Should Marijuana Be Legalized for Medical Purposes?
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Christina BuiMr. Brewster – English 130110/22/2017Should Marijuana be Legalized for Medical Purposes? Medical Marijuana is a drug formed from a marijuana plant that can be used to treat health problems or to feel ‘high’. Throughout history, marijuana has been used to achieve euphoria; it was used as a Chinese medical reference to date from 2737 B.C. From there, it has spread to India, North Africa, and Europe. Today, Medical Marijuana is one of the most discussed topics in the U.S. Many believed that marijuana can be used for medicinal benefits, like to heal and become more intelligent. On the other hand, others have stated that abuse of the drug will lead to negative long-term effects to the brain and lungs. Among the arguments, proponents for medical marijuana have presented a more effective argument for legalization by proving that the drug can create a healthy lifestyle, prevent diseases, and help ease negative emotion. There are numerous of debates on whether or not marijuana is effective for the body. According to the Quit Smoking Community, marijuana can help one lose weight and improve the metabolism. “Weed has been shown to regulate insulin production and helps the body manage daily calorie intake more efficiently” (Benefits of Medical Marijuana 2). On average, smokers tend to have a slimmer body than non-smokers. Adding on, marijuana helps focus and increase mental creativity. While weed may not have a positive impact on short-term memory, studies show that when tested, smokers came up with more inventive ideas. (Benefits of Medical Marijuana 2). Marijuana can also help reverse lung diseases from smoking tobacco. A study published in 2012 shows that marijuana, in fact, does not have any severe effects on the lungs. Rather it can eliminate the side effects of long term tobacco smoking and increase lung capacity (Benefits of Medical Marijuana 3). Marijuana smokers have proved to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Weed has been growing more popular in the younger age groups and is mostly used to feel relax. Little did they know, marijuana contains cannabinoids that are used to cure many diseases and improve the body to return it to its healthy state. Cannabis has been scientifically proven to cure Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness, and epileptic seizures. It has been proven to “prevent cancer from spreading and slow Alzheimer’s to ease multiple sclerosis pain. Medical Marijuana has also been used to reduce Hepatitis C side-effects, treat inflammatory bowels, and relieve arthritis pain” (Benefits of Medical Marijuana 2). Medical marijuana is manufactured in different forms such as ointment rub, capsules, and spray to help reduce sickness and muscle spasms (Armand 1). Marijuana contains two Cannabinoids that medical fields are interested in: THC and CBD. “THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea. It may also decrease pain, inflammation, and muscle control problems” (Marijuana as Medicine 3). CBD is not known for making people high, it’s similar to THC. “CBD reduces pain and inflammation, controls epileptic seizures, and treats mental illness and most addictions” (Marijuana as Medicine 3) Studies have shown that marijuana extract can kill cancer cells and reduce the size of some. Other studies show that pure extract can slow the growth of cancer cells in large tumors. NIDA also believes that medical marijuana is beneficial to the decrease of overdose deaths. Data has too shows that medical marijuana treatment may lessen the opioid dose for pain patients.