One of the most controversial issues in today's culture is the legalization of marijuana in the United States. Despite the legality of alcohol, tobacco, over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs, marijuana continues to face limitations. However, public opinion on its legalization has been gaining traction. As of early 2024, 38 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories have legalized marijuana for medical use, recreational use, or both; yet no federal law has changed. Even with this shift in public opinion, many still worry about the drug's potential for adverse effects. Although the passing of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (MMCREZ) in 2022 has allowed for medical research and studies to diminish this worry, the federal government has not acknowledged the social and economic changes that marijuana has created in America. With this, our country continues to allow our civil liberties to be violated by placing strict restrictions on marijuana. Historically, prohibition relates only to alcohol, but we currently face a prohibition on marijuana. Let us end the control of a substance that offers considerable medical benefits with fewer side effects and chemicals, while also providing patients with a euphoric feeling. The current economic and social changes demand that the government establish a federally regulated market for marijuana, which overall is advantageous to the people of the United States.
With all the hype about marijuana, it is essential to understand what the herbal drug truly is. For instance, many believe that marijuana and cannabis are the same thing, when in fact, marijuana is a species of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which are primarily concentrated in the female flower but can also be found in the leaves. These cannabinoids are responsible for the physical and psychological effects experienced. Two major cannabinoids in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC "induces mild euphoria and hallucinations-the "high" sought by many users of marijuana" (O'Brien). In contrast, CBD "has a more sedative, relaxant effect on the body" (O'Brien). As a result, marijuana can be processed into many forms, including topicals, edibles, and the most common form: smokable products. People use these products for both recreational and medical purposes.
The first medical application of marijuana dates back to 2700 BC, when the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung identified its healing capabilities. This rich history of medicinal use, spanning across different cultures and centuries, underscores the profound significance of marijuana in human health. In the second century AD, a Chinese doctor named Hua Tuo used cannabis as an anesthetic. During the Tang Dynasty in the early seventh century AD, China established its first school of medicine, which, among other subjects, taught about the benefits of cannabis (Hartman). Cannabis was used in Egypt around 1700 BC to treat glaucoma. During the Meiji Era (1868-1912), Japan alleviated pain, indigestion, asthma, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and other conditions. It wasn't until the 1830s that an Irish doctor discovered that cannabis extracts could help with stomach pain and vomiting. Not long after, cannabis was sold as a prescription medication in Europe and the United States, at least until 1970 when the Controlled Substances Act listed marijuana as a Schedule I drug. It wasn't until 2022 that the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (MMCREZ) was passed. This act, along with social changes, removed some of the barriers to cannabis research, allowing scientists to study the potential medical benefits of cannabis more easily. With the passing of the MMCREZ, research has expanded our understanding of cannabis's benefits and possible medical applications for individuals. For example, studies have examined the use of marijuana to treat autism through symptom management and improving the quality of life for those affected. Also, note that the FDA has legalized medication with synthetic cannabinoids and cannabis. Current clinical trials related to the drug dronabinol demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing agitation in Alzheimer's patients by 30%. Dronabinol uses a synthetic version of THC and does not have the adverse reactions of delirium or seizures that other products with similar calming effects may cause. As more research is conducted, there are prospects for some cannabis-derived drugs that are not yet approved in the United States, including Sativex, a combination spray of THC and cannabidiol. Sativex combines equal quantities of THC and CBD from two cannabis extracts. This product, which is sprayed inside the cheek or under the tongue, has been approved to alleviate symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, including muscle spasms and neuropathic pain. Sativex has been approved in 25 countries outside the United States, including Canada and the United Kingdom (Kipnis). In the past three years, cannabis research has produced four new medications in the U.S., and there are prospects for additional medications for those in need.
Currently, medical marijuana is recognized for treating conditions such as ADHD, HIV/AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cachexia, cancer, epilepsy, seizures, glaucoma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, nerve pain, and chronic pain. The primary application of medical marijuana is pain management. Although it is not potent enough for acute pain, it is an excellent option for alleviating chronic pain. It serves as a safer alternative to opiates since there is no risk of overdose, and it is significantly less addictive. The safety and reduced risk of addiction associated with medical marijuana provide a sense of reassurance and security to patients. Individuals with kidney issues, ulcers, or GERD may also consider it as an alternative to Advil or Aleve. All these conditions have multiple prescription medication options, each carrying various side effects that can be more severe than those associated with marijuana. However, those using medical marijuana are violating federal law and risking jail time.
