The Effects of Marijuana on the Human Body
Marijuana or cannabis, has been in use by humans since ancient times in China. “Its use spread from China to India and then to N Africa and reached Europe at least as early as A.D. 500.” (History of Marijuana, n.d., para. 1). Historically, marijuana has been used for its medicinal purposes and psychoactive properties. Only recently in the past century has the restriction of marijuana usage been legislated into law. The ongoing debate about marijuana’s health effects and legalization in the U.S. has been in the mainstream media for several years now. To better understand marijuana, we need to learn about its properties, and how it affects the body in both negative and positive ways.
Chemical Structure …show more content…
“The focus was on its powers as a medication for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and oddly enough, absent-mindedness” (History of Marijuana, n.d. para. 2). Fast-forward to modern times and the active chemicals in marijuana are used to fight many medical illnesses. Recently test have been conducted that showed purified extracts of CBD and THC act as a catalyst for killing cancer cells coupled with radiation therapy. Other illnesses that have shown to improve with marijuana derived drug use are autoimmune diseases, pain, seizures, mental disorders and many more. Recently scientists have created a CBD based drug called Epidiolex intended to treat childhood epilepsy. Other THC drugs that have already been FDA approved are being used to treat nausea and appetite problems with chemotherapy patients. While the use of marijuana in the medical filed is increasing, there are still many studies and clinical trials underway to understand the full potential of the …show more content…
Many states have passed laws allowing medical use and some even recreational use. These states typically require a special permit to allow use, but this is a stark difference from the environment surrounding marijuana in the 1980s. While federal law still prohibits marijuana use the change in public opinion will most likely push marijuana use to become normalized and legal.
Conclusion
Marijuana has been a point of great debate and highlighted in the modern media. This will not change anytime soon, but the use and prevalence of the drug may. The legal battles to decriminalize marijuana will be an interesting subject for those in the criminal justice system. The use of the drug has been proven to have benefits, but society must be aware of its dangers and proper use. Only time will tell what the future holds for
Marijuana or cannabis, has been in use by humans since ancient times in China. “Its use spread from China to India and then to N Africa and reached Europe at least as early as A.D. 500.” (History of Marijuana, n.d., para. 1). Historically, marijuana has been used for its medicinal purposes and psychoactive properties. Only recently in the past century has the restriction of marijuana usage been legislated into law. The ongoing debate about marijuana’s health effects and legalization in the U.S. has been in the mainstream media for several years now. To better understand marijuana, we need to learn about its properties, and how it affects the body in both negative and positive ways.
Chemical Structure …show more content…
“The focus was on its powers as a medication for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and oddly enough, absent-mindedness” (History of Marijuana, n.d. para. 2). Fast-forward to modern times and the active chemicals in marijuana are used to fight many medical illnesses. Recently test have been conducted that showed purified extracts of CBD and THC act as a catalyst for killing cancer cells coupled with radiation therapy. Other illnesses that have shown to improve with marijuana derived drug use are autoimmune diseases, pain, seizures, mental disorders and many more. Recently scientists have created a CBD based drug called Epidiolex intended to treat childhood epilepsy. Other THC drugs that have already been FDA approved are being used to treat nausea and appetite problems with chemotherapy patients. While the use of marijuana in the medical filed is increasing, there are still many studies and clinical trials underway to understand the full potential of the …show more content…
Many states have passed laws allowing medical use and some even recreational use. These states typically require a special permit to allow use, but this is a stark difference from the environment surrounding marijuana in the 1980s. While federal law still prohibits marijuana use the change in public opinion will most likely push marijuana use to become normalized and legal.
Conclusion
Marijuana has been a point of great debate and highlighted in the modern media. This will not change anytime soon, but the use and prevalence of the drug may. The legal battles to decriminalize marijuana will be an interesting subject for those in the criminal justice system. The use of the drug has been proven to have benefits, but society must be aware of its dangers and proper use. Only time will tell what the future holds for