legalization of Marijuana and its benefits

legalization of Marijuana and its benefits

Introduction

Marijuana is a psychotropic substance derived from the Cannabis plant. The active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to specific receptors in the brain to produce several results, including a mild sedative effect, lowered inhibition, decreased blood pressure, and increased appetite. The legalization of marijuana has been a controversial issue for state policy change in the past decades. The Federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it has no medical value. The use, sale, and possession of marijuana is, therefore, illegal under federal law. Despite this, policies advocating for the legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes continue to be implemented at the state level. Over thirty states have legalized the use of medical marijuana. In legal limits, the substance is used to treat a number of different conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, glaucoma, and severe pain (Hill, 2015).

Eleven states have legalized its recreational use, allowing residents to purchase the substance from licensed cannabis dispensaries. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize marijuana in 1973, while Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize its recreational use, paving the way for widespread decriminalization and legalization. More countries have legalized marijuana than those who have prohibited it, making federal legalization more viable. While the legalization of marijuana for recreational use remains a contentious issue, marijuana should be legalized for medical use under federal law. It can be used to treat illnesses and alleviate pain for millions of Americans, and it has potentially reduced reliance on opioid pain relievers.

Methodology

Jensen et al. (2015) conducted a review of scientific and clinical evidence on the use of medical marijuana. The authors reviewed clinical studies of cannabis in treating cancer pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, chronic pain, and spasticity. They found that the most persuasive evidence supported the use of cannabis in treating cancer-related pain. The effects of marijuana on neuropathic pain, such as in HIV and multiple sclerosis and on chronic pain, also showed positive results. In addition, the review found no significant adverse effects of medical marijuana use.

Hill (2015) conducted a clinical review on medical marijuana as a treatment for chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric conditions. The study found high-quality evidence to support the use of marijuana for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. High-quality evidence, in this case, refers to numerous randomized clinical trials with positive results. Hill (2015) notes that marijuana is not a first-line of treatment, but is a valuable treatment after other treatments have failed.

Bradford & Bradford (2016) studied the impact of legalizing medical marijuana on medication prescriptions under the Medicare program. They gathered data on prescriptions filled by Medicare enrollees between 2010 and 2013. The authors found that the implementation of medical marijuana laws resulted in a significant reduction in the use of prescription drugs for which marijuana could serve as a clinical alternative. They estimated the decrease in Medicare program spending to be $165.2m in 2013. The authors conclude that the widespread state approval of medical marijuana can provide budgetary relief for the program.

Shi (2017) examined the link between medical marijuana laws and hospitalizations related to marijuana and opioid pain relievers. Using state-level records of hospital discharges between 1997 and 2014, the author studied the rates of marijuana and opioid-related hospitalizations following the legalization of medical marijuana. The study found that medical marijuana policies resulted in a decrease in opioid pain reliever-related hospitalizations, but had no association with marijuana-related admissions.

Powell et al. (2018) found evidence that marijuana dispensaries reduce opioid abuse by providing an alternative pain-relieving treatment. The study used two measures to determine problematic opioid use – treatment admissions for opioid addiction and state-level opioid overdose fatalities. Results showed that states that permitted medical marijuana dispensaries experienced a relative decrease in both opioid addictions and opioid overdose deaths compared to those that did not.

Discussion

Evidence points to the efficacy of marijuana as a medication for treating certain conditions, particularly those related to pain. Clinical studies showed the use of medical marijuana had positive results in the treatment of cancer-related pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, and chronic pain. Evidence also shows the value of marijuana as a treatment for spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. Pain management is a significant factor in the opioid crisis. Evidence shows that the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with a decrease in the use of opioids. This, in turn, results in a reduction of opioid addiction, opioid-related hospitalizations, and opioid deaths. Medical marijuana can serve as a safe clinical alternative to prescription medication and provide budgetary relief for governmental healthcare programs. Despite current studies showing great promise for the use of marijuana in clinical settings, research is still limited. A significant amount of research is yet required to evaluate the risks and benefits of medical marijuana fully.

Position Statement

The federal government should decriminalize and legalize marijuana for medical use. Medical marijuana is valuable in treating pain and illness and can help tackle widespread opioid addiction in the United States.