Benefits of Marijuana
Introduction
Marijuana which is also called weed, ganja, cannabis, has faced a lot of criticism over the years from different governments all over the world. The drug has been termed as illegal due to the negative effects which it has on the human body. This has however not been proven but most countries have ended up illegalizing the drug, without looking at the positive side of the drug. Due to the medicinal purposes of marijuana, some countries have started legalizing the drug, thus gaining from the sale of marijuana medicines, which are very effective as compared to other drugs. This paper is therefore going to look at the benefits of marijuana if used for medicinal purposes, and why it should be federally legal.
Medical Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana has a lot of medicinal purposes which include the following:
Glaucoma Treatment
Marijuana is one of best medicines which can be used in the treatment and prevention of eye diseases such as glaucoma (Tia, n.p). Glaucoma increases eyeball pressure thus affecting the optical nerve, which results in loss of vision (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 57). When smoked, marijuana reduces the pressure inside the eyes, thus preventing and reducing glaucoma’s normal pressure. According to a recent research, marijuana lowers intraocular pressure particularly when smoked, by those with glaucoma and normal pressure. In addition, due to these effects of marijuana, it can slow the advancement of the disease, hence preventing blindness (Barcott, 48).
Reversing Carcinogenic Effects of Tobacco
Marijuana increases the functioning of the lungs, through increasing the of rate air intake, thus allowing a person to breathe easily. In addition, the drug increases lung capacity which helps in curing lung diseases. When compared to tobacco smokers, ganja smokers had increased lung capacity due to taking of deep breaths (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 57). On the other hand, tobacco smokers had lost their lung function.
Prevention of Dravet’s Syndrome
Due to high Cannabidiol and low THC in the body, it is very effective in the decrease of the seizures from 300 each week, to one seizure every week. Cannabidiol in marijuana is essential as it interacts with brain cells, hence stopping excessive activity in the brain, which is responsible for causing seizures (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 58).
Stopping the Spreading of Cancer in the Body
Cannabidiol is responsible for stopping the spread of cancer in the body, as it turns off a gene which is commonly known as ID-1. Cancer cells multiply this gene as compared to other diseases, hence making cancer to spread throughout the whole body (Barcott, 48). Most people who were diagnosed with cancer, were able to live peacefully after taking cannabidiol, which prevented the spread of the disease, this is basically because Marijuana is responsible for making the gene less active, hence it spreads at a very low rate (Tia, n.p). On the other hand, cannabis compounds can even kill cancer, however this has not yet been proven (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 58).
Decreases Anxiety
Medical marijuana is very effective particularly when preventing pain and nausea. It is also useful for in relieving chemotherapy’s side effects (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 58). In addition, it helps in reducing anxiety, thus making a person to work effectively. When it comes to stress, Cannabis is very effectives as it relaxes the mind hence making a person to relax and forget about past events. This should however be looked at carefully, since one should only take the drug in low doses. When taken in higher doses, the effects might be effective, as it increases anxiety, makes one to be paranoid (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 33).
Slowing down the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease
THC which is found in marijuana, is very important, as it helps in slowing down the formation of amyloid plaque in the brain, which is responsible for making Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques usually kill brain cells, resulting in the formation of Alzheimer’s disease (Tia, n.p).
Reduces Multi Sclerosis Pain
Marijuana is responsible for reducing the painful symptoms of multi sclerosis (Barcott, 50). According to a recent research, patients with multi sclerosis, which cause painful shrinkages in muscles, could not respond to other drugs (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 59). Nevertheless, after taking marijuana, they were able to respond positively, due to the effectiveness of the drug in the body which reduces pain. This is because THC in marijuana bores to muscles and nerves, in the receptors hence reducing pain (Tia, n.p).
It also helps other types of Muscle Spasms
Medical marijuana is proven to respond quickly to diseases as compared to other drugs which are being used widely (Tia, n.p). Medical marijuana is responsible for treating diaphragm spasms, since the condition does not respond to strong drugs. Marijuana has however defied the odds, since it treats the condition without any problem at all. Smoking marijuana is very effective, as it does not only reduce the pain from marijuana, but it also helps in calming diaphragm muscles (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 33).
Reduces of Treating Hepatitis C, hence increasing the Effectiveness of the Treatment
Hepatitis C treatment is very harsh, with negative side effects such as, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and depression which lasts longer (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 61). Due to this side effects, most people do not finish their treatment. 86% of people using marijuana have however completed their medication, as opposed to 29% of those who do not smoke marijuana (Tia, n.p). Marijuana is effective, due to the effect which it has on the body, thus reducing the side effects of the treatment. In addition, marijuana helps in improving the treatment of Hepatitis C by 54%, in marijuana smokers and 8% in marijuana non-smokers (Barcott, 54).
Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Patient’s suffering from Crohn’s which is a type of inflammatory disease can also benefit from marijuana (Tia, n.p). When compounds found in marijuana work together body cells which play a significant role in immune reaction and instinctive function (Caulkins, Beau, & Mark, 63). Compounds which are made by the body such as THC increase the absorptiveness of the intestines hence allowing the absorption of bacteria. Marijuana cannabinoids are responsible for blocking THC made by the, thus preventing the absorptiveness thus making intestinal cells to easily bond tighter and together (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 33).
Relieving Arthritis Discomfort
Marijuana is responsible for promoting sleep, reducing inflammation, and easing pain, which may aid in reducing pain and distress for the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (Tia, n.p). Most rheumatoid arthritis patients have consequently responded positively from marijuana, as it helped in making their lives much better, due to experiencing less pain (Picard, 70). The medication takes less time as compared to other certified drugs which take more than two weeks, and they may not respond.
Helps in keeping the body Slim, helping the Metabolism
Marijuana smokers are slim as compared to non-smokers, and their metabolism is healthier and reaction to sugars is also healthier. Having a healthier response to sugars is essential for keeping the body fit, thus preventing any forms of diseases such as diabetes (Tia, n.p).
It improves Symptoms of Lupus which is an Autoimmune Disorder
Autoimmune diseases are currently being treated by medical marijuana, autoimmune diseases are caused when the body starts attacking itself without any known reason (Tia, n.p). Chemicals in marijuana have calming effect on the immune system, and this may be the reason as to why it helps when dealing with Lupus symptoms. Medical is also important as it prevents nausea and pain, thus making the victims to be at ease (Barcott, 58).
When it comes to Creativity, marijuana is very Effective
Marijuana has proven to improve creativity particularly in smokers. This is basically because of the positive effects which the drug has on the body (Tia, n.p). When in tests requiring people to come up with new ideas, marijuana smokers are better due to increased creativity. Nonetheless, short-term memories tend to be affected, functioning in the worst way possible (Picard, 70). Marijuana helps in increasing creativity thus allowing a person to do some things perfectly as compared to those who do not smoke marijuana. In addition, it is also evident that marijuana is responsible for improving verbal fluency and reducing nervousness. Marijuana smokers tend to be very fluent in speech delivery when high as compared to when they are not high. This is because marijuana relaxes the mind, making the brain to function in the best way possible. On the other hand, marijuana reduces nervousness by making the brain to relax thus having no fear or doubts, hence reducing nervousness (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 35).
Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Marijuana is approved in some states in the U.S, due to its effects of treating PTSD (Tia, n.p). Most people suffering from PTSD have resulted in using marijuana either through smoking or in medical form, and it has helped in preventing the effects of PTSD. Most soldiers tend to use marijuana in order to prevent the effects of PTSD. Marijuana has proven to be very effective particularly due to its fast reaction (Picard, 71). Most clinics and hospitals in California have also adopted the use of marijuana in the treatment of PTSD, thus making most people to benefit. The victims of 911 also suffered from PTSD, but after taking marijuana, they were able to recover, hence continuing with their daily activities. Chemicals in marijuana are responsible for regulating the system which causes fear and anxiety in the body and the brain in general (Barcott, 58). Due to this case, the body relaxes, hence one can be able to forget about past events.
Treatment and Prevention of Epilepsy
Marijuana gets rid of epilepsy through reducing seizures (Tia, n.p). It is estimated that more than 90 families have relocated to Colorado, due to the access of marijuana products in the state, which is significant for plummeting annexations in epileptic children (Hudak, 2016). Due to the effects of the drug, most families have opted to move into the state, in order to relieve their children from such pain. It is consequently taken as an oil, because marijuana contains cannabidol (CBD), which leads to the reduction of violent seizures which are attributed to childhood epilepsy. In addition, in oil form, the drug is not intoxicating, thus reducing the effect of addiction related to the abuse of marijuana (Barcott, 60).
Treatment of Inflammation
Cannabis consequently helps in the treatment of the disorder, through preventing the damage, hence enabling the inflammation to heal within a short period of time (Kleiman, Caulkins & Hawken, 2011). Marijuana is therefore significant, as it helps the brain to repair itself in case of a concussion or a trauma. Rugby and American football players tend to use marijuana due to its effectiveness in treating inflammation.
Eliminates Nightmares
Nightmares affect sleeping, through making a person not to sleep comfortably (Barcott, 61). Marijuana affects the sleeping cycles particularly the last stage of sleep which is known as REM. However if overdosed it could lead to other problems in the body. Marijuana affects REM sleep, thus allowing the mind to relax, hence resulting in sleep. Most people suffering from this problem may therefore be able to sleep at ease (Picard, 72).
