This paper examines medical marijuana from multiple angles, beginning with the plant's botanical origins, active compounds, and short-term psychological and physical effects. It then traces the centuries-long history of cannabis as a medicinal remedy, from ancient Chinese herbal texts to modern clinical research demonstrating benefits for glaucoma, chemotherapy-related nausea, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. The paper also reviews state and federal legislative developments surrounding medicinal legalization. Finally, it addresses the significant concerns associated with long-term medical use, including risks of lung damage, cognitive impairment, cannabis dependence, psychotic disorders, and cardiovascular disease, concluding that these risks must be systematically addressed before nationwide acceptance becomes feasible.
Marijuana comes from the Indian hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The leaves and flowers are typically dried and crushed for use in pipes or rolled into cigarettes for smoking. It can also be added to foods and beverages for consumption. The active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is present in all parts of the marijuana plant, in both male and female specimens. However, THC "is most concentrated in the resin (cannabin) in the flowering tops of the female" ("Marijuana").
The effects of marijuana on the user vary considerably. The strength of the marijuana, the amount consumed, the setting in which it is taken, and the user's prior experience with the drug all influence the outcome. Primarily, however, psychological effects are the most common experience, typically beginning with a mild sense of euphoria. Distortions in the perception of time and space can occur due to alterations in vision and judgment. Visual hallucinations, depression, anxiety, extreme moodiness, paranoia, and psychoses lasting from four to six hours can result during acute intoxication.
Physically, marijuana consumption most often results in reddening of the eyes, dry mouth and throat, a moderate increase in heart rate, tightening of the chest if the drug is smoked, unsteadiness, drowsiness, and muscular incoordination. Physical dependence is not established with chronic use, and users do not suffer from extreme physical discomfort after withdrawal from marijuana. However, the drug may be psychologically habituating ("Marijuana").
Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries (Martin). For generations, cannabis preparations have been used to reduce pain, relieve nausea, and improve appetite in patients. Chinese herbal texts dating from 2700 BC touted these and similar effects of the plant. At that time, it was typically administered externally, either as a balm or by smoking. In the 19th century, the tips of the marijuana plant were occasionally administered internally to treat angina pectoris and gonorrhea ("Marijuana"). In the 20th century, the manufacture of synthetic drugs supplanted the use of marijuana and other herbal remedies. However, the last several decades have seen a resurgence of interest in the use of cannabis and cannabinoid preparations for medicinal purposes. Studies have shown cannabinoids to be effective in alleviating a variety of symptoms in patients (Degenhardt & Hall).
The medicinal uses of marijuana have been under scientific investigation for generations; however, it was the mid-1960s that saw a significant increase in study, when THC was finally isolated and then produced synthetically. By the late 20th century, a variety of therapeutic effects of marijuana and THC had been demonstrated through medical research. It was found that patients suffering from glaucoma experienced a lowering of internal eye pressure with the use of marijuana. Patients using chemotherapeutic drugs to treat cancer and AIDS discovered that marijuana could alleviate nausea and vomiting (Degenhardt & Hall). "Marijuana also has been found to reduce the muscle pain associated with multiple sclerosis and to prevent epileptic seizures in some patients" ("Marijuana"). These positive research results inspired legislatures around the country to consider the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.
"State laws, federal rulings, and Canada policy"
"Long-term risks: dependence, psychosis, cardiovascular disease"
Marijuana, the product of the Indian hemp plant, has been utilized for centuries to help alleviate symptoms. From the relief of nausea, dizziness, pain, and internal pressure in the eyes, marijuana has demonstrated beneficial effects when used in a medical setting. However, the possible adverse effects are equally varied. Decreased cognitive functioning, increased risk of cancer, psychosocial effects, potential dependence, psychotic disorders, and an elevated chance of cardiovascular disease represent significant downsides to the medicinal use of cannabis. These risks cannot be ignored and must be thoroughly addressed before widespread nationwide acceptance of medical marijuana can become a realistic prospect.
You’re 54% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.