Should Medical Marijuana Be Legal
Should Medical Marijuana Be Legal?
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Though illegal in most states, several states have passed laws allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. As of 2013 there are 18 states and DC, who have legalized marijuana for medical use while 10 more states are pending the bill to be passed. Marijuana remains illegal throughout the United States and has not been approved by the FDA for prescription for medicine. In fact, “The FDA and comparable authorities have not approved smoked cannabis for any condition or disease” (Medical). Wherever the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is allowed, doctors recommend it to treat chronic diseases and conditions such as Crohn’s disease, AIDS, cancer, nausea resulting from chemotherapy, and even ADHD. Doctors have even recommended it for critically ill patients, as a way to relieve some of their pain and improve their overall quality of life. Although the substance can potentially aid in the pain of an ill patient, marijuana remains a controlled substance, making possession and distribution illegal. Medical marijuana is less harmful than most over the counter medication and has the ability of reducing the pain of ailing people.
Medical marijuana was introduced to the United States when in 1978 Robert Randall was arrested for using marijuana to treat his glaucoma. Randall sued the United States and won which required the FDA to supply Randall with marijuana for medicinal purposes. Since then many states and the District of Columbia approved marijuana for medical use. In the U.S., there is a difference between the state laws and federal laws on medical marijuana. Marijuana used for medical reasons or recreational use, is illegal under federal law. Even if you live in a state that has legalized marijuana for medical use, you are subject to arrest for possession. In states like California and Colorado, marijuana can be purchased at state approved dispensaries, but has
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Though illegal in most states, several states have passed laws allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. As of 2013 there are 18 states and DC, who have legalized marijuana for medical use while 10 more states are pending the bill to be passed. Marijuana remains illegal throughout the United States and has not been approved by the FDA for prescription for medicine. In fact, “The FDA and comparable authorities have not approved smoked cannabis for any condition or disease” (Medical). Wherever the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is allowed, doctors recommend it to treat chronic diseases and conditions such as Crohn’s disease, AIDS, cancer, nausea resulting from chemotherapy, and even ADHD. Doctors have even recommended it for critically ill patients, as a way to relieve some of their pain and improve their overall quality of life. Although the substance can potentially aid in the pain of an ill patient, marijuana remains a controlled substance, making possession and distribution illegal. Medical marijuana is less harmful than most over the counter medication and has the ability of reducing the pain of ailing people.
Medical marijuana was introduced to the United States when in 1978 Robert Randall was arrested for using marijuana to treat his glaucoma. Randall sued the United States and won which required the FDA to supply Randall with marijuana for medicinal purposes. Since then many states and the District of Columbia approved marijuana for medical use. In the U.S., there is a difference between the state laws and federal laws on medical marijuana. Marijuana used for medical reasons or recreational use, is illegal under federal law. Even if you live in a state that has legalized marijuana for medical use, you are subject to arrest for possession. In states like California and Colorado, marijuana can be purchased at state approved dispensaries, but has
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