Introduction
After a lengthy period of identification, study, and dialogue about the various facets of the media's take on drug prohibition, cultural stance, medicinal crusaders, legalization opinions, and several other efforts, it is abundantly clear that marijuana has split the world. Those who favor it and those who condemn it are divided into two classes. I chose the subject of drug legalization and narrowed it down to the medicinal advantages it provides to users. Today, the legalization of medical marijuana has been enacted in 26 states (Hill, 134). Multiple research has cited several merits in the use of the drug for myriads of therapeutic roles while opponents and the United States government have massively outlined high probabilities for abuse. The opponents do not identify any legitimate therapeutic significance of marijuana. This term paper delves into the medical use of marijuana, and it narrows the topic into addressing the history of medical marijuana, impact of the drug in the treatment of certain medical conditions and lastly, highlights on the side effects of the medical use of marijuana.
Medical Marijuana
Out of the list of reasons that supporters of legalization of marijuana have provided, the use of the drug for the medicinal purpose is the most accepted approach by many. Many in the society have advocated for the recreational and relaxation use of the drug; however, people have critically opposed such approaches. Prohibition of the drug prevents intensive research into its comprehensive benefits especially on the medical realm (Grant et al. 89). Through adoption of legalization laws on the drug under restricted grounds, then the drugs true potential can easily be revealed and the society will be relieved of the huge misconceptions regarding the drug. Many users may find themselves trying to experiment with drug due to increased societal or cultural stereotypes regarding the drug. The research will increasingly expose the benefits and harms that drug cause on the body (Li, 142).
History of Medical Marijuana
The exact time when human beings commenced using marijuana remains hugely unknown, but the use can be traced all through from the ancient, medieval and modern times. In ancient times, hemp which is a variety of Cannabis plant was grown for consumption due to its highly nutritive protein seeds, oil products, and fiber outputs. In 2737 B.C. the Chinese legendary Emperor Shen Neng prescribed the use of marijuana in remedying various medication such as gout, rheumatism, and poor memory. He mainly prescribed the drug in preparation of marijuana tea. Over the long period between 1400 B.C. and 2000, Indians continuously accepted the use of marijuana not only for medicinal benefits but also for religious, recreational and spiritual purposes. The Indians made marijuana pastes and mixed it with ghee and even spices. Many kingdoms in the past had significant consideration for the use of marijuana especially the ancient Egypt's around 1550 B.C. and ancient China (Reinarman et al. 59).
In the medieval era, the use of the marijuana (hashish) was rife in the Middle East. The drug was preferred as opposed to alcohol which Islam appeared to oppose its use. In the great span of the period around the middle Ages, people from Europe may not have been using the drug for religious or spiritual related functions, but the drug was key in the treatment roles (Dunlop & Williams, 274). Around the period between 100 and 1000s A.D. marijuana was employed in treatment of tumors, jaundice and cough. Medieval physicians in Europe also warned against the heavy use of marijuana and they claimed it could trigger sterility and several other detrimental impacts on human body.
Spanish introduced marijuana to South America; however, the drug was applied for industrial purpose such as the production of fiber for manufacture clothes and bags in north America during the time of colonization. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes emanated in the later years in North America. In the late 1700s, several American journals proposed the use of the hemp seeds and roots in remedy of multiple health challenges. The research established that there was critical essence of marijuana in solving skin inflammations and many other health problems. An Irish doctor named William O'Shaughnessy reported that marijuana could help remedy rheumatism and nausea (Kleber & Robert, 283). Establishment of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was initially targeted to control morphine addiction as people were perpetually becoming addicts to heroin, opium, and morphine. Marijuana was not entailed in the FDA original drug control list. Marijuana prohibition eventually came into effect when Harrison Act was enacted in 1914. The illegalization of the drug was motivated by the behaviors of some users especially, the Mexican users who became troublesome after consuming the drug.
Treatment using Marijuana
Marijuana treatment is usually delivered in multiple forms such as smoking, inhalation of vaporized form and ingestion of marijuana pills. The drug can also be consumed through inclusion in edible forms which can be combined into the various form of foods, for instance, brownies, chocolate bars and also cookies (Grant et al. 217). Due to Drug Enforcement Administration classification of the drug into a schedule 1 groups of drugs, it has been complex to undertake conclusive research on the potentials of the drug. Inclusion in the schedule 1 drugs means that the drug has massive capacity for misuse and also provides nonlegal therapeutic uses (Hill, 134). On the contrary, the presence of huge bulk of therapeutic merits from the marijuana emanates from the research which concluded that Marijuana has around 60 active compounds called cannabinoids (Slaughter, 193). Quite often, the most notable compound in the marijuana is the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is the main psychoactive cannabinoid content in marijuana. The THC working hinges on the CB1 receptor. The receptor is a cannabinoid receptor located mainly in the brain, but there are some in the other segments of the nervous system, liver, and even lungs. When the THC activates the CB1 receptors, it relieves pain and chemical signal responses (Dunlop & Williams, 213).
Another key compound component in the marijuana is the CBC cabanoid which has been established to reduce both pain and inflammation. The compound has also been effectual in management and treatment of epileptic seizures, addressing mental illness and remedying addictions. Cannabidiol (CBD) which is also present in the marijuana is vital in treating severe epilepsy. According to a randomized clinical tests, virtually 40 percent of participants received a notable decrease in seizures after cannabidiol treatment. Marijuana was found to be effectual in the reduction of the neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain emanates from the damaged nerves, which is quite common for the HIV patients. Other types of drugs like opiates, for instance, morphine cannot address such levels of pain. Other research findings showed that combination of cannabis and opiates dramatically eradicates pain.
