Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is a very common topic of the century in the United States. I would say the country is split 50/50 in favor and against legalizing marijuana nation wide for medical use. Every argument has its pros and cons, although the misconception of marijuana as a medical use has supportive reasons that are in favor. Reasons in favor of medical marijuana use ranked in terms of strength and effectiveness are as followed. Treating pain relief, chronic nausea from cancer patients treatments, help boost the economy, muscle relaxation, medical marijuana vs. prescription drugs, and marijuana is an all natural herb. Reasons against medical marijuana use ranked in terms of strength and effectiveness are as followed. Increased drug use among youths, safety towards self and others, short-term side effects, having a “gateway” effect, respiratory issues, and marijuana is a schedule 1 controlled substance. Medical marijuana, also known as Cannabis, contains a major constituent called Cannabidiol. This compound in medical marijuana is most effective to treat analgesia, pain relief. Cannabis can help reduce suffering from individuals who experience chronic pain from diseases such as neuropathy, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. I chose medical marijuana for most in favor of treating pain relief because many American’s suffer from pain everyday. “Chronic pain affects at least 116 million Americans each year” (Szalavitz, 2011). Whether a person experiences pain from work, stress, or having a bad back, the majority suffers from pain. Therefore I think the use of cannabis is most in favor of treating pain relief because it is doing the most good for the most amount of people, utilitarianism. Cancer patients undergo chemotherapy and radiation, and take medications that cause chronic nausea and vomiting. Not only is cannabidiol an analgesic, but also it is a natural antiemetic, which alleviates nausea and vomiting. In some cases patients refuse treatment or medication because