THC which bound the brain cells responsible for regulating relaxation and controlling excitability.

Some scientists claim that marijuana is addictive. According to them, one in ten marijuana users become addicted over time. They argue that if one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms as anxiety and irritability (Barcott, 2015). However, the same argument could be applied to cigarette smoking, which is notably legal. There is need for more studies to be conducted into this claim being spread by opponents of marijuana legalization.

It is also argued that marijuana use decreases mental health. Those opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana like to cite studies that show that users of the drug suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain. They also argue that users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia. However, these assertions have not yet been completely ascertained by science (Barcott, 2015). The claim about depression and schizophrenia is particularly not clear because researchers are not sure whether the drug triggers the conditions or it is used by smokers to alleviate the symptoms.

It is further claimed that marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking. It is presumed that marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer. The likelihood of lung cancer, according to this argument, can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens. However, the argument touches not on the frequency of use between marijuana and cigarette smokers (Barcott, 2015). It neither takes into account such alternative administration methods as edibles, tinctures, and vaporizing.

Legalization of marijuana would lead to improved quality and safety control. Purchasing the drug off the street provides end users with no means of knowing what they are exactly getting. On the other hand, legalizing it would immediately lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). This would certainly work in the marijuana industry just as it is working in the tobacco and alcohol industries. Users would be able to know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer. Additionally, there would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana sold on the streets.

Marijuana should also be legal because it has a medicinal value. It has been proven that medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions. These include problems due to chemotherapy, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain if medical cannabis products were made available to those suffering from the mentioned conditions. Consequently, more public funds would be available for such other public service initiatives as schools and roads.

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving. This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it has already been cited to be a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes. Among the surveys those arguing along this line might cite is one that was conducted back in 2010, revealing that of the participating weekend night-time drivers, “8.6 percent tested positive for marijuana or its metabolites” (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It was found in yet another study that 26.9% of drivers who were being attended to at a trauma center after sustaining serious injuries tested positive for the drug (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

As the discussion reveals, legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people. There are also other health conditions that can be controlled through the drug. Arguments against its legalization based on its effects on human health also lack sufficient scientific support. It is thus only safe that the drug is legalized in all states.

Barcott, B. (2015).  Weed the people: the future of legal marijuana in America . New York, NY: Time Home Entertainment.

Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2016).  Marijuana legalization: what everyone needs to know . New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Kerr, W., Lui, C., & Ye, Y. (2017). Trends and age, period and cohort effects for marijuana use prevalence in the 1984-2015 US National Alcohol Surveys.  Addiction ,  113 (3), 473-481.

Nawaz, H. (2017).  The debate between legalizing marijuana and its benefits for medical purposes: a pros and cons analysis . Munich, Germany: GRIN Verlag.

Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana. (2010). In  CNBC . Retrieved June 25, 2020 from  https://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223 .

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