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Medical Marijuana Policy Paper

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Medical Marijuana Policy Paper
Medical Marijuana

Marijuana is one of the most controversial topics in the U.S today. Many associate the substance with some of the most highly addictive and dangerous drugs used in our society. While others claim marijuana to be the safest substance to use to date. One of the biggest debatable topics amongst marijuana use is the legalization of the substance medically. Many people believe marijuana should be accessible to those with terminally ill diseases. While others believe the drug should be illegal at all cost. Medical marijuana presents many negative issues in our society emotionally, medically and socially. Due to the negative effects from the substance, the use of marijuana should remain illegal in the United States. One of the main societal issues revolved around medical marijuana is the effect it has on individuals emotionally. Using marijuana is like putting a wet blanket over human emotions, it separates a person’s conscious thoughts from their feelings, dissociating one’s thinking from the realistic world. This temporary sign effect can be quite dangerous to those unaware of their emotional makeup. For some the drug can relieve stress, relax the body and mask depression by providing feelings of euphoric happiness. While for others it can leave a feeling of anxiousness, fear and paranoia. Another main societal issue associated with medical marijuana is the effect the substance has on individuals medically. Marijuana contains a chemical called THC that is known to affect the brain and human growth development. However, these medical issues do not begin to acknowledge the major health-related issues associated with the substance. Some of the most common issues related to marijuana use are excessive respiratory damage, increased risk of cancer and a weakened immune system. Studies have shown that 1 joint is just as damaging as 5 cigarettes to the lungs, due to the carcinogens present in

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