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The Science of Marijuana, Myths and Legalization

The Science of Marijuana, Myths and Legalization

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Cannabis is still a contentious issue in the modern United States. Some people view it as a substance of abuse, especially those in the younger generation, but others, particularly those with particular medical concerns, consider it as a potentially helpful first intervention. Notwithstanding personal opinions, it is evident that marijuana is becoming more widely accepted and is even being legalized in some states. People who do not use it are becoming more interested in it due to the current normalizing trend, which could lead to an increase in scientific research into the potential advantages of it. Legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational uses is therefore essential since it would enable more extensive research and the gathering of substantial empirical data regarding its benefits. With the likelihood that marijuana will eventually be legalized nationwide, it will be necessary for the current generation to carry out a great deal of study to guarantee that future generations will have access to efficient medicinal products made from this botanical specimen. For a very long time, scientists have paid little attention to the marijuana plant. However, new studies indicate that the plant's blooms, rich in different cannabinoids, might help treat several illnesses (Frye 67). The "buds" or blossoms of the marijuana plant are frequently used for medicinal purposes. These flowers include a special chemical ingredient that makes users feel euphoric, yet the growing process is similar to other plants (Van Gundy and Michael 256). Some people experience exhilaration and greater creativity when exposed to the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, overindulging in tetrahydrocannabinol may lead to adverse effects such as heightened anxiety and slowed reaction times (Frye 97). The possible consequences listed above might deter some people from utilizing marijuana as a form of medical treatment. The kind of cannabis used and the quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingested influence the effects of marijuana. When used for the first time, starting modestly and gradually raising the dosage as necessary is advisable. Once ingested, the amount of THC cannot be decreased. There are numerous types and genetic variations of marijuana accessible (Kaur et al. 112). Compared to earlier times, the market now provides a wide variety of cannabis products. For instance, THC-rich extracts are very potent and can have a significant effect on the user (Van Gundy and Michael 189). However, because of the methods some people take to ingest them, utilizing these concentrates might be seen negatively. For
instance, several people inhale tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using a hydrological device called a water pipe or "bong," which permits the cannabinoid to enter the circulatory system directly through the pulmonary route (Frye 67). The inhalation of smoke resulting from the use of a blowtorch to heat THC could be one factor in the public's unfavorable opinion of marijuana use (Lashley and Timothy 435). Contrary to common belief, marijuana does not have any adverse side effects comparable to those associated with other prescription medications available on the market. Caulkins (49) suggests that cannabis use may be able to enhance the general health of people with particular medical conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cannabis in helping patients with a range of medical conditions feel less uncomfortable and relieved of pain (Caulkins 45). For instance, participants in a peer-reviewed study were given the option to consume a placebo or a marijuana joint with 3.56% THC three times a day for five days (Caulkins 34). The results of the study showed that the overall neuropathic pain significantly decreased in thirteen out of twenty-five AIDS patients by more than thirty percent. Based on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rating of level 2, these individuals have experienced this kind of pain for an average of six years (Caulkins 50). While only about 50% of patients found cannabis to be effective in alleviating neuropathic pain, the observed pain reduction is strong proof that cannabis has the potential to significantly improve people's quality of life and enable them to function without suffering. Weinkle et al. (384) examined the impact of cannabis use on patients with severe cases of Multiple Sclerosis. A spray tincture containing cannabinoids from cannabis was given to one participant; placebos were given to the other subjects. The results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of cannabis constituents in lowering central neuropathic pain and improving sleep in MS patients. The patient has experienced an improvement in their overall quality of life, as indicated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of 3. Canada legalized drug sales in pharmacies in June 2005 due to the study's encouraging results. Cannabis is proving quite promising as a therapy for most diseases. More so, research shows that marijuana controls pains promotes hunger, and increases body weight, besides stopping the progression of dementia. Research has indicated that cannabis can trigger