Rodriguez 1

Gustavo Rodriguez
H. Contemporary English
period 3
5/4/17

The medical value of marijuana

The war against drugs has quickly become a more urging subject these days
with the government making new rules to control certain substances and keep us safe.
Among these strictly controlled substances is marijuana. Marijuana is a psychoactive
plant that is also seldomly used as a medicine. While marijuana has a bad reputation
and seen as danger for many parents and adults, Many doctors and scientist believe
that one of the two cannabinoids in marijuana, CBD, has a healing ability that have the
ability to relax the brain to prevent severe muscles spasms and seizures, but
government officials and religious leaders believe otherwise for there is not much
research to support the healing effects of marijuana. The lack of research might be due
to the controversy surrounding the drug, such as the THC cannabinoid in marijuana
being addictive. Many people say that the side effects of the drug would be extremely
dangerous and it is better to use conventional modern medicine, but there is side effects
with many pills and side effects such as painkillers that are potentially dangerous even
more so than marijuana. In this rapidly changing world who is right and who is wrong? Is
marijuana as life destroying and addictive as todays society makes it out to be or is it a
miracle plant that has not been tested to its full potential?
To be able to answer this question it is important to look at the negative side,the
positive side, as well as educational neutral articles and conduct various amounts of
research, such as: reading books, looking news articles, going over scholarly journals,
conducting surveys, listening to podcast, interviewing professional, and watching
documentaries. Afterwards carefully take the research and organize it to be able to see
the key points of both sides so that you fully understand the topic so that you are able to
present the topic to another person who may not know as much as on marijuana.
While doing research it is expected for most if not many sources talking
negatively of medical marijuana saying that it has no actual medical uses, mostly the
government funded websites. It is also expected to find some but very few good
contradictory points and experiments debunking the claims made by the opposing side
showing that marijuana can do more than people think it can do. It is also expected for
many people to not take a side and do it for educational and research purposes or
because they have neutral feelings towards this topic. This research will help shed
some light on the main points of the controversy against the drug's use in the medical
field and maybe inspire further research to be done on this medical marijuana .
Marijuana seems likes it is everywhere in pop culture and is popularity just keeps
growing. Marijuana has been used to reach euphoria by many people over the past
years. But why did it start becoming used as a medicine? Why is the government
against allowing people to smoke marijuana? Who first started using marijuana as a
form of medicine? There is much that is still left unknown about this drug since it is a
controlled substance and that makes it harder to study. And now it is legalized for
recreational use and for medical uses. Marijuana has gone through many laws and
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changes, traveled from country to country, and praised in today's society but where did
all this start?
The first to ever experiment with marijuana as medicine where the chinese
in 2737 B.C. Although the drug did not stop there it was brought to africa around 500
A.D. and then spread to parts of europe and reached the U.S.A. when spain had
brought it over in 1514 which can be seen on the drug information website, Narconon,
when thy state In 1545 the Spanish brought marijuana to the New World. The English
introduced it in Jamestown in 1611 where it became a major commercial crop alongside
tobacco and was grown as a source of fiber(Narconon). By this time marihuana had
still been legal and was being smoked recreationally. It was not till 1850 when it started
being used as a form of pain medication along with heroin and morphine. This was the
first time marijuana was found to be used in medicine in America. There was no real
science behind the use either, it was just known to have the effect to make you happy
so they thought of using to kill pain. But what caused it to eventually be a controlled
substance and illegal to have?
Marijuana eventually became illegal in 1970. This was due to many
substances that are controlled now being completely legal to use or had very few
restrictions. It was The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 made marijuana illegal as
well as heroin and LSD, which can be seen when L. Anderson of drugs.com claims
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified marijuana along with heroin and LSD
as a Schedule I drug, i.e., having the relatively highest abuse potential and no accepted
medical use (Anderson). This meant that not only can the drug not be used
recreationally it can also be used as medicine either. This was due to richard nixon's
war on drugs. He soon made the drug enforcement agency (DEA) to make sure the
controlled substance act was being taken seriously. This made it extremely difficult to
research now that the government thought that marijuana was to dangerous and
addictive to be used as a medicine, which is where the one side of the controversy
comes from. Now that it seems that marijuana has been completely out of the picture,
how were people able to still buy medical marijuana from vendors?
