Medical Marijuana for Children
During the past few decades, the United States has been in limbo on the idea of using marijuana as a medicine. Over time, acceptance of medical marijuana by the public has changed. Currently, there are 25 states that have some form of medicinal marijuana. In these states, doctors can prescribe it for a variety of symptoms, ranging from insomnia to cancer. Some people find relief in medical marijuana, but that is not always the case, due to legality and the lack of FDA approval. This makes some doctors hesitant to prescribe marijuana to children for the same conditions that an adult could use it for. Some researchers also believe that the risks of medical marijuana outweigh the benefits that it can provide. …show more content…
Marijuana largely affects the nucleus accumbens, which is the same area of the brain responsible for drug addiction. Since chemicals are being “added to the brain, the normal function of the brain changes. Serious mental consequences can arise from marijuana use, especially if consumed by an adolescent. According to Assistant Professor Of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sharon Levy, “No cannabinoid product has been studied for safety or efficacy in children or adolescents.” This evidence leads researchers to believe that medical marijuana is not a viable route for children. (“Should Marijuana Be Used to Treat Children and Adolescents?”)
The legalization of marijuana is making some parents nervous. Due to legalization, access to marijuana may be easier to adolescents. Some parents are uneasy about the idea of legalization, because there is a chance that their child may partake and cause harm to themselves. Since there are numerous negative side effects of marijuana use among adolescents, especially when it is smoked, researchers recommend that teenagers should avoid consuming marijuana. (“Should Marijuana Ever Be Used to Treat Children and
During the past few decades, the United States has been in limbo on the idea of using marijuana as a medicine. Over time, acceptance of medical marijuana by the public has changed. Currently, there are 25 states that have some form of medicinal marijuana. In these states, doctors can prescribe it for a variety of symptoms, ranging from insomnia to cancer. Some people find relief in medical marijuana, but that is not always the case, due to legality and the lack of FDA approval. This makes some doctors hesitant to prescribe marijuana to children for the same conditions that an adult could use it for. Some researchers also believe that the risks of medical marijuana outweigh the benefits that it can provide. …show more content…
Marijuana largely affects the nucleus accumbens, which is the same area of the brain responsible for drug addiction. Since chemicals are being “added to the brain, the normal function of the brain changes. Serious mental consequences can arise from marijuana use, especially if consumed by an adolescent. According to Assistant Professor Of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sharon Levy, “No cannabinoid product has been studied for safety or efficacy in children or adolescents.” This evidence leads researchers to believe that medical marijuana is not a viable route for children. (“Should Marijuana Be Used to Treat Children and Adolescents?”)
The legalization of marijuana is making some parents nervous. Due to legalization, access to marijuana may be easier to adolescents. Some parents are uneasy about the idea of legalization, because there is a chance that their child may partake and cause harm to themselves. Since there are numerous negative side effects of marijuana use among adolescents, especially when it is smoked, researchers recommend that teenagers should avoid consuming marijuana. (“Should Marijuana Ever Be Used to Treat Children and