Taking a Look at Medical Marijuana

Synthetic cannabinoids were created to bind the same receptors as the active compound in marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 to obtain the psychotropic effects such as euphoria. CB1 receptors are located within the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, in addition to peripheral organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidney. CB2 receptors are noted to be located on immune and hematopoietic cells, therefore desired and toxic

The use of medical marijuana (slang: Acapulco gold, ace, bhang, cannabis, hash, dope, ganja, grass, weed, hashish oil, hemp, home-grown, honey oil, indica, Jamaican roach, sativa, sinse, sinsemilla, tea, weed oil) has a been a major topic of debate for countless years. People all around the United States have seen propaganda of some sort regarding the legalization of marijuana. For example, with the ongoing discussion of legalization throughout the states, it’s abruptly mentioned in the news, everyday conversations, school topics for debate, and within stories of social media. In the article, “Is marijuana prohibition coming to an end”, Michelle Johnson a North Carolina journalist, states “Legalizing marijuana for a medical or recreational

According to the authors, recent studies have shown that there is another compound in marijuana that is increasing the attention of both scientists and medical marijuana providers known as cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is not an intoxicating product, and does not produce a high when alone, but some researchers claim it may calm the anxiety produced by THC. Some research suggests that marijuana with a better balance between CBD and THC is less risky than the high-THC, low-CBD strains that now dominate the upper end of the marijuana market (Caulkin 9). With scientists discovering the new compound CBD, it makes them more interested in doing further research in order to discover more roles of other compounds

Medical marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a controversial topic because many find it beneficial as others find the usage to be recreational. Throughout the years, medical marijuana has gone through periods of times in which it was legal and illegal. Over the years laws have been developed in order to try and regulate the usage of the drug. Studies have shown many the benefits of treating diseases and symptoms. Today it is used in treatment with many different diseases and disorders such as cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and multiple sclerosis. As medical marijuana has different species and uses of the product, it is important to depict where the drug can be used for treatment. The usage of this drug enables patients to have a more positive and livable outcome with treatments.

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

As more effective treatments for diseases and cancers are being developed, a safe and promising drug is being under attack for its many misconceptions. Marijuana use of both medicinally and recreationally, has been hindered by the misconceptions it has faced due to it being on the schedule 1 drug class of the U.S government. These misconceptions of medical marijuana have hindered its legalization by having people continue to believe them, refusing to learn the beneficial properties of medical marijuana, and as a result have affected people who could benefit from this form of treatment.

In order to conduct a legal marijuana study in the US the research must be approved by the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), the only legal source of marijuana. The problem is that NIDA focuses on discovering negative effects of illicit substances and has even stated that organization “generally do[es] not fund research focused on the potential beneficial medical effects of marijuana” (Harris 2010). Under these restrictions the only studies that aim to establish further negative effects of marijuana are approved by NIDA. This generates a considerable bias in the current evidence which upholds the placing marijuana as a Schedule I

The topic of medical Marijuana brings much controversy when discussing amongst people that are for it or against it. Medical Marijuana has been the heated topic of discussion for the past few years now mainly for it’s medical benefits and the fight to decriminalize the herb.

Marijuana is a drug misunderstood by many nation wide however, most people do not consider it 's legitimate medicinal application. Medical marijuana defined by Drugfacts refers to the use of the whole unprocessed plant to treat a disease or illness. The Drug Enforcement Administration has listed it under the schedule I classification which is the same classification that heroin, LSD, ecstasy and many other drugs are under. The classification identifies the drug as a dangerous substance that has no recognized medicinal use as reported by the DEA. It 's classification as a highly regulated Schedule I drug makes it challenging to study its medical benefits. Due to this classification, marijuana is commonly regarded by the general public as possessing "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse" (DEA.gov). The DEA has yet to acknowledge many conducted scientific studies that point to the very tangible medical benefits of cannabinoids (Voth and Schwartz 1997). The blockade on marijuana research has caused a severe halt in reaping the benefits of THC. The drug is a better alternative than many drugs given to patients as seen in some cases of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and chronic terminal conditions like cancer, because of its "analgesic, sedative, and anticonvulsant" properties (Abood, Sorensen, and Stella 2012). Marijuana can serve as both a viable treatment option and improves the quality of life through its pain relieving capacities. While

Marijuana is classified by the federal government as a “Schedule 1 Drug” and has become stereotyped as an addictive substance that has become a burden to society, as well as a gateway to other drugs. However, this fallacy undermines the positive aspects that can come from this plant’s natural healing chemicals. In addition, the drug itself is not as harmful as some may perceive. The first generalization that is related closely to the effects of

The use of Cannabis (Marijuana) for medical treatment is gaining momentum across the United States. Currently twenty three states and the District of Columbia have passed bills legalizing medical marijuana for treatment of cancer, AIDS, PTSD, neuromuscular disease and various other health issues (Medical Marijuana Pros and Cons, 2014). On May 3, 2013, Representative Robert Hagan (Democrat- Youngstown) introduced HB 153 ( a reintroduction of HB 214 to the 129th Ohio General Assembly) to the 130th Ohio General Assembly to legalize medical marijuana for patients and provision for statutory protection regarding medical use of marijuana (Ohio Legislative Service Commission, 2014).

The legalization of medical marijuana has been a controversial topic for many years. The major concerns are how the drug affects users and if it should be used as a medicine. Marijuana is associated with negative stereotypes because of its most common form that people use to get high. People assume that legalization advocates are “stoners” and don’t genuinely care about its medicinal value. Although this may be true regarding certain individuals, the voices that aren’t heard are those who are struggling to live. The real problem is that people are uneducated on its many different forms and effects. Not many have heard about cannabidiol oil (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, and how it can literally save a person’s life. All

Marijuana is known for its psychoactive effects creating a euphoric sensation or a high for its users. Introduced in the 3rd millennium BC, marijuana has evolved into a highly demanded and used drug. From it’s everyday users, known as “stoners”, to use and endorsement by celebrities, marijuana is considered a recreational drug. Marijuana is regarded as the most used illicit drug in the world; however, due to restrictions on the possession, use, and sale of marijuana is illegal in most parts of the world. Although marijuana is technically illegal, it is used for a recreational high, prescribed in the medical world, and is surrounded by controversy everyday.

The use of cannabis toward medicine should not be shocking to anyone, since it has been around for centuries. As a matter of fact, it has been under medicinal aid for an estimated 5,000 years. Western medicine truly grasped marijuana’s medicinal abilities in the 1850’s. Infact, doctors documented over one hundred papers about how marijuana helped numerous disorders, such as nausea, glaucoma, movement disorders, pain relief, depression, and anxiety. It also helps cancer patients and those with HIV or Aids. Currently, many American patients have access to marijuana use so that they can have effective treatments for their illnesses. Medical marijuana use is achievable because

Numerous groups debate the topic of medical marijuana. Some people support the legalization of medical marijuana, while others oppose it. The rhetors in this discourse community come from a variety of places and backgrounds. In the medical profession, both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Lung Association speak out about medical marijuana. On the federal level, the White House and the U.S Federal Drug Administration consider the impact of medical marijuana. Medical marijuana also sparks interest with the creation of jobs. Specifically, farmers such as Gary Mangum and dispensaries such as Medical Marijuana, Inc. Insurance companies such as Prudential Life get involved with the debate. Lastly, activist groups like Americans for Safe Access and Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana make themselves known in the discourse community. Overall, these rhetors create the discourse community for medical marijuana.