Introduction
In recent years, the debate over whether or not medicinal marijuana should be legalized has been more heated. Advocates of legalizing bang claim that marijuana has many medicinal advantages and can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions (Anderson et al. 19). Moreover, they claim that the prohibition of marijuana has been ineffective because it has not prevented people from using it and has instead converted otherwise law-abiding people into criminals. Opponents counter that cannabis has several harmful health consequences and can serve as a party drug for more dangerous narcotics.
In essence, the use of marijuana has long been a contentious issue. Throughout antiquity, it has been used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes, but much discussion has been recently discussed due to the possibility of abuse (Cottler and Okafor 86). Many viewpoints on the legalization of marijuana in America have emerged due to this discussion, ranging from an outright ban to full legalization. An in-depth analysis of the history of marijuana use and the present controversy over the advantages of its legalization for medical purposes will be discussed in this research paper.
Background Information
Throughout ancient times, people have used marijuana for its healing and medicinal properties. Both ancient China and India utilized it as a traditional Indian medicine and as an anesthetic. It was employed as a treatment for a variety of illnesses throughout Europe, including headaches, stomachaches, and sleeplessness (Yu et al. 23). In the U.S.; it was commonly used in the late 19th century and early 20th century for various reasons, mainly medicinal purposes.
Although marijuana has been used for a very long time, it was made illegal in America around the beginning of the twentieth century (Yu et al. 46). This was primarily a result of the temperance movement’s growing impact, which aimed to lessen societal drug consumption. Bhang has now been categorized as a “Class 1” drug in the U.S., which means it has an abuse potential and no recognized medical value.
The Debate of Legalization for Health Benefits
Legalizing marijuana is a sensitive and divided topic of debate. Proponents of legalization claim that cannabis has certain medical advantages and can be used to treat a number of ailments, such as a tumors, seizures, and severe pain (Cottler and Okafor 65). Since it hasn’t prevented people from smoking marijuana and has converted ordinarily law-abiding people into criminals, they claim that the prohibition of cannabis has been unproductive. Additionally, supporters claim that legalizing cannabis sativa for health benefits would bring in money for the government, which can be utilized to pay for public services like education.
Others opposed to the legalization of marijuana, however, contend that it has several negative health impacts and can serve as a gateway drug for more dangerous narcotics (Miller 94). They contend that making marijuana legal will increase access and use—especially among young people—undermining attempts to lower drug usage in society. They also proclaim that making the use of marijuana legalization would lead to increased levels of crime and violence, making it easier for criminals to gain access to the drug. Furthermore, opponents of the legalization of medical marijuana contend that its use can lead to addiction and mental health issues and increase the risk of developing ailments such as lung cancer (Miller 49). Additionally, they contend that legalizing marijuana would encourage adolescents to consume it more and that instead, the government should pay more attention to other pressing problems like the market and healthcare costs.
Notwithstanding the divergent views on marijuana legalization, the evidence strongly supports it. According to research, there are fewer hospital visits in countries where recreational and medical cannabis use is allowed. (Abouk et al. 25). In addition, numerous studies have revealed that cannabis has therapeutic advantages for reducing chronic pain, nausea brought on by chemotherapy, and diarrhea (Cottler and Okafor 82). More importantly, it helps to improve the symptoms of movement disorders.
Medical Use of Marijuana in U.S. and Other Countries
In recent years, the acceptance and legalization of medical marijuana have multiplied in America. For instance, about 33 states and the District of Columbia have now permitted the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Presently, most states have either legalized or decriminalized medical marijuana (Anderson et al. 13). The effect of this legislative change on patients’ access to cannabis-based medicines has been profound. According to studies, medical marijuana treats various illnesses, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy.
A prominent public health concern in the U.S. is opioid usage and its related mortality, which medical marijuana has been reducing effectively. One study found that medical marijuana laws significantly reduced opioid-related deaths (Miller 109). Another study by Miller found that implementing medical marijuana laws was associated with substantially reducing hospitalizations due to opioid-associated disorders. Essentially, these findings suggest that medical marijuana can be vital in reducing opioid use and overdose deaths in the United States.