neurogenesis and thus may delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease (Weinkle et al. 384). Moreover, marijuana has shown positive effects on cancer patients through the reduction in tumor size as well as halting the metastasis of cancerous cells in the body. For example, studies have demonstrated that elements found in marijuana can restrain the proliferation of cancerous cells in patients with lung cancer by around half (Zvonarev, 110). Cannabis has the potential to be used medicinally to treat a variety of health issues, according to the conclusions of earlier studies. To fully understand the medicinal qualities of cannabis and its potential advantages across a range of healthcare specialties, more research is required (Gnofam et al. 60). However, the federal government is still able to step in because marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic. After marijuana was first made legal in Colorado, there were several federal raids on companies that were operating lawfully. These raids were prompted by the ongoing negative impression of cannabis and the related social stigma around its use (Caulkins et al., 34). Federal attacks on illegal production facilities and noncompliant marijuana businesses that violate state regulations persist even after an authorized operation has ceased. The growing number of states enacting laws to allow marijuana for medical use is a positive development that acknowledges the plant's potential as a legitimate therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, a significant barrier to marijuana's broad usage in the medical field is the federal government's continued position that it is an illegal substance (Gnofam et al. 60). Tight regulations and restrictions are restricting the use and consumption of marijuana, even though it is allowed for both medical and recreational use in many countries. The most material that can be kept, cultivated, and utilized legally varies by state and is regulated by state laws. According to Gnofam et al. (62), in the state of California, adults over 21 are permitted to possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis lawfully. They can also develop twelve immature or six mature plants for their use. It is lawful for anyone to possess up to two ounces of marijuana in the state of Colorado. Six plants, comprising both mature and juvenile species, may be grown by them. In the state of Florida, cannabis plants cannot be grown by individuals (Gnofam et al. 65). They may, however, possess up to 35 days' worth of cannabis if recommended by a qualified and respected medical professional. In Maryland, a person has a legal right to keep a 30-day supply of medicine that their doctor has prescribed (Bailey et al. 310). Because marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic, breaking the rules could have legal repercussions. For this reason, compliance with these laws is essential. The legalization of marijuana is the topic at hand, and it has generated a great deal of discussion and controversy. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that since 2009, opinions against the legalization of marijuana have been changing. A significant majority of Americans, namely 60%, supported the legalization of marijuana in 2021, supporting both medical and recreational uses (Pew Research Center). The federal government will find it more and more difficult to ignore the economic benefits of legalization since the legal cannabis business has the potential to provide significant tax revenue and job opportunities (Bailey et al. 315). It can be seen that most states are already considering decriminalizing marijuana, but it needs further efforts regarding regulations and education. It is expected that this tendency will continue soon. Holmes (p. 393) stated that the public attitude regarding medicinal/hemp legalization in the USA has undergone a radical change. This conclusion supports the fact that the majority of people–about 81% of the population–favor the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. Such a figure surpasses the forty-four percent reported in a prior survey in early 2009 (Bailey et al., 310). Growing acceptance of its effectiveness in the treatment of several diseases indicates that most doctors now support legalizing cannabis. The fact that there is great support for marijuana legalization both at an individual level and among states implies that there is high medical acknowledgment, and this does not guarantee that it will be legal in the future( Zonarev and Chyzhyk et al., 206). This may also change the position of the federal and state governments toward the issue, depending on what direction public perception takes. Over time, even now, more people realize that there are medical uses for marijuana in treating different diseases. It is gradually becoming accepted as a safer route for treatment compared to other alternatives. Additionally, some notable figures within modern-day politics have shown a keen interest in the possibility of legally legalizing weed for both medical use and recreation. The public's shifting sentiments are reflected in this occurrence. With prominent politicians endorsing it, the future of the cannabis community appears bright (Zonarev et al. 167). Previous attempts at legalizing have demonstrated that political support only sometimes guarantees success. It is important to emphasize that public support for legalizing