Discussions about marijuana laws indicate a detrimental effect on the U.S. judicial system regarding marijuana cases. "In 2010, cannabis-related offenses represented about 53% of all the drug arrests, and over 80% of these offenses were for cannabis possession" (Gunadi and Shi). Through legalization, the justice system has a chance to lessen its financial burden from prosecuting and incarcerating individuals for marijuana-related crimes. This shift would allow for a greater emphasis on combating the trafficking of more dangerous drugs. By placing regulations and taxes on marijuana, state and federal governments could see a significant boost in revenue. This revenue could be used for public health, infrastructure, the U.S. military, and law enforcement, to name a few prospects. Should the federal government enact laws to legalize and decriminalize marijuana, it would significantly transform the landscape within the United States, as it has been proven in states that have legalized marijuana. "In 2023, total cannabis-related tax revenue collected by all states topped $4.18 billion" (Krishna). States that enacted laws for recreational and medical marijuana saw an increase in dispensaries and nurseries, resulting in more job opportunities in farming, processing, distribution, and retail marijuana products. This is just the tip of the possible economic benefits of job creation due to legalizing marijuana, including secondary positions in developing businesses.
Nonetheless, there are valid concerns about a potential rise in drug abuse, like problems linked to alcohol. Marijuana use can impair driving and coordination, endangering traffic safety. However, overdosing on federally regulated marijuana is impossible, while alcohol poisoning is a serious concern. Additionally, the risk of rising homelessness exists if individuals choose to allocate funds to marijuana rather than basic necessities. Although in states that have legalized marijuana, there is no direct evidence that homelessness increased due to legalization. It is even noted that the "black market for cannabis outsells the legal market by a factor of three" (Sanderson) in California. Another concern is that legalizing marijuana could make it more accessible to teenagers, potentially leading to an increase in underage consumption.
The social impact of marijuana changes every day as more states legalize cannabis. However, if U.S. history offers any insight, the herbal drug will likely continue to be off-limits for recreational and medical use. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was the first federal law to ban marijuana, making it illegal to use cannabis for personal purposes and allowing the plant to be utilized solely for industrial hemp purposes. These restrictions emerged due to civil unrest during the Great Depression and the growing racial prejudice against Mexican immigrants. The use of marijuana for recreational purposes was influenced by South America and spread throughout North America as immigrants traveled north for better opportunities. It wasn't until the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified marijuana as a drug with no medical use, that the plant was entirely outlawed.
The first sign of social change came in 1976, when Robert Randall defended himself and won under common law doctrine against the U.S. for cultivating marijuana for his glaucoma. In 1996, social tides began to shift when California legalized the use of medical marijuana. Alaska, Oregon, and Washington followed suit in 1998. Over the next two years, four more states would legalize medical marijuana. This prompted the federal government to finally amend the Controlled Substances Act 2001, allowing for a medical necessity exception. The next significant step in medical marijuana occurred in 2005 when the US Supreme Court ruled that "using medical marijuana did not 'substantially affect' interstate commerce and therefore could not be regulated by Congress" (The Editors of ProCon). In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana. It wasn't until 2014 that the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment was passed, which prohibits the Justice Department from interfering with state cannabis laws.
As each new state enacts laws for medical use, recreational use, or both, it becomes clear that times have changed and new laws are essential. A federal law legalizing marijuana is critical in a nation as vast as the United States. Such a law is needed for diverse markets, employment opportunities, medical facilities, etc. Bottles of wine and boxes of cigars can travel throughout the country, but marijuana purchased legally in one state cannot travel to another state legally. This is where the FBI and DEA can arrest someone for legally purchasing marijuana, whether for medical or recreational use. It is a federal offense if it crosses state lines, and that state law no longer applies. Moreover, interstate travel and relocation become problematic with each state passing different laws. The issue arises regarding a cancer patient who wants to visit family before passing; can they bring their medical marijuana with them on a plane? What about a man who has chronic pain and wants to travel with his wife? Does he have to purchase a new medical card in each state? What if a state does not allow medical use? What happens to the medical marijuana that was just purchased before leaving the state? Should he try to consume it so he does not break federal law?
In conclusion, contrary to common fears, marijuana does not inherently lead to the use of more dangerous drugs. Marijuana is considerably less addictive than opioids and other legal substances. Regarding medication, individuals should evaluate each option offered to manage their illness and consider the side effects they are willing to risk, as not all side effects will be experienced by everyone. On the side of complete legalization, marijuana could create new job opportunities in cultivation, distribution, and retail, generating tax revenue and relieving the judicial system from unnecessary incarcerations and costs. At the same time, it will allow higher-risk crimes to become priorities.
