Introduction In the United States, marijuana for medical purposes has gained more prevalence in current political discourse than in previous years. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a flowering plant that originally came from South and Central Asia. For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used for many natural products such as seed oils, seed, fiber that is used to make hemp products and contains over four hundred chemicals, some of which have an antibiotic like effect (Nordqvist, 2013). Studies have shown that two of the chemicals, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), have a positive effect on humans for mild to moderate painkilling effects and sedative effects (Nordqvist, 2013). The purpose of this paper is …show more content…
How Delivered? Since government funding is not permitted, private dispensaries are generally set up to administer marijuana prescriptions with varying levels of restrictions ranging from strict to almost nonexistent (Kleber & Dupont, 2012). Physicians may issue a “marijuana card” to patients who apply for drug treatment programs within their authorized state of residence and processed for approval or denial (Harding, 2013). Conventional pharmacies cannot administer marijuana prescriptions; therefore insurance companies do not cover it. Patients have the option of having a personal supply (if approved in their state) or the use a dispensary facility. How financed? The dispensaries are owned and operated by private investors that generate revenue through the sales of marijuana and marijuana infused products. According to Durgin (2013) the District of Columbia is proposed to be the first in the nation to require their state regulated medical marijuana dispensaries to utilize two percent of their profits to subsidize marijuana purchases for the low-income patients, where prices range from $380-$440 per ounce. This proposal will allow dispensaries to give at least a twenty percent discount to low-income patients that meet the federal poverty level or on a sliding scale (Durgin, 2013). Strengths and Weaknesses
Also, marijuana can be seen as being addictive in nature. “Approximately 9% of individuals that use marijuana become addicted” (Marijuana Statistics). Marijuana contains many chemicals, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can cause many positive and negative effects to the human body and brain. A major attribute for medical marijuana is the economic advantages that are produced from the distribution of the drug. Also, the legalization of medical marijuana can portray positive and negative outcomes for law enforcement. Therefore, medical marijuana has many positive effects, such as treatment for diseases, and negative effects, such as immune system suppression. Throughout this research paper, medical marijuana will be thoroughly explained to exemplify the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing the
State and federal law are in direct conflict in this situation and although the state will not take action against those that they have given the ability to sale and distribute marijuana for medical purposes but the problem that exists with this is that the federal law does not allow the sale of marijuana and they will take action against those that have state permission to establish one of these medical marijuana stores. At the federal level, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, where Schedule I substances are considered to have a high potential for dependency and no accepted medical use, making distribution of marijuana a federal offense (NCSL, 2014).
The topic of legalizing recreational marijuana in the United States has been a very controversial one. States such as Colorado and Washington have gone on the offensive and have legalized recreational marijuana and have enjoyed the high revenues brought in from cannabis sale. On the other hand other states have kept low profiles because they are wary of the possible negative outcomes of legalizing recreational marijuana and are using the states of Colorado and Washington as guinea pigs to see what their next course of action on this controversial topic should be. This is not only a highly debated topic among politicians, but also by the people. According to a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center 52% of Americans
Medical cannabis could revolutionise modern medicine, with its healing powers that could aid in the healing of terminal cancer, depression and anxiety (Everett, 2014). The more that people become aware of medical cannabis and it’s healing powers, there will be an increase of the acceptance of it within society. (Benac, 2014)
The process to receive treatment is simple: a person goes to a physician complaining about chronic pain they are having, that doctor quickly examines them, and then they can walk out the door with a “green card,” which is the prescription from the doctor saying it is okay for them to receive dosages of medical marijuana. Green cards are passed out so often, that, in 2009, two thousand, eight hundred green cards were passed out in a matter of two months (Kavula 24)! This statistic proves how quick and easy it is for people to get those green cards. No medical records are required- only paperwork, an examination, and twenty five dollars to purchase a card. “If you are simply alive, there is a good chance you have a symptom that warrants a medical marijuana card” (qtd. in Gibson). It is amazing how people can just walk in to a doctor’s office and complain about little pains so they can easily get a hold on medical marijuana. To prevent these types of people from getting medical marijuana, things need to
The process by which society detects and interprets information from the external world in a utilitarian theory claims: one should always do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. When one has the motivation to reach goals for the benefit of one’s self it is known as ethical egoism. In this paper we shall consider a brief history of cannabis, the parallels of legalizing medical marijuana and prohibition of alcohol in the 1920’s with regard to ethical egoism and utilitarian theories.