Economic Benefits of Marijuana
Creation of Job Opportunities
If marijuana is legalized, then the country can benefit, through the creation of job opportunities which leads to the growth of the economy. Marijuana will require employment of farmers, who will be tasked with the authority of planting and taking care of the plants until they become ready for use (Picard, 72). In addition, medical laboratories will also be created which will require medical personal to perform medical researches. This will be good for the country, as it will be able to gain a lot of funds from licenses offered to marijuana growers and the pharmacies selling marijuana products (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 38). Due the creation of job opportunities, living standards will also be raised, a move which will boost the economy of the country (Tia, n.p).
Legalization of marijuana has a lot of benefits to the public and to the economy in general. Collection of taxes is likely to double, due to the sales of marijuana products, which are on high demand, since some most parts of the world have illegalized marijuana. For instance, in the years 2015 in Colorado, the sale of medical marijuana led to the collection of a total of $135 million in revenues (Picard, 74). This is however projected to increase, due to the increase in demand of medical marijuana all over the world. The public benefits fully from this, since the state will develop, more students will get college loans, hence improving the condition of the state of Colorado. This legalization therefore comes with a lot of benefits, since both the public and the state will be able to benefit fully from the sale of medicinal marijuana. The economy of the state will also grew, thus improving the economy of the country (Tia, n.p).
Saving Tax Payers Money
A lot of money is invested in fighting illegal smuggling of marijuana into the country, a move which requires proper personnel and a lot of time and money invested. For instance, the U.S spends $13.7 billion annually, when dealing with illegal smuggling of marijuana into the country (Picard, 74). Despite of spending a lot of money in fighting the smuggling of marijuana into the country, the rates of marijuana abuse have increased in the country. On the other hand, most people have also been prosecuted and sent to jail, a move which also affects the economy of the country, since taking care of jailed persons is very expensive. Legalizing marijuana will not only help in earning money from the taxes but it will also save money from fighting with illegal smuggling of drugs. The money may be used for offering college loans, thus allowing most students to be able to continue with their studies. On the other hand, most marijuana smokers will not also be imprisoned, thus enabling the country to forge forward since most people who abuse marijuana are the youths, either in college or those who are working.
Socioeconomic Improvements
Due to the categorization of certain races as criminals and drug smokers, legalization of marijuana will help in reducing the effects of marijuana in the country. Most people will also be able to relate to other people positively hence fostering developments in the country. The number of people criminalized due to smoking marijuana will also drop drastically, thus saving the country the costs of catering for the needs of the prisoners (Picard, 75). Most of those people imprisoned may also be of positive impact to the growth of the country’s economy, but due to the habit of smoking marijuana, they have found themselves in the prison. In other words most people will start relating with each other positively due to the loss of criminal affairs related to marijuana abuse. The country will benefit, since most employers will employ people from races which were termed as criminals’. Furthermore, new opportunities will also crop up thus allowing most people to create jobs and improve their states’ of living (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 38).
Why Marijuana should be Federally Legal
Due to the positive effects of marijuana, it should be legalized in order to allow the country to carry on with the production (Goldberg, 96). Legalization of marijuana will ensure the country abides by the laws governing the use of medical marijuana. In addition, the country will also control the abuse of marijuana only if the drug is legalized (Picard, 75). The growth of marijuana will also be regulated through the legalization of marijuana federally, thus allowing the relevant authorities to deal with the issues of enabling drug traffickers from benefitting from the plantation of marijuana.
Legalizing marijuana will also mean a change in the operation of the country, a move which will allow the country to move forward positively (Neubauer, David, & Stephen, 40). Most people tend to abuse marijuana because it is an illegal drug, legalizing marijuana will mean marijuana is not a high risk drug, thus making most people to avoid abusing marijuana hence focusing on their areas of concern other than on abusing marijuana (Picard, 77). Moreover, drug cartels will also be affected, since their business will not flourish after the legalization of the drug thus enabling the country to deal with the issues of illegal smuggling of marijuana into the country without spending a lot of money (Goldberg, 96). New measures will also be put into place thus allowing the country to come up with new laws governing the transportation and supply of marijuana in different parts of the country, thus preventing the transportation of marijuana by drug traffickers.
Conclusion
This paper has discussed the medical, economic impacts of marijuana and the reasons as to why the drug should be legalized federally. It is evident through the information provided, that marijuana has a lot of medical purposes as compared to negative effects. Legalization of marijuana means the country will benefit twice more than when fighting marijuana smuggling, a move which will improve economic growth in the country. Finally, the paper has also talked about the impacts of federally legalizing marijuana. Marijuana legalization enables the country to deal with the issues of illegally smuggling the drug into the country at no cost, thus making the drug smugglers to lack market in the country.
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