When it seemed that the the fight to prove marijuana had healing abilities
was pointless or never to be achieved one man changed it all. On 24th of Novembe, in
the year 1976, Robert Randall had been charged with the possession and use of
marijuana. However, he did not get charged because he had glaucoma and said that he
needed the marijuana to help with his illness. The court decided to let him go and
provided him with medical marijuana for his illness as can be seen when L.Schaffer
from the online library of drug policies states, Judge Washington dismissed criminal
charges against Randall. Concurrent with this judicial determination, federal agencies
responding to a May, 1976 petition filed by Randall, began providing this patient with
licit, FDA-approved access to government supplies of medical marijuana(Schaffner).
This made it possible for people to get the licence to buy medical marijuana and it also
made it easier for scientist to start in depth research into the drug because it was now
there was an opportunity to make a breakthrough. The research done made a lot of
ground breaking discoveries like the discovery of the cannabinoid receptors found in the
brain by Miles Herkenham. His research made it possible for us to understand how the
CBD in marijuana could possibly help with a plethora of symptoms like muscles spasms
and seizures. His research also brought up the other side of the argument, that
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marijuana is good and could be used for many medical issues but many still disagree
and say it is too addictive to be good for your health.
Through all the changes and travels marijuana has always struck controversy
when spoken about. It has been slowly and slowly more accepted in today's society. For
example in the recent presidential election proposition 64 passed legalizing marijuana
for people over 21. It seems like it is involved so much in pop culture that it is not seen
as the life destroying drug that it used to be. In fact the use of medical marijuana is at
the highest it has ever been but there is so many people still against marijuana, mostly
government officials. This can be seen when state governments ban edibles or
recreational marijuana. They still do not believe it is the best option and thats is why
scientist and doctors are researching to prove to them it does help. Whether you think
that it has some medical value or not, it is still important to follow research and news
because new law banning and legalizing marijuana can change your surroundings and
have a huge impact on society.
To start the findings off it is best to look at the educational or neutral standpoint
first, like In this non-fiction book, Marijuana (2002), where british writer and priest
William Goodwin writes to inform people on the basic information of what marijuana is
and recent news during the time of when this book was published. Goodwin cites
various laws and conferences revolving around marijuana such as: whether it should be
legalized, responses to use of marijuana, and its medical purposes. Goodwin also
consulted with a couple of doctors for the effects of the drug and how it would be used
medically. The author provides more than just the history and uses of the drug as he
also includes events caused by marijuana near the year 2002 in order to show the
positive and negative effects marijuana has had on society, as can be seen when he
states, Recent research has found that of the cannabinoids in marijuana have the
capacity to help protect nerves from further damage following trauma and neurological
disease (Goodwin 77). Considering the informative tone, Goodwills intended audience
seems to be those who are curious or are studying marijuana but maybe more for
teenagers and children because it is a very simple and easy to read book as if it were
for the youth to understand clearly.
Next on the neutral side there is a book by Margaret J. Goldstein. In this
nonfiction book, Legalizing Drugs: Crime Stopper or Social Risk?(2010), author and
student of the University of Michigan Margaret J. Goldstein writes to give more insight
on marijuana and answer the question on whether it should be legalized or not.
Goldstein cites past events, such as the prohibition, and current event such as
marijuana becoming legal but only for medical use. The author provides many political
news revolving around marijuana and new laws restricting or legalizing it in order to
show that the government does not want to support the use of marijuana even as a
medicine as can be seen when she says Drugs can be harmful to the users health.
Those who advocate legalizing it dont dispute that quoting Gary johnson, the governor
of New Mexico (Goldstein 80). Considering the informative tone, Goldsteins audience is
teens and young adults who are researching this topic and in need of information on
marijuana.
