Marijuana is often known as pot, grass and weed however its formal title is definitely hashish. It comes from the leaves and flowers of the plant Hashish sativa. It’s thought of an unlawful substance within the US and lots of international locations and possession of marijuana is against the law punishable by legislation. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances which have a really excessive potential for abuse and haven’t any confirmed medical use. Through the years a number of research declare that some substances present in marijuana have medicinal use, particularly in terminal ailments reminiscent of most cancers and AIDS. This began a fierce debate over the professionals and cons of using medical marijuana. To settle this debate, the Institute of Drugs revealed the well-known 1999 IOM report entitled Marijuana and Drugs: Assessing the Science Base. The report was complete however didn’t give a transparent lower sure or no reply. The alternative camps of the medical marijuana concern typically cite a part of the report of their advocacy arguments. Nevertheless, though the report clarified many issues, it by no means settled the controversy as soon as and for all.

Let’s take a look at the problems that assist why medical marijuana must be legalized.

(1) Marijuana is a naturally occurring herb and has been used from South America to Asia as an natural medication for millennia. At the present time when the all pure and natural are essential well being buzzwords, a naturally occurring herb like marijuana may be extra interesting to and safer for shoppers than artificial medicine.

(2) Marijuana has sturdy therapeutic potential. A number of research, as summarized within the IOM report, have noticed that hashish can be utilized as analgesic, e.g. to deal with ache. Just a few research confirmed that THC, a marijuana element is efficient in treating continual ache skilled by most cancers sufferers. Nevertheless, research on acute ache reminiscent of these skilled throughout surgical procedure and trauma have inconclusive experiences. Just a few research, additionally summarized within the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana parts have antiemetic properties and are, subsequently, efficient in opposition to nausea and vomiting, that are frequent uncomfortable side effects of most cancers chemotherapy and radiation remedy. Some researchers are satisfied that Cannabis companies in Africa has some therapeutic potential in opposition to neurological ailments reminiscent of a number of sclerosis. Particular compounds extracted from marijuana have sturdy therapeutic potential. Cannobidiol (CBD), a serious element of marijuana, has been proven to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Different cannabinoids have been proven to forestall excessive intraocular stress (IOP), a serious threat issue for glaucoma. Medication that comprise energetic elements current in marijuana however have been synthetically produced within the laboratory have been authorised by the US FDA. One instance is Marinol, an antiemetic agent indicated for nausea and vomiting related to most cancers chemotherapy. Its energetic ingredient is dronabinol, an artificial delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

(3) One of many main proponents of medical marijuana is the Marijuana Coverage Mission (MPP), a US-based group. Many medical skilled societies and organizations have expressed their assist. For instance, The American Faculty of Physicians, really helpful a re-evaluation of the Schedule I classification of marijuana of their 2008 place paper. ACP additionally expresses its sturdy assist for analysis into the therapeutic function of marijuana in addition to exemption from federal felony prosecution; civil legal responsibility; or skilled sanctioning for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state legislation. Equally, safety from felony or civil penalties for sufferers who use medical marijuana as permitted beneath state legal guidelines.

(4) Medical marijuana is legally utilized in many developed international locations The argument of if they’ll do it, why not us? is one other sturdy level. Some international locations, together with Canada, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, Israel, and Finland have legalized the therapeutic use of marijuana beneath strict prescription management. Some states within the US are additionally permitting exemptions.

Now listed below are the arguments in opposition to medical marijuana.

(1) Lack of knowledge on security and efficacy. Drug regulation is predicated on security first. The protection of marijuana and its parts nonetheless has to first be established. Efficacy solely comes second. Even when marijuana has some helpful well being results, the advantages ought to outweigh the dangers for it to be thought of for medical use. Until marijuana is confirmed to be higher (safer and more practical) than medicine at present accessible out there, its approval for medical use could also be an extended shot. In keeping with the testimony of Robert J. Meyer of the Division of Well being and Human Companies getting access to a drug or medical therapy, with out realizing methods to use it and even whether it is efficient, doesn’t profit anybody. Merely having entry, with out having security, efficacy, and enough use info doesn’t assist sufferers.