As with other substances such as alcohol and tobacco, isn't it ultimately each person's decision to participate in that activity? Making an informed choice about enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, having an occasional cigar with friends, or smoking a joint to relax on the weekend is essential. While there are valid concerns regarding marijuana legalization, the benefits of legalization far outweigh the drawbacks. Like any other substance, whether legal or illegal, there will always be concerns, negative impacts, or consequences. Ultimately, it comes down to whether the benefits surpass the negative repercussions. Therefore, let's reclaim the decision and legalize marijuana at the federal level, asserting our constitutional right to choose at the end of the day.
Works Cited
With all the hype about marijuana, it is essential to understand what the herbal drug truly is. For instance, many believe that marijuana and cannabis are the same thing, when in fact, marijuana is a species of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which are primarily concentrated in the female flower but can also be found in the leaves. These cannabinoids are responsible for the physical and psychological effects experienced. Two major cannabinoids in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC "induces mild euphoria and hallucinations-the "high" sought by many users of marijuana" (O'Brien). In contrast, CBD "has a more sedative, relaxant effect on the body" (O'Brien). As a result, marijuana can be processed into many forms, including topicals, edibles, and the most common form: smokable products. People use these products for both recreational and medical purposes.
The first medical application of marijuana dates back to 2700 BC, when the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung identified its healing capabilities. This rich history of medicinal use, spanning across different cultures and centuries, underscores the profound significance of marijuana in human health. In the second century AD, a Chinese doctor named Hua Tuo used cannabis as an anesthetic. During the Tang Dynasty in the early seventh century AD, China established its first school of medicine, which, among other subjects, taught about the benefits of cannabis (Hartman). Cannabis was used in Egypt around 1700 BC to treat glaucoma. During the Meiji Era (1868-1912), Japan alleviated pain, indigestion, asthma, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and other conditions. It wasn't until the 1830s that an Irish doctor discovered that cannabis extracts could help with stomach pain and vomiting. Not long after, cannabis was sold as a prescription medication in Europe and the United States, at least until 1970 when the Controlled Substances Act listed marijuana as a Schedule I drug. It wasn't until 2022 that the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (MMCREZ) was passed. This act, along with social changes, removed some of the barriers to cannabis research, allowing scientists to study the potential medical benefits of cannabis more easily. With the passing of the MMCREZ, research has expanded our understanding of cannabis's benefits and possible medical applications for individuals. For example, studies have examined the use of marijuana to treat autism through symptom management and improving the quality of life for those affected. Also, note that the FDA has legalized medication with synthetic cannabinoids and cannabis. Current clinical trials related to the drug dronabinol demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing agitation in Alzheimer's patients by 30%. Dronabinol uses a synthetic version of THC and does not have the adverse reactions of delirium or seizures that other products with similar calming effects may cause. As more research is conducted, there are prospects for some cannabis-derived drugs that are not yet approved in the United States, including Sativex, a combination spray of THC and cannabidiol. Sativex combines equal quantities of THC and CBD from two cannabis extracts. This product, which is sprayed inside the cheek or under the tongue, has been approved to alleviate symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, including muscle spasms and neuropathic pain. Sativex has been approved in 25 countries outside the United States, including Canada and the United Kingdom (Kipnis). In the past three years, cannabis research has produced four new medications in the U.S., and there are prospects for additional medications for those in need.
Currently, medical marijuana is recognized for treating conditions such as ADHD, HIV/AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cachexia, cancer, epilepsy, seizures, glaucoma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, nerve pain, and chronic pain. The primary application of medical marijuana is pain management. Although it is not potent enough for acute pain, it is an excellent option for alleviating chronic pain. It serves as a safer alternative to opiates since there is no risk of overdose, and it is significantly less addictive. The safety and reduced risk of addiction associated with medical marijuana provide a sense of reassurance and security to patients. Individuals with kidney issues, ulcers, or GERD may also consider it as an alternative to Advil or Aleve. All these conditions have multiple prescription medication options, each carrying various side effects that can be more severe than those associated with marijuana. However, those using medical marijuana are violating federal law and risking jail time.
Discussions about marijuana laws indicate a detrimental effect on the U.S. judicial system regarding marijuana cases. "In 2010, cannabis-related offenses represented about 53% of all the drug arrests, and over 80% of these offenses were for cannabis possession" (Gunadi and Shi). Through legalization, the justice system has a chance to lessen its financial burden from prosecuting and incarcerating individuals for marijuana-related crimes. This shift would allow for a greater emphasis on combating the trafficking of more dangerous drugs. By placing regulations and taxes on marijuana, state and federal governments could see a significant boost in revenue. This revenue could be used for public health, infrastructure, the U.S. military, and law enforcement, to name a few prospects. Should the federal government enact laws to legalize and decriminalize marijuana, it would significantly transform the landscape within the United States, as it has been proven in states that have legalized marijuana. "In 2023, total cannabis-related tax revenue collected by all states topped $4.18 billion" (Krishna). States that enacted laws for recreational and medical marijuana saw an increase in dispensaries and nurseries, resulting in more job opportunities in farming, processing, distribution, and retail marijuana products. This is just the tip of the possible economic benefits of job creation due to legalizing marijuana, including secondary positions in developing businesses.
