Abstract Cannabis has long been classified as a soft drug. Moreover its medicinal uses have prompted governmental licensing for cultivation. However, the notion that cannabis induces psychosis is not a positive development. This paper therefore studies this issue in the light of literature available and prior research that has been conducted to reach a definite conclusion.
Abstract The paper considers the impact on society of lighter laws concerning cannabis and whether it is a safe substance appropriate to our society. The paper has particular reference to the social climate of the United Kingdom.
From the Paper "When David Blunket announced he wanted the UK's laws covering cannabis to be eased, I had images of London taking over Amsterdam as the central drugs spot in Europe. I saw Jamaican themed 'coffee shops' lining the streets of Soho, bakers selling hash-cakes, teachers and students alike enjoying a joint to go with their lunch-time snack. A society where cannabis is fully accepted may not be so farfetched. Under the Home Secretary's scheme, the drug would remain illegal, but the punishments, with its reclassification as a class 'C' drug, would be lessened - maximum sentences of 2 years for possession and 5 years for supply would apply. But rather than arresting people caught with cannabis, police will be more likely to issue a warning, a caution or a court summons, increasing their attention on harder drugs such as coke and heroin."
A research paper that gives a detailed overview on the legalization of marijuana, an analysis of its medical uses and an insight into laws surrounding the controversy.
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at why marijuana's use for medical application is a purpose important enough to legalize the substance with pharmaceutical control by the government. The author examines scientific and historical background of marijuana, and the lack of public information on marijuana.
Outline
Medical marijuana use.
Ancient use of marijuana
Marijuana used for religion and other things.
Facts about marijuana.
Research on marijuana's potential abuse.
Lack of public information on marijuana
"Legal" drugs abuse
Media hype of marijuana
Ethnic tendency towards abuse
Marijuana and cancer chemotherapy
Marijuana and AIDS
Other medical uses of marijuana
Enough medical research.
Cannabis research
AIDS patients and marijuana.
Medical marijuana activists
Voters in favor of legalizing marijuana in many states.
Positive medical applications of cannabis.
Many countries have legalized medicinal marijuana.
From the Paper "Marijuana has been known for centuries and played a significant role in human history, being used for religious ceremonies, rope, medicine and recreation, among other registered uses. An enormous amount of hypothesis has been developed concerning other uses, or consequences of using dope. Mythologies from many countries speak of numberless gods and deids. It is possible many of these gods were imagined or seen by shaman or oracles that were under the influences of drugs. Cannabis use was mentioned in the fours Vedas (from India), one of the oldest religious manuscripts (Harrison, 70). Such Reginald Campbell and R Everett offer a general overview of marijuana in Substance Abuse in Workplace: ? The most common form of marijuana found in the U.S. is Cannabis Sativa... There are about 421 known chemicals in the plant... but the active chemical is believed to be the tetrahydro-cannabinols (THC), oils possessing physiological activity... Some symptoms of marijuana intoxication include confusion, euphoria, hallucinations, hunger, red eyes, ego-inflation, dry mouth, excessive laughing and coma? (42-43). Marijuana intoxication is said to last two to three hours, but the ingredient delta-9-tetrahydro -cannabinol can accumulate in brain and testes tissues (Hubbard, Franco, Onaivi, 1999). Marijuana, pot or weed, among other names, has a variety of practical uses. Hemp is used to built cords and even clothing. There are a number of websites on the Internet that offer a variety of products made out of hemp. Sadly, it is to blame that such a helpful herb be considered illegal due to the bad nature and unconsciousness of humans."
This paper summarizes and reviews two research articles about the effects of drug: The effects of nicotine on immunity and the behavioral effects of alcohol and cannabis.
Abstract The paper explains that the first article, which discusses the effects of nicotine on immunity, states that, despite the many negative effects, nicotine has some benefits such as increasing short-term attention, cognition and memory, suppressing inflammation in colic ulcers and reducing involuntary tics in Tourettes's syndrome. The author points out that the article suggests that the ongoing investigation into the effect of nicotine on immune response is important in guiding the medical community to use nicotine for treatment of tobacco dependence or specific neurological diseases while minimizing its harmful effects. The paper reports that the second article, which attempts to compare and analyze the hazard functions for alcohol and cannabis effects by summarizing the results from the studies available, in order to determine equipotency of the two drugs for a variety of variables.