The debate on the legalization of marijuana is not just limited to the U.S. In recent years, many countries have taken steps to prohibit or allow the use of marijuana, including Canada, Uruguay, and Portugal. In Canada, marijuana was made legal in 2018 when Cannabis Act was enforced, and the country has seen several positive health effects as a result (Yu et al. 92). Furthermore, the country has experienced an increase in tax revenue, a decrease in criminal activity related to the drug, and a decrease in the stigma associated with its use.
Furthermore, a recent survey of Canadians revealed that the majority of the respondents believed that medical marijuana should be legal. In addition, a study by Cottler and Okafor found that medical marijuana is linked to a reduction in the use of prescription drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines. This has led to fewer overdoses and deaths in the country. Moreover, the Canadian government has reported that legalizing medical marijuana has created jobs and generated millions of dollars in tax revenue (Cottler and Okafor 79). These statistics and evidence from Canada demonstrate the benefits of legalizing medical marijuana.
Since medical marijuana became legal in Canada, several successful outcomes have been achieved. The first nation to legalize medical marijuana was Uruguay, and several others have since done the same. Numerous people in the country are registered medical marijuana users, according to research by Yu et al. (Yu et al. 113). Notably, the government of Uruguay claimed that since bhang legalization, there had been a tremendous increase in the number of people using medical marijuana.
Marijuana has been legal in Uruguay for some decades, and as a result, the nation has benefited from several beneficial medical impacts. Tax revenue has increased, drug-related crime has decreased, and the number of persons seeking addiction treatment has increased (Anderson et al. 81). Nonetheless, Portugal decriminalized marijuana usage in 2001, and since then, drug-related crime has declined there (Anderson et al. 33). Also, there is a decline in the stigma attached to marijuana usage as well as the number of persons seeking addiction treatment.
Conclusion
Marijuana legalization is a contentious and divisive topic of discussion. Several medical conditions are treated with marijuana, according to supporters, who also claim that criminalizing marijuana has had lesser benefits. Opponents contend that marijuana can serve as a gateway drug for more dangerous narcotics and has a lot of harmful effects on the body. Marijuana usage has been decriminalized or made legal in several nations, and these nations have medically benefited much as a result. Ultimately, it should be up to individual states and nations to decide whether to prohibit the use of marijuana because the results will differ depending on their medical expertise and cultural and legal background.
It is crucial to take into account both the advantages of legalizing marijuana as well as any potential negative repercussions. The arguments favoring and against the legalization of medicinal marijuana can be more correctly balanced with more information and data, enabling a more well-informed choice. Governments should be proactive in researching the consequences of medicinal marijuana legalization. Authorities should ensure that the effects are assessed and analyzed to guarantee that the decision is well-informed and that possible dangers and benefits are adequately accounted for.
Works Cited
Abouk, Rahi, et al. “Does Marijuana Legalization Affect Work Capacity? Evidence from Workers’ Compensation Benefits.” 2021, Web.
Anderson, D. Mark, et al. “Association of Marijuana Legalization with Marijuana Use among Us High School Students, 1993-2019.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 4, no. 9, 2021, Web.
Cottler, Linda B., and Chukwuemeka N. Okafor. “Recent Epidemiological Trends in Marijuana Use.” Contemporary Health Issues on Marijuana, 2018, pp. 14–38. Web.
Miller, Christine L. “The Impact of Marijuana on Mental Health.” Contemporary Health Issues on Marijuana, 2018, pp. 122–164. Web.
Yu, Bin, et al. “Marijuana Legalization and Historical Trends in Marijuana Use among U.S. Residents Aged 12–25: Results from the 1979–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” BMC Public Health, vol. 20, no. 1, 2020, Web.