Introduction
Marijuana is the universal name for the unfinished drug that comes from a plant called cannabis sativa. Marijuana has a chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including other chemicals. Marijuana cigarette mostly referred to as “joint” is prepared from dried particles of the plant. The quantity of THC in marijuana establishes how strong the cigarette will be to an individual. The strength of marijuana plant is established by the weather, soil and the time of harvest. Today’s marijuana is tougher compared to how it was in the early 1970’s. The stronger it is, the more it affects people both physically and mentally depending on how one consumes it. Hash is made from resin taken from marijuana leaves or flowers and is much stronger than the unfinished marijuana with much more THC. (Saitz, 2003)
Main body
Legalizing marijuana has been a topic that has been discussed in many states and Texas is not an exception. The national law states that if one is found with a small amount of marijuana they will be sentenced to one year in prison without leaving those using it for medical purposes. Sick people should not be arrested or sentenced for using the medical marijuana and especially when the doctor has approved of their use. The use of marijuana as medicine has been known for many years in various countries even in the ancient times. The value it adds as medicine is much bigger than the potential abuse that may come with it being legalized. Through legalization of drugs like marijuana many lives are saved from the use of injection drug use thus avoiding the risk of HIV infections. It is not a harmful drug much more than it is medical in many cases. (Mukamal, etal, 2008, p.466)
In the 19th century, William B. O’Shaughnessy, MD, researched marijuana and complied that it was a safe and efficient drug to cure various ailments. Marijuana is in fact less harmful than alcohol, cigarettes and in general than most over-the counter drugs. This drug while in its ordinary form is more secure for curing than many vigorous drugs used by humans. In normal circumstances, marijuana can be effectively used in a directed medical care without any complications. It is not appropriate that this drug is illegal in Texas when in real sense cigarettes and alcohols that are the cause of many deaths annually are legalized. Cigarettes and alcohol have no medicinal value to anyone but marijuana can help save a lot of pain to many people. (Mukamal, etal, 2008, p.469)
In most cases, alcohol if taken in large amounts will cause problem in mobility, unconsciousness and in some cases death. However, when it comes to marijuana large consumption of this drug will not bring any harm rather than falling asleep. The only negative result of marijuana that is medically and scientifically known is its smoke which has high contents of tar and carbon monoxide than in tobacco. This however can be counteracted in the fact that most marijuana smokers even the heavy smokers do not use as much quantity as an average tobacco smoker. In the recent years, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences, in the U.S. studied the health effects associated with the use of Marijuana. They were able to realize its healing capability on various diseases. This drug also helps in reliving nausea that cancer patients experience especially while going through chemotherapy. Patients with multiple sclerosis as well as those with AIDS find this drug a great help. Patients with glaucoma can get help from this drug because it normally decreases the pressure on the eye. (Saitz, 2003)
Compared to other drugs depending on its constant use, marijuana has been found to have relatively small, if any, withdrawal symptoms. Getting used to marijuana in its natural form occurs gradually, if at all. It has been discovered that the drug is not the one causing addiction, but somewhat the reactions a patient has with certain drug. One can be addicted to marijuana just like all the other drugs but the issue on the table is that marijuana similar to other psychoactive medicines has a medical value. In case of addiction, treatment should be availed to these people just like other situations. It is not wise to ignore the importance of this drug just because certain people have addiction problems and thus deprive others of a chance to relieve their problems. (Mukamal, etal, 2008, p.470)
In Texas state marijuana is illegal and there are federal laws to convict anyone in possession of this drug. This however, does not represent the rights of the majority because many people feel that marijuana is not harmful. There is continuous use of marijuana in the state and one wonders why it cannot be legalized and the government knows that people are already using it. The government should take the appropriate steps and make some changes that will allow people to take the drug without any problems. It is used to relieve severe pains in most of the cases that people have testified to. (Saitz, 2003)
Conclusion
Marijuana has the capability of becoming a very important substance in the world today. It is important that individuals take action and the government should take the responsibility to legalize it and there will be many advantages to be achieved from such a decision. Many people suffering from various ailments will have an opportunity to get the relieve they very much require. There are no deaths that have been recorded resulting from marijuana use and it is definitely not as addictive as tobacco and other substances that are legally being used. Marijuana has no help to anyone being illegal and because of its potential it should be made legal in Texas as well as other places.
References List
Mukamal, K.J, Maclure M, Muller, J.E, & Mittleman, M.A. (March 2008). “An exploratory prospective study of marijuana use and mortality following acute myocardial infarction” American Heart Journal 155 (3): 465–70.
Saitz, R. (2003). “Is marijuana a gateway drug?” Journal Watch. Web.