Legalization of Medical Marijuana

Kristin Barry

Reasons to legalize Marijuana/Cannabis

The federal government should legalize marijuana because of the benefits: Cancer

patients provided with some relief from their symptoms, and the economic gain $1.3 billion in

taxes, hemp saving 4 acres in trees, and decriminalization in a state. There has been scientific

evidence that has shown the potential health benefits come from marijuana and its property of

cannabinoids. For patients with cancer medical marijuana may be able an effective treatment

compared to other alternative medicine. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy cannabis can

help them deal with the unpleasant side effects. Patients that suffer from appetite loss, nausea,

and vomiting, benefit from cannabinoids (varies of organic substances, such as THC, found in

cannabis). ((n.d),Stedman) It has been proven to be highly affective for the treatment of

vomiting and nausea. There are no full potential stories yet of what medical marijuana can do

for cancer. Studies have shown that cannabis can slow invasion of some cancers like cervical

cancer, and lung cancer cells. (Unknown, Unkn)

Then not just cancer patients but other people with illnesses such as MS (Mulitiple

Sclerosis) numerous studies even on animals (mice) and in humans show that the psychoactive

ingredient in marijuana called “Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol can reduce patients muscle

spasms. Cannabinoids help suppress certain symptoms from multiple sclerosis or other spinal

cord injuries. Medical marijuana provides them with relief from symptoms and may slow the

process of the degeneration of the nervous system. MS carries many symptoms that

cannabinoids can help to alleviate/eliminate spasticity, depression, fatigue, chronic pain, and

ataxia. The London school of Medicine stated that out of 112 medical marijuana patients with

MS, 80% reported they had improvement from pain, tremors, spasticity,...