The research established the combination of Cannabinoids and opiates created a synergistic approach to relieving pain. Researchers established that medical marijuana ingested in the form of pills or even in spray model caused a reduction in the rigidity and muscle twinges as is the case in the multiple sclerosis conditions. Similar treatment also addressed the pain associated with spasms and reduced the burning sensation or even numbness. Marijuana is also effective in treating overactive bladder. Marijuana is equally essential for the enhancement of appetite especially for the HIV/AIDS patients whose appetite may have been reduced by medication factors. The drug is essential in the treatment of nausea, for instance, those triggered by chemotherapy. From the THC, two legalized chemicals were advanced, Dronabinol and Nabilone. Their importance has been felt in the reduction of chemotherapy linked nausea and vomiting, for instance, in cases for cancer patients. The two drugs are also significant in handling several symptoms of AIDS and treatment problems (Reinarman et al. 190).
Research also established that marijuana had active components which inhibited the development of tumors and destroyed the cancerous cells. The study also established that cannabidiol was responsible for deactivating the gene associated with metastasis which leads to the spread of cancer to multiple other organs. Marijuana has been found to be effective in the treatment of multiple types of cancer, for instance, brain cancer, melanoma and many other types of cancer. It also addresses the Glioblastoma multiforme which is considered as one of the hardest cancer ailments to treat. Multiple lines of research have indicated that cannabinoid compounds have anti-convulsant properties, therefore, making it suitable for the treatment of the epileptics. The property allows it to modulate neuro-excitation (stops neurons and synapses from extreme excitation which triggers seizures). Many patients reported relief after using cannabis and it was effective in control of seizure as compared to other ordinary methods (Kleber & Robert, 123).
Marijuana has been effective against Alzheimer condition. The study indicated that THC had properties that acted in slowing the development of beta-amyloid which is the plaque that develops in brains of people who have Alzheimer's disease. The plaque contributes to the reduction in the cognitive performance of the patients. The researchers noted that the THC acted on beta-amyloid protein precursor cells, therefore eliminating the threats levels of the disease. Marijuana ingredients have shown effectiveness in handling Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Distraction is a key symptom of ADHD. Research shows that nearly 70% of the brain's working is based on regulation of input and the cause of ADHD is mainly due to reduced ability to suppress sensory input from internal and external sources. When the brain fails to manage the massive inflow of information, ADHD condition emerges.
In multiple cases of ADHD, there are dopamine dysfunctions (Dunlop & Williams, 219). Research indicated that marijuana controls the dopamine system, therefore influencing the treatment of the ADHD. The ADHD treatment using marijuana frees up the dopamine and also reduces the over-stimulation process of the mid-brain segments. Marijuana exhibits several merits as compared to common pharmaceutical remedy Ritalin used in the treatment of the ADHD. Ritalin causes side effects such as Psychosis, challenges in sleep, stomach pains, headaches, drying of mouth and several other challenges. In some extreme cases, Ritalin triggered deaths people especially when it causes the bursting of the arteries, heart failure and associated fever (Kleber & Robert, 180).
Side Effects of Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has been found to have significant levels of side effects to the users. When the THC attaches to the cannabinoid receptors which are intensely concentrated in the brain, it affects the attention, judgment capacity and balance. The cannabinoid receptors which THC attaches on are normally concerned with several processes of thinking, memory process, feeling of pleasure and body coordination. The impact of marijuana on cancer has been an area of disputes when some researchers applaud it for treating cancer; others are accusing it of causing cancer. Some of the short-term effects of the marijuana are dizziness, drowsiness, short-term memory loss and euphoria (Reinarman et al. 120). It also triggers anxiety and psychosis which are perceived to be considerably worrying.
Prohibition of the use of marijuana denies it the right for close monitored use as accorded to other FDA-approved medicines. When the consumption is not monitored and regulated, then users are exposed to worrying levels of marijuana purity, effective potency, and multiple other side effects which may be avoidable when correctly regulated. In states where marijuana use is legal, doctors are forbidden to prescribe marijuana to people of below age 18. People suffering from various heart diseases, pregnant women and people with histories of psychosis are recommendable for the marijuana use (Kleber & Robert, 183).
Conclusion
In summary, marijuana has shown multiple merits applicable in treatment or management of various conditions. Some of the benefits of marijuana ingredients are curative or pain relieving. It is notable that opponents of marijuana use would employ every possible resource in opposing legalization of marijuana, but the far-reaching truth is that marijuana has significant medical benefits of which some benefits are subjects to further medical tests. Medical tests can only happen when there is legal space for the use and study of marijuana. Significant research has shown that Marijuana aids in treatment and management of epilepsy, asthma, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer, inflammatory bowel disease and menstrual cramps. It is only important that United States administration legalizes the drugs but under strict guidelines to allow for comprehensive exploration of benefits for the drug and avoid misuse. Further research is also essential for confirmation of some of the touted benefits of marijuana since proponents are also likely to generate misconceptions aimed at misguiding the public to adopt the drug.
Work Cited
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Kleber, Herbert D., and Robert L. Dupont. “Physicians and medical marijuana.” American Journal of Psychiatry 169.6 (2015): 564-568.
Dunlop, Robert H., and D. I. Williams. Veterinary medicine: an illustrated history. Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 2017.
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Slaughter, James B. “Marijuana Prohibition in the United States: History and analysis of a failed policy.” Colum. JL & Soc. Probs. 21 (2014): 417.
