Marijuana: Law and Potential
The subject on the medicinal aspects of Marijuana has been discussed over time. Mostly, the majority of people take marijuana as a drug. It is also known for its negative effects on human health. Nonetheless, there are some medicinal characteristics associated with this plant. The reviewed research studies in this paper address the question; does marijuana have medicinal importance and is it a good idea to legalize its use? In addition, the question of what hampers studies on medical effects of marijuana is also highlighted.
This subject matter is vital since it gives information on how marijuana can be employed in the medical field. In addition, the medicinal information about marijuana will help diffuse the notion that it is only a recreational drug or drug of abuse, thus harmful to human health. The classification of marijuana as a drug and the lack of laws which legalize its use, further affect the establishment of the medicinal features of marijuana. This paper will review three studies conducted on the subject of marijuana, its medicinal aspects, as well as laws governing marijuana use. In this case, the paper aims to reveal whether legalization of marijuana use increases its consumption or if it will be an important addition to treatment in the medical world. In addition, how do laws governing its use affect research on the medicinal value of marijuana?
The 2013 article, “Health effects of medical marijuana still hazy” by Ellen Jean Hirst examines potential benefits and drawbacks of legalized medical marijuana in America. The author cites evidence from several experts in the field of medicine and a report by the Institute of Medicine to argue that the effects of marijuana are not completely clear as a result of the drug’s classification as a Schedule I drug (Hirst, 2013).
Marijuana’s classification as a schedule I drug means that the DEA defines it as a “drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” (Hirst, 2013). Hirst
This subject matter is vital since it gives information on how marijuana can be employed in the medical field. In addition, the medicinal information about marijuana will help diffuse the notion that it is only a recreational drug or drug of abuse, thus harmful to human health. The classification of marijuana as a drug and the lack of laws which legalize its use, further affect the establishment of the medicinal features of marijuana. This paper will review three studies conducted on the subject of marijuana, its medicinal aspects, as well as laws governing marijuana use. In this case, the paper aims to reveal whether legalization of marijuana use increases its consumption or if it will be an important addition to treatment in the medical world. In addition, how do laws governing its use affect research on the medicinal value of marijuana?
The 2013 article, “Health effects of medical marijuana still hazy” by Ellen Jean Hirst examines potential benefits and drawbacks of legalized medical marijuana in America. The author cites evidence from several experts in the field of medicine and a report by the Institute of Medicine to argue that the effects of marijuana are not completely clear as a result of the drug’s classification as a Schedule I drug (Hirst, 2013).
Marijuana’s classification as a schedule I drug means that the DEA defines it as a “drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” (Hirst, 2013). Hirst
References: Hirst, J. E. (2013), “Health Effects of Medical Marijuana still Hazy” Providence Journal. O’Keefe, K. & Earleywine, M. (2005), Marijuana Use by Young People: The Impact of State Medical Marijuana Laws. Pacula, R., Chriqui, J., Reichmann, D. & Terry-McElrath, Y. (2001), State Medical Marijuana Laws: Understanding the Laws and their Limitations.