marijuana is not always assured, even though some politicians embrace the idea due to potential economic advantages. The 2010 "Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act" (Proposition 19) in California, which sought to legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes, is one instance of this tendency (Lashley 456). The goal of the proposed legislation is to provide legislators the power to regulate and manage cannabis distribution while simultaneously earning revenue for the state's budget through taxes. Nevertheless, 54% of voters opposed Proposition 19's legalization, and 46% voted in favor, meaning it failed to pass (Lashley 462). This indicates that the effectiveness of attempts to legalize marijuana can be significantly impacted by public opinion, independent of political support. The goal of the proposed law was to let authorized producers sell marijuana for recreational use. Nevertheless, a lack of support meant that the bill did not pass. However, because it marked the most significant amount of progress made possible by a recreational marijuana law to date, this event was noteworthy in the context of marijuana. Because the bill would have required consumers to present identification, supporters claimed that if it had passed, it would have successfully decreased the illegal acquisition of marijuana by young people, including both young adults and adolescents. To acquire a specimen of a plant for personal use. It is essential to understand that legalizing marijuana does not mean that people may no longer buy it illegally (Zonarev et al. 210). The legalization of marijuana might, however, contribute to a decline in the criminal market for the drug, which was previously more widespread. Buying legal marijuana is less dangerous than buying illegal marijuana since there is a decreased chance of unfavorable outcomes. In 2016, Proposition 64, a law intended to legalize marijuana for recreational use in California, was approved. With this result, the state's 2010 campaign to legalize marijuana took a significant turn for the better (Holmes 939). The Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, also known as Proposition 64, is a proposed law that aims to legalize and govern the use of marijuana for recreational purposes by adults in California. For the cannabis community, the legislation's passing marked a turning point (Kaur et al. 111). However, various restrictions were implemented to guarantee that the state profited monetarily and that people did not misuse the chemical. Following the legislation's passing, those who use marijuana for personal, non-medical recreational purposes are exempt from legal consequences, provided they adhere to the proper protocols and restrict their use to such objectives. Even though several historical monuments relate to marijuana use, a significant portion of the community is still against legalizing marijuana for either recreational or medical use. Kaur et al. (111) state that for an extended period, significant efforts have been undertaken to support the claim that marijuana has detrimental effects on the human brain. Numerous experiments and investigations have been conducted to support this claim. But no one has been able to offer empirical proof to back up the idea that smoking marijuana damages the brain (Kaur et al. 116). Severe drug users were included in the study, and the findings demonstrated that prolonged and severe marijuana use has no detrimental effects on brain function. Additionally, studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of marijuana for patients in need of plant-based medicine (Bailey 311). Since there has never been a documented death directly linked to heavy marijuana use, this presumption is still valid today. The predominance of more potent substances or underlying natural causes of mortality accounts for the large majority of marijuana-related fatalities (Bailey 311). Although there are scientific facts to support the theory, many people still believe that prolonged marijuana use can result in overdose death. If anything, this study ought to have made individuals more conscious of the detrimental effects that alcohol has on the body as opposed to marijuana. The reason marijuana is a divisive subject is that some individuals think its drawbacks outweigh its advantages. There is a common misconception that marijuana use might impair one's physiological well-being and negatively affect one's immune system. Bailey (310) said marijuana smoking weakened the immune systems of HIV-positive individuals and increased their risk of pneumonia. Bailey (311) found that patients who took medical cannabis had more robust immune systems than those who received a placebo. According to the author, the patients in question saw increased immune function and gained an average of 4 pounds. The legalization of marijuana may have an impact on car accidents, an issue that is regularly discussed and disputed. Many people think that because of the drug's impairments, legalizing marijuana will lead to more accidents. However, empirical evidence indicates that the chance of an accident resulting from marijuana usage alone is less than the chance of an accident resulting from alcohol intake alone (Bailey 316). Research indicates that people who drive while high on marijuana often experience alcohol intoxication at the same time (Bailey 311). The author states that the proportion of