Medicinal Marijuana

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the legalization of marijuana and discusses current federal laws regarding the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and whether or not these laws conflict with current medical and psychological research done on the effects of marijuana. Some believe that marijuana is one substance that can relieve many of the symptoms experienced by those who suffer from chronic or severe illnesses more effectively than most medicines now on the market. It examines research done on this topic before advocating a change in public policy regarding marijuana usage.

From the Paper:

"On the other hand, the Institute of Medicine also identifies many health-related costs of smoking marijuana (Watson et al., 2000). Marijuana smoke is associated with a greater risk of lung damage, cancer, and birth defects (Watson et al., 2000). Additionally, the American Heart Association conducted studies of how marijuana affects cardiac function, and found that marijuana use in middle age and in elderly persons increases risk of heart attack 4.8 times for the duration of an hour after smoking (Lewis, Maclure, Sherwood, & Muller, 2000). These researchers are not sure if it is the marijuana itself or other components, such as carbon monoxide, that cause these effects (Lewis et al., 2000). "

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