Table of Contents
Article 1: Effects of Nicotine on Immunity
Summary
Response
Article 2: Behavioral Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis Summary
Response
From the Paper "It affects the immune system since the type of receptors on which nicotine acts are present on immune cells as well. Experiments show that nicotine acts on specific immune cells but no link has so far been established between the long-term effects of nicotine on immune response. Nicotine also has a role in promoting cardio-vascular disease. It is known to constrict blood vessels resulting in increased blood pressure. Its stimulation of certain hormones such as norepinephrine from the adrenal glands could lead to thrombosis (blood clots) and hardening of arteries. It is also known to cause increase in circulating fatty acids, total cholesterol and triglycerides-al of which contribute to heart disease. Interference of nicotine with the immune system further aggravates the chances of cardio-vascular disease."
Abstract An in-depth look at the history and usage of medical Marijuana. The author looks at marijuana usage in different cultures for different medical conditions.
From the paper:
"Marijuana is the common name for a drug comprised of the leaves and flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant, cannabis sativa, which can be smoked or eaten for unique feelings. The active ingredient of marijuana, known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is concentrated in the flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant. In the USA, the legality of marijuana, found to be medically useful by some, has been a controversial topic for decades (Nahas 1)."
Abstract This paper discusses the growing problem of drugs in the United States and in the Netherlands. Although both countries are at opposites polls when it comes to drugs, the Netherlands is more lenient while the United States has stricter laws, it shows how neither has been successful in reducing the drug problem. It examines the laws of each country from the coffee shops selling soft drugs and the legalization of cannabis in the Netherlands to the numbers of people locked away in the States for drig use and their cost to the tax payers. It proposes minor solutions to perhaps solve some of the problems but concludes that at present there is no real solution to the international drug problem.
From the Paper "The goals of Netherlands? drug policies have been with the hope that "decriminalization and eventual legalization of such drugs as marijuana and heroin will have nothing but beneficial effects. Criminal organizations that prosper under the current laws will suddenly find themselves out of business; addicts will no longer have to steal to feed their habit; and government regulators will ensure that users will not suffer overdoses or contract diseases" (Schuster 25). Many Americans have argued the above in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. They feel that legalizing drugs would be the solution, but look at Netherlands, has it been the solution? Education concerning drugs they feel is important."
Abstract The essay begins with a concise definition of drugs. It then proceeds to detail the emotional and behavioral effects of both cannabis and cocaine, charting the physiological, behavioral, and cognitive effects in reference to research in the area. The essay also examines the social consequences of the drugs, the addiction process, and resulting psychological damage.
From the Paper "A drug is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as "any chemical entity or mixture of entities other than those required for the maintenance of normal health (like food), the administration of which alters biological function and possibly structure" (1981, p227, cited in Maisto, Galizio, and Connors, 1999). The definition provided therefore covers drugs such as caffeine and alcohol as well as medicinal drugs such as antidepressants and ant psychotics. This essay, however will focus on the behavioural effects of recreational drugs, particularly that of cannabis and cocaine."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of marijuana use, and the modern day use of cannabis. It looks at the distribution of users in various countries, and the decriminalization of marijuana in several countries.
From the Paper "Marijuana is defined as a preparation made from the dried flower clusters and leaves of the cannabis plant usually smoked or eaten to induce euphoria. A more potent form of cannabis is found in hashish which is a resin extracted from the ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that like alcohol, marijuana has been used as a mind-altering substance throughout the world and since the beginning of human civilization. However, the writer relates that marijuana played a far different role in European-American society than alcohol. The writer then explains that the wild cannabis weed has provided human beings with strong fibrous rope and fabric for centuries and, known as hemp, was used functionally throughout colonial American history. The writer argues that banning a weed outright seems preposterous and yet notes that the American government has for nearly a century clamped down on the recreational use of marijuana, classifying it among the most harmful narcotic substances known. The writer concludes that regulation of the drug could follow similar laws that are currently in place for alcohol, which is not available to minors and which is taxed and regulated on a state-by-state basis.
Outline:
Background
Schedule What?
We're in the Money
Un-American
Works Cited
From the Paper "Like alcohol, marijuana has been used as a mind-altering substance throughout the world and since the beginning of human civilization. However, marijuana played a far different role in European-American society than alcohol. The wild cannabis weed has provided human beings with strong fibrous rope and fabric for centuries and, known as hemp, was used functionally throughout colonial American history. So entrenched was cannabis to the early American economy that the colonial Virginia legislature mandated that farmers grow hemp in 1619; moreover, hemp was allowed to be exchanged as legal tender in colonial Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. Even its functional form as hemp has been overlooked in light of prohibition and the only hemp products available on the market today are overpriced and marketed primarily toward counterculture."