In recent years, the legalization of Cannabis has become a popular issue and conversation topic in canada. Other countries, such as the Netherlands and Canada’s neighbour, the United States of America have begun to legalize the use of Cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes. As a result, other nations across the globe, including Canada, are also looking towards the legalization of the Cannabis plant. Many trials have been conducted, proving benefits from usage, and various uses, beyond bodily consumption have been discovered, and may provide excellent alternatives to other things that humans use.
Since 2900 BC, Marijuana, has been used as a medication for people suffering from illnesses. The Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, Roman, as well as the Ancient Greece cultures became extremely interested in Marijuana’s healing properties when they realized that the drug helped treat people suffering from glaucoma, gout, cramped joints, violent pain, earaches, inflammation, leprosy, edema, and other diseases affecting the body (Deitch). The idea of using Marijuana as a healer became popular all around the World and by the 1900s, it was being used in South Asia to treat asthma, bronchitis, and the loss of appetite (“A Note on Marijuana”). Eleven years later however, Marijuana would be outlawed and prohibited, starting with the state of
Legalization of marijuana is one of the most controversial topics in American society today. Surveys done by the US Government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive showed that 95 million Americans have used marijuana. There are two opposing sides that have strong stances on whether it should become legal or should remain illegal. We have one side that is anti-marijuana and the other is pro-marijuana. Each side provides valid and strong arguments supporting their views. The purpose of this paper is to carefully examine each opposing side and try to find some way to come to a compromise.
Marijuana is the familiar name for a raw drug made from the plant cannabis sativa. One of the active chemical in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinal (THC); a stimulant it give users the pleasure effect of relaxation, known as a “high” or hallucinating when consumed too much either through oral or smoking. It is the mainstream drug and a blistering topic to our nation in this day and age. Legalizing marijuana is an ever-growing political and social battle making its way to the top of American controversial issues list. Marijuana is one of the prime adversaries on the outlook of America’s war on drugs. Numerous people crave this drug to be permissible and readily available similar to tobacco and alcohol. While it is mind-boggling that
Is it possible for an illegal drug to be deemed legal for medical purposes? Well for an illegal drug like marijuana, that is the question. There are currently many people who use marijuana legally to suppress their illness. Marijuana should be allowed for medicinal purposes.
If you’ve been authorized medical cannabis, you may still have questions about its use. If you’re just considering cannabis as a potential part of your treatment, you likely have many questions!
The medical use of marijuana has been a discussion that has been in the news and all around us recently. This is currently a hot topic of interest. There is an enormous amount of evidence that marijuana could be effect against many things. For example evidence shows it could be used to help relieve pain during chemotherapy, but along with this there is also evidence that at times marijuana can cause harm to someone as well. As nurses we must see each side of the debate to make our care for our patients sounder. One quote that directly applies to this topic, which is very important, was written in the Journal of Clinical Nursing:
The legalisation of medicinal marijuana is a very controversial topic within Australia. Recently, Victoria took the first steps to legalise medicinal marijuana, referenced in Victorian Government 's Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015 (12th April 2016) and passed by the Victorian Parliament. This is the beginning of “the process of enabling patients to access medicinal cannabis.” In spite of this forward move, the debate still rages. There are valid and significant stances about whether marijuana should be legalised for medicinal purposes. Marijuana, better known as “cannabis”, is a psychotropic drug. Medicinal cannabis is known to have 400 chemicals, and these chemicals help with pain management, mitigate some cancers, relieve
Hi I’m Dominick and I’m going to persuade you to agree with me to legalize recreational marijuana use can benefit the U.S. Even though the drug is consider dangerous, it has many pros and cons.