kilee Alled

HLTH 1050
12/13/16
Medicinal Marijuana
Introduction

I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the epidemic

related to prescription drug abuse and death. I was surprised to hear
how out of hand this issue has gotten. In 2014, 32% of Utah adults
aged 18 years and older had been prescribed an opioid pain
medication in the last 12 months. Most Utahns who die from a drugrelated death suffer from chronic pain and take prescribed
medications. Drug poisoning deaths have also outnumbered deaths
relating to firearms, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. In this day in age
we have so many options and alternatives. Why are physicians still
prescribing such high abuse drugs? I strongly believe medicinal
marijuana is a great alternative for prescription pain medications. I
work with a young women who suffers from epilepsy. Shes had it
since the age of two. Her mom said that medical marijuana has had a
significant impact on her seizures. Marijuana is far less addictive than
many of the prescription medications on the market today. Many
individuals will build a tolerance towards opioids. This is very
dangerous and will increase the likelihood of overdosing. Dr. Mark
Ware is the clinical direction of research at the university health center

in Montreal. His study focused on the relative safety of medical

marijuana. The researchers followed 215 adult patients with chronic pain
who used medical pot for one year. The researchers compared the
marijuana users to a control group of 216 chronic pain patients who
didn't use medical marijuana. Their findings showed the individuals who
used marijuana had far less side effects. They also mentioned they
believe medical marijuana is a better option for long tern chromic pain
compare to opioids.
The History Behind the Hysteria
The problem with marijuana is the stigma surrounding it. It all started
with reefer madness era. William Randolph Hearst, was one of the most
powerful newspaper producers in that time. He essentially created the
hysteria surrounding marijuana with falsified stories. He claimed weed
dealers were from low socioeconomic status and usually depicted them
to be Hispanic or black. He was also said to be a very vocal racist.
Another powerful, wealthy family contributed to the mess. It always
comes down to money. A wealthy family that had patents relating to
chemicals involved with the process of making plastic and paper. Having
hemp cultivated in the U.S would run them broke. These two families
worked side by side to prevent hemp from circulating into the mass
market. The marijuana tax act of 1937 had a huge impact on hemp . This
prohibited the cultivation and importation on hemp and hemp products.

Multiple Uses
Hemp is the non psychoactive part of marijuana. So banning the
cultivation of hemp is counterproductive considering help actually only
contains less then 1% of THC. Hemp is incredibly resourceful. The actual
hemp seed can be used in making bread, fuel lubricants, and even paint,
Hemp fibers and stock are very strong. Hemp stock can be used in the
making of fiberboard, insulation, chemical absorbent, and concrete. It
many states hemp itself still remains illegal. Marijuana could have a
positive impact on the environment.
Not Just an Alternative for Pain
Earlier I depicted marijuana as a great alternative for pain medication. I
can also help with other conditions as well. Individuals who suffer
multiple sclerosis have claimed the effectiveness of marijuana in
regards towards their condition. Multiple sclerosis leads to
inflammation. Cannabis is essentially an anti-inflammatory.
Cannabinoids actually promote the growth of new brain cells as well.
IT can also stop muscle stiffness and spasms. Marijuana is also help in
treating symptoms associated with cancer and AIDS. It can alleviate
nausea, lack of appetite, restore weight, and maintain nutrients in the
body. Medicinal marijuana has also been shown to be beneficial when
it comes to ADHD. Medicinal marijuana is a better alternative than
Adderall or Ritalin. Both have addictive properties and potential for
abuse.

Cons
Even though there is high praise for medicinal marijuana. There is
negative aspects that can go along with the natural drug. No inhalation
of smoke is good for you respiratory system. Alternative ways of
consumption are suggested. Marijuana does have a low tolerance of
abuse. However, there is still a chance of addiction. As is the same
with many other things. Marijuana can also impair memory while high.
And its still illegal and can cause major legal repercussions if you do
not have a medical card. I personally believe the negatives dont
outweigh the positives. If I could choose between a man made one and
a naturally occurring drug, I would go with the latter.
Legalization
More than half the U.S population is for the legalization of medicinal
marijuana. There have been many studies concluding there is in fact
use medical properties associated with marijuana. It is still considered
a schedule one drug. Schedule one drug are defined as those that
have the following characteristic according to the United States Drug
Enforcement Agency: The drug or other substance has a high potential
for abuse. The drug or other substance has no currently accepted
medical treatment use in the U.S. Over 28 states in our nation have
acknowledged that marijuana does have medicinal properties. These
states have legalized the use of this medicine. We learned from the

prohibition involving alcohol that people will get what they want by any
mans necessary. With the prohibition we saw increased crimes and
violence surrounding the production, distribution, and selling of
alcohol. Big drug companies can also be behind the hesitancy behind
federally legalizing medical marijuana. Many large drug companies are
behind large donations against legalizing weed. Many companies will
also lobby against medical marijuana.
The Legal Repercussion
The war on marijuana has been a large failure. Weve spent a
ridiculous amount on fighting this specific drug. Although the FBI
claims that they target large-scale smugglers and drug pens, 80% of all
arrest was for mere drug possession. In Utah individuals found in
possession of marijuana can face hefty penalties. We should be
focusing our efforts and funding elsewhere. It takes away valuable
resources that should be reserved for more important things.
Conclusion
Marijuana is a valuable resource for our nation. We can cultivate hemp
into many every day items. This will also have a positive effect on our
environment. The stigma surrounding weed is one that has been
falsified from the beginning. Allowing medicinal marijuana to be normal
and less of a taboo is the best way we can promote this.

Work Cited

@leafly. "Hemp 101: What is Hemp, What's It Used for, and Why is It Illegal? |
Leafly."Leafly. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Dec. 2016.

"Marijuana."Marijuana | Drug War Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2016.

"Washington Drug Defense."HOW DID "REEFER MADNESS" GET STARTED? |

Washington Drug Defense. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2016.