Nonetheless, there are valid concerns about a potential rise in drug abuse, like problems linked to alcohol. Marijuana use can impair driving and coordination, endangering traffic safety. However, overdosing on federally regulated marijuana is impossible, while alcohol poisoning is a serious concern. Additionally, the risk of rising homelessness exists if individuals choose to allocate funds to marijuana rather than basic necessities. Although in states that have legalized marijuana, there is no direct evidence that homelessness increased due to legalization. It is even noted that the "black market for cannabis outsells the legal market by a factor of three" (Sanderson) in California. Another concern is that legalizing marijuana could make it more accessible to teenagers, potentially leading to an increase in underage consumption.
The social impact of marijuana changes every day as more states legalize cannabis. However, if U.S. history offers any insight, the herbal drug will likely continue to be off-limits for recreational and medical use. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was the first federal law to ban marijuana, making it illegal to use cannabis for personal purposes and allowing the plant to be utilized solely for industrial hemp purposes. These restrictions emerged due to civil unrest during the Great Depression and the growing racial prejudice against Mexican immigrants. The use of marijuana for recreational purposes was influenced by South America and spread throughout North America as immigrants traveled north for better opportunities. It wasn't until the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified marijuana as a drug with no medical use, that the plant was entirely outlawed.
The first sign of social change came in 1976, when Robert Randall defended himself and won under common law doctrine against the U.S. for cultivating marijuana for his glaucoma. In 1996, social tides began to shift when California legalized the use of medical marijuana. Alaska, Oregon, and Washington followed suit in 1998. Over the next two years, four more states would legalize medical marijuana. This prompted the federal government to finally amend the Controlled Substances Act 2001, allowing for a medical necessity exception. The next significant step in medical marijuana occurred in 2005 when the US Supreme Court ruled that "using medical marijuana did not 'substantially affect' interstate commerce and therefore could not be regulated by Congress" (The Editors of ProCon). In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana. It wasn't until 2014 that the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment was passed, which prohibits the Justice Department from interfering with state cannabis laws.
As each new state enacts laws for medical use, recreational use, or both, it becomes clear that times have changed and new laws are essential. A federal law legalizing marijuana is critical in a nation as vast as the United States. Such a law is needed for diverse markets, employment opportunities, medical facilities, etc. Bottles of wine and boxes of cigars can travel throughout the country, but marijuana purchased legally in one state cannot travel to another state legally. This is where the FBI and DEA can arrest someone for legally purchasing marijuana, whether for medical or recreational use. It is a federal offense if it crosses state lines, and that state law no longer applies. Moreover, interstate travel and relocation become problematic with each state passing different laws. The issue arises regarding a cancer patient who wants to visit family before passing; can they bring their medical marijuana with them on a plane? What about a man who has chronic pain and wants to travel with his wife? Does he have to purchase a new medical card in each state? What if a state does not allow medical use? What happens to the medical marijuana that was just purchased before leaving the state? Should he try to consume it so he does not break federal law?
In conclusion, contrary to common fears, marijuana does not inherently lead to the use of more dangerous drugs. Marijuana is considerably less addictive than opioids and other legal substances. Regarding medication, individuals should evaluate each option offered to manage their illness and consider the side effects they are willing to risk, as not all side effects will be experienced by everyone. On the side of complete legalization, marijuana could create new job opportunities in cultivation, distribution, and retail, generating tax revenue and relieving the judicial system from unnecessary incarcerations and costs. At the same time, it will allow higher-risk crimes to become priorities.
As with other substances such as alcohol and tobacco, isn't it ultimately each person's decision to participate in that activity? Making an informed choice about enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, having an occasional cigar with friends, or smoking a joint to relax on the weekend is essential. While there are valid concerns regarding marijuana legalization, the benefits of legalization far outweigh the drawbacks. Like any other substance, whether legal or illegal, there will always be concerns, negative impacts, or consequences. Ultimately, it comes down to whether the benefits surpass the negative repercussions. Therefore, let's reclaim the decision and legalize marijuana at the federal level, asserting our constitutional right to choose at the end of the day.
Works Cited
