The legalization of marijuana has been a debatable topic supported by both sides of the argument. From a medical standpoint there are several advantages that can be helpful for the use of marijuana as an alternative for medical treatments. There is research that indicates that the use of marijuana as a medical alternative has been far reaching within society.
Medicinal marijuana has been used in the treatment of chronic illnesses and treatments for such symptoms as “nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and appetite stimulation in wasting illnesses” (Hill, 2015). Thus far the benefits make for a strong argument that medicinal marijuana should be accessible to some patients, however, additional studies are needed to explore its risks and benefits.
Currently, marijuana is classified federally as a schedule 1 drug; which classifies it as having a high possibility for abuse and it is listed as having no medical use. This contrasts with some of the differing policies that have been adopted by some States which have allowed and decriminalized marijuana for educational and medicinal purposes. Sadly, the result of these restrictions is that medical marijuana is not widely available and accessible in some states.
Furthermore, due to the classification of medical marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug in some states, further research has been limited by medical experts. However, medical experts have decided that they would “ Take a fresh look at the evidence regarding the therapeutic use of marijuana”, and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently adopted a resolution “urging review of marijuana as a Schedule I to address this issue” (Hoffmann, & Weber,2010).
Subsequently, because of the federal classification and its illegality marijuana’s accessibility as a medical treatment is not widely accessible in some states, restricting its use for its citizens.
References
- Hill, K. P. (2015). Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: a clinical review. Jama, 313(24), 2474-2483
- Hoffmann, D. E., & Weber, E. (2010). Medical marijuana and the law. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(16), 1453-1457.