Abstract The paper discusses L. Degenhardt and W. Hall's research and examines their conclusion that cannabis use probably increases the risk of schizophrenia, particularly when it comes to genetically vulnerable individuals. The paper is of the opinion that Degenhardt and Hall's paper should be used only as a summary of general research since the work is limited and perhaps biased. The writer of this paper reveals that he himself remains unconvinced that marijuana usage can cause psychosis in a statistically significant number of individuals.
Outline:
Abstract
Evidence of Research
Method
Identification of Consumers
Interpretation of Findings
Concluding Statements
Utility and Limitations
Personal Reflections
From the Paper "Degenhardt & Hall cite growing interest in a possible relationship between schizophrenia and marijuana as a motivator for research. Research is based primarily on exploring two established hypotheses: 1), that heavy cannabis use causes psychosis in those that would otherwise be free of such mental instability; and 2), that cannabis may exacerbate or precipitate schizophrenia in those already predisposed to the condition (2006, pp. 556-567). Evidence must therefore be based on the ability to prove that a link between cannabis and psychosis exists by eliminating other variables. Prior research has determined that cannabis may be linked to schizophrenia and related disorders based on the following various findings: that schizophrenia often follows a history of heavy cannabis consumption; that affected individuals show signs of amnesia and confusion; that some psychotic cannabis users display no personal or family history of the disorder; and evidence that psychosis fades after discontinued use of marijuana and reappears after marijuana use resumes (ibid, p. 557)."
Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the exact advantages of cannabis use as compared with the disadvantages, in an attempt to discern whether or not the benefits of cannabis use outweigh the risk. The paper concludes that marijuana will need to be studied more comprehensively in the long term before health care agents and government officials are likely to approve widespread use of cannabis as a medication.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background to the Problem
Advantages Medical Marijuana
Disadvantages Medical Marijuana
Discussion
Conclusions
From the Paper "Since the dawn of time health care representatives have been using cannabis to treat a variety of ailments and chronic diseases. Much like any natural form of therapy or herb, medical literature has documented the use of cannabis to treat a variety of orders varying from mild to moderate in nature. There is even some evidence suggesting that marijuana may improve one's cognitive and mental ability, despite modern reports that it might do otherwise."
Abstract This paper argues in support of using marijuana in a clinical setting. The paper cites research showing that cannabis has had beneficial health effects. The paper also details state regulations regarding the cultivation of cannabis and comments that these regulations impede medical marijuana.
From the Paper "The motion picture 'Reefer Madness' produced in... posited effects of a single use of marijuana for recreational or perhaps any purposes as ranging from criminal and predatory sexual behavior to insanity. The film appears to have been created in complete seriousness..."
From the Paper "THC has a range of physiological and psychological effects on the body. Typically, it produces a mild euphoric intoxication, a sense of well-being, alterations in sense of space and time. Quite likely, THC reduces anxiety and relaxes your tension while it intensifies your sense of sound, touch ,or taste, which often stimulates your appetite. It is suspected that THC has something to do with the Lateral Hypothalamus that control the appetite. For this reason, marijuana is employed as an appetite stimulant for patients with serious illnesses such as AIDS or terminal cancer who need to eat in order to survive. In addition, marijuana is also medically beneficial for pain relief, control of nausea and the treatment of asthma and glaucoma."
Abstract This paper discusses the illogical nature of the Unites States? ban on hemp. The author presents many examples of the practical uses of hemp in society and also presents reasons why hemp is wrongfully considered a dangerous plant.
From the paper:
"How many times have Americans wished there was one simple solution to so many of the major problems of today, such as deforestation and sub-standard building supplies? Industrial hemp is a possible solution to many of these problems and more, however, a problem with using hemp for these purposes is that it is currently illegal to grow hemp in the United States. If we as a country were to abolish this law, we could easily put an end to so many of today's dilemmas. Growing of industrial hemp should be legalized in the United States."
Abstract A comparative essay between marijuana and tobacco in which a strong case is made for the legalization of cannabis sativa. The author describes the history of both substances, their positive and negative effects on the body and society, and government policies in reference to the usage of the substances.
From the paper:
"The numbers are staggering: Three and a half million to zero: that's the number of people that die globally every year from smoking tobacco products, four hundred thousand in the United States alone, compared to the number of people that have ever died from smoking marijuana. Yet marijuana remains an illegal drug in most industrialized nations, including the US."