accidents caused exclusively by marijuana usage is much smaller than the proportion caused only by alcohol use. Tolan et al. demonstrate that reducing marijuana possession penalties has a significant effect (585-595). Due to this change, the number of mature adults smoking marijuana has significantly increased while the use of alcohol has fallen. Thus, in several jurisdictions where marijuana has been legalized, this change in substance preference has been linked to a decline in car accidents (Tolan et al. 586). Cannabis poses less of a risk to drivers than alcohol does, even though it still can do so. Research indicates that driving under the influence of marijuana alone reduces the number of impairment-related accidents compared to driving under the influence of alcohol alone (Weinkle et al. 390). Whether using cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes, the ideal time and place must be considered. Even if there have been some unfavorable effects, there are more advantages to marijuana use and legalization than disadvantages (Tolan et al. 586). While a considerable percentage of marijuana users claim that the drug has improved their overall well-being, there have been a few instances in which marijuana consumption alone has had a detrimental effect on a person's life. The legalization of marijuana has been shown to help those with severe health conditions and to bring in large sums of money for the states and governments that have adopted such laws (Tolan et al. 590). The money can be spent on building schools and fixing the road system to improve the town. It is anticipated that more states will legalize marijuana use as public opinion shifts in its favor. The eventual legalization of marijuana by the federal government is expected to spur study into the many therapeutic and medicinal benefits associated with the plant. Legalization of marijuana can be advantageous for society overall and have health benefits. The growing legalization of marijuana in many places has made the black market for this drug less alluring and more tightly controlled. This phenomenon can lessen the burden on the criminal justice system and lower crime rates. Ladegard's (180) investigation found that after marijuana was legalized in several states, the number of drug-related arrests fell by 15.6%. According to this analysis, legalizing cannabis could result in a considerable drop in jail rates. Communities of color are among the many groups significantly impacted by the problems above. The outlawing of marijuana and the war on drugs have had a disproportionate effect on these areas. The legalization of marijuana also has the potential to improve the state's economy and that of its citizens. A legalized marijuana market encourages economic growth and new business ventures by enabling people to launch enterprises and employ people. The cannabis industry is predicted to have a substantial economic impact in the US, with estimates putting its potential value at $30 billion by 2025 (Ladegard 173). Legalizing marijuana would also bring in tax income for the states, which could be used to fund infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other initiatives. Additionally, the money donated can be utilized to sponsor studies investigating the medical advantages of marijuana, adding to the body of evidence supporting its use as a therapeutic intervention. The legalization of marijuana can also lessen the negative societal connotations associated with its use. The drug's acceptance and normalcy in society increase as more states enact laws making it legal. This phenomenon can lessen unfavorable views and preconceptions about marijuana users while also enhancing education and understanding about appropriate marijuana usage (Tolan et al. 592). People who use medicinal marijuana should pay particular attention to this topic because doing so may expose them to stigma and discrimination because they are using cannabis as a therapeutic intervention for medical illnesses. Legalizing marijuana is not without its issues and possible consequences, though. The possibility of rising consumption and abuse is a big worry, especially for the younger population (Ladegard 172). Legalization, according to critics, will make marijuana more accessible to teenagers, which could result in higher consumption rates and unfavorable outcomes. States that have legalized marijuana face difficulties as a result of the absence of federal oversight and law. Due to marijuana's national classification as a Schedule 1 drug, the cannabis business will always be subject to limitations and obstacles, like restricted access to insurance and banking services. This issue may impede the industry's expansion and the state's ability to reap its financial rewards (Tolan et al. 586). Opponents of marijuana legalization contend that further research is necessary before the drug is widely accepted as a therapy choice since the data now available to support its medical advantages is inadequate. While much remains to be learned about the physiological impacts of marijuana, it is essential to acknowledge that the federal government's designation of cannabis as a Schedule 1 narcotic makes it challenging to perform thorough scientific studies on this botanical specimen (Tolan et al. 588). Positive findings from the research that has already been done on this subject suggest that further investigation will probably produce more