Pros and Cons of Medicinal Marijuana
Marijuana for the Use of Medicinal Purposes: The Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana
Laynee Scarborough-Bowser
Kaplan University
CM 109-04
Marijuana, For the Use of Medicinal Purposes: The Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana
The legalization and use of Marijuana for medicinal purposes is a controversial subject within the U.S. Supreme Court, Congress, and Society. Here, the writer will examine the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana, who is permitted to use marijuana as a treatment for medicinal purposes. We will look at the states that have legalized marijuana, and those states requirements. First, what is ‘Marijuana”? Marijuana is a dry shredded green and brown flowers, leaves, stems or seeds. The leaves are derived the hemp plant “Cannabis sativa.” The active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. This active ingredient, THC is why the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 is the governing factor over Marijuana. http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana The Controlled Substance Act of 1970, (CSA), which was enacted by Congress, is the major federal law governing Marijuana. Marijuana was improperly classified by the Federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970 as a schedule I substance---the restrictive of five categories. A schedule I substance is defined as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Schedule I substances may not be prescribed by physicians. (Demmer, 2001) This act, which gives marijuana its classification, is the reason why there is so much controversy. The Federal Government knows the therapeutic value marijuana has, but continues to enforce marijuana laws against medical marijuana users and their physicians. Even in the states that have enacted legislation especially, for such use, the Supreme Court and Congress will not consider amending the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
Laynee Scarborough-Bowser
Kaplan University
CM 109-04
Marijuana, For the Use of Medicinal Purposes: The Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana
The legalization and use of Marijuana for medicinal purposes is a controversial subject within the U.S. Supreme Court, Congress, and Society. Here, the writer will examine the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana, who is permitted to use marijuana as a treatment for medicinal purposes. We will look at the states that have legalized marijuana, and those states requirements. First, what is ‘Marijuana”? Marijuana is a dry shredded green and brown flowers, leaves, stems or seeds. The leaves are derived the hemp plant “Cannabis sativa.” The active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. This active ingredient, THC is why the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 is the governing factor over Marijuana. http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana The Controlled Substance Act of 1970, (CSA), which was enacted by Congress, is the major federal law governing Marijuana. Marijuana was improperly classified by the Federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970 as a schedule I substance---the restrictive of five categories. A schedule I substance is defined as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Schedule I substances may not be prescribed by physicians. (Demmer, 2001) This act, which gives marijuana its classification, is the reason why there is so much controversy. The Federal Government knows the therapeutic value marijuana has, but continues to enforce marijuana laws against medical marijuana users and their physicians. Even in the states that have enacted legislation especially, for such use, the Supreme Court and Congress will not consider amending the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
References: Underwood, B., (2001). Do State Laws Allow for the Medicinal Use of Marijuana Violate Federal Drug Laws? Pro and Con, Supreme Court Debate, Vol, 4 Issue 5 10p Onstad, K., (1997). RX: Marijuana Retrieved MasterFILE Premier O’Brien, K., (2002). Mother and Son: The Case of Medicinal Marijuana. MasterFILE Premier Browne. Z., (2001) Supreme Court Justice Says NO to Marijuana For Medicinal Purposes. MasterFILE Premier Parloff, R., (2009) How Pot Became Legal. Vol .160 http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org