evidence supporting its therapeutic efficacy. In addition, there are worries over the potential harm that prolonged marijuana usage may cause, particularly to the developing adolescent brain. Although there is a need for more research in this field, it is crucial to remember that the majority of the studies that have been conducted thus far have been on extensive and continuous marijuana usage as opposed to sporadic or moderate use (Bailey 312). It is also important to note that young people who use marijuana may be more likely to engage in other risky activities, which makes it challenging to pinpoint the specific consequences that are solely related to marijuana usage. In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana and its increasing public acceptability in the US are promoting scientific inquiry and the examination of possible medical breakthroughs. There is growing evidence that marijuana may be beneficial in treating pain, improving quality of life, and possibly even changing the course of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's disease, despite the drug's legal restrictions and general unfavorable perception. But it is essential to keep in mind that marijuana, like other drugs, needs to be taken sensibly and within appropriate boundaries. The federal government has reevaluated its position on marijuana legalization as a result of the public's and state governments' increased support for the policy. Nationwide raids on legitimately operating businesses and strict restrictions on cannabis use and consumption remain obstacles facing the cannabis industry despite modest improvement. Nonetheless, marijuana will probably become legal nationwide due to the ongoing shift in cultural perspectives and the increasing amount of scientific studies. This would help states and local populations economically and facilitate exploring its therapeutic applications. It will be imperative to carry on teaching present and future generations about the possible advantages and disadvantages of marijuana use. When used correctly and thoroughly, marijuana can improve the general well-being of a broad spectrum of persons suffering from several medical illnesses. Lastly, the legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational use has an impact on personal freedom and judgment. It could also disclose the entire range of capabilities inherent in this botanical species and further scientific investigation. Legalization fosters the growth of knowledge regarding marijuana's medicinal advantages and promotes a more accepting and tolerant society. Even though there is still a long way to go until marijuana is fully legalized, we must keep pushing for responsible marijuana usage and research so that future generations can take advantage of its medicinal benefits. Work Cited Bailey, Jennifer A., et al. "Marijuana legalization and youth marijuana, alcohol, and cigarette use and norms." American journal of preventive medicine 59.3 (2020): 309-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2020.04.008 Caulkins, Jonathan P., Beau Kilmer, and Mark AR Kleiman. Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press, 2019. Frye, Patricia C. The medical marijuana guide: cannabis and your health. Rowman & Littlefield, 2018. Gnofam, Mayi, et al. "Impact of marijuana legalization on the prevalence of maternal marijuana use and perinatal outcomes." American journal of perinatology 37.01 (2020): 059-065. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1696719 Holmes, Alexis. "Zoning, race, and marijuana: The unintended consequences of Proposition 64." Lewis & Clark L. Rev. 23 (2019): 939. Kaur, Rimplejeet, Sneha R Ambwani, and Surjit Singh. "Endocannabinoid system: a multi-facet therapeutic target." Current clinical pharmacology 11.2 (2019): 110-117. Ladegard, Kristie, Christian Thurstone, and Melanie Rylander. "Marijuana legalization and youths." Pediatrics 145.Supplement_2 (2020): S165-S174. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-2056D Lashley, Kisha, and Timothy G. Pollock. "Waiting to inhale: Reducing stigma in the medical cannabis industry." Administrative Science Quarterly 65.2 (2020): 434-482. https://doi.org/10.1177/0001839219851501 Pew Research Center. "Pew Research Center | Nonpartisan, Nonadvocacy, Public Opinion Polling, and Data-driven Social Science Research." Pew Research Center, 25 May 2023, www.pewresearch.org. Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee. "Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment." Denver, CO, USA: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (2017). Tolan, Nicole V., et al. "Impact of marijuana legalization on cannabis-related visits to the emergency department." Clinical toxicology 60.5 (2022): 585-595. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2021.2012576 Van Gundy, Karen T., and Michael S. Staunton. Marijuana: Examining the Facts. Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2019. Weinkle, Laura, et al. "Exploring cannabis use by patients with multiple sclerosis in a state where cannabis is legal." Multiple sclerosis and related disorders 27 (2019): 383-390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2018.11.022 Zvonarev, Valeriy, et al. "The public health concerns of marijuana legalization: an overview of current trends." Cureus 11.9 (2019). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5806  
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