Another neutral source is a study done by George wang. In this scientific journal,
Pediatric Marijuana Exposures, medical doctor George Wang writes to inform people on
the uses of marijuana for people under the legal age to ingest marijuana. Wang cites
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his research and data to show the effects of marijuana on younger patients as
marijuana is now being decriminalized . The author does these test and research in
order to to show the percentage of use for marijuana for people under 21. Wang reports,
790 patients younger than 12 years were evaluated in the ED for suspected
unintentional ingestions. The median age was 2.6 years (interquartile range, 1.6-3.0),
and 449 (56.8%) were male (wang). Considering the informative and formal tone ,
wangs audience is people who are also conducting similar research and would like to
review or add on to his findings.
The last source is neutral but is leaning more towards the supporting side. In this
nonfiction book,Marijuana: Its Effects on Mind and Body(1985), graduate from Harvard
University, Nancy mello ph.d. And medical doctor Jackson mendelson write to show
their research of marijuana and its possible effects. Mendelson and Mello cite medical
research, current events, and their own findings and lab research. They provide a
doctor's view as well as researchers view on the topic of marijuanas safety for medical
use in order to show the argument for marijuana being bad isn't all just one sided .
Considering the informative tone,the author's audience is fellow researchers and
doctors looking for more scientific information on marijuana relating to health. The only
reason it was considered neutral was because after claiming a positive statement the
authors would follow it up with a negative attribute such as chronic, heavy smoking
causes inflammation and pre-cancerous changes of the bodys airways similar to those
caused by cigarette smoke (Mendelson, Mello 60).
Now that there is no more neutral sources it is time to look at the sources who
support the use of marijuana. First there a podcast that talks about the benefits of
marijuana use. In this podcast, When Weed Is The Cure: A Doctor's Case for Medical
Marijuana, the host and co-executive producer of Fresh Air Terry Gross speaks about
the actual value of marijuana in the medical field. Gross brings in Dr. David Casarett to
interview him on his new book, Stoned, where he speaks about his research on the
drug, his personal experience when experimenting with marijuana, he use of medical
marijuana to treat neuropathic pain.Dr. casarett explains the two main cannabinoids in
medical marijuana and how they would possibly be used as a type of painkiller In order
to show that marijuana might have some medical value giving it some significance for
medical use as can be seen when Casarett states I was really hoping for any form of
relief whatsoever, even just a few hours of relief from those muscle spasms, and I found
it (Casserette). Considering the semi-conversational and informational tone, the
intended audience seems to be people who are pondering whether or not to use
medical marijuana or people conducting research on whether marijuana has any
medical value.
Next on the positive side is a study done by Barbara Koppel. In this journal,
Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic
disorders, neurologist Barbara kopple writes to determine the efficacy of medical
marijuana in several neurologic conditions. Koppel runs test over a period of 3 months
tracking patient with neurologic conditions to see how medical marijuana would help
cure them, she also gets peer reviews from John Brust, MD, Terry Fife, MD.The author
performed a systematic review of medical marijuana to address treatment of symptoms
of multiple sclerosis , epilepsy, and movement disorders and graded the studies
according to the American Academy of Neurology classification scheme for therapeutic
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articles in order to test if marijuana could help with neurologic conditions.Considering

the professional and very difficult to understand tone , Koppel audience is intended to
be fellow researchers in the topic of medical marijuana. This may seem like it is neutral
but it can be seen that it supports marijuana when looking at results, Kopel reports The
following were studied in patients with MS: (1) Spasticity: oral cannabis extract (OCE) is
effective, and nabiximols and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are probably effective, for
reducing patient-centered measures; it is possible both OCE and THC are effective for
reducing both patient-centered and objective measures at 1 year(Kopel).
Another positive source is a documentary directed by Sanjay Gupta. In this
documentary, WEED, neurosurgeon and media reporter dr. Sanjay Gupta purports that
marijuana has actual healing capabilities. Dr. Gupta fallows around some patients that
have epilepsy and hyperactivity and have tried many medicines that did not end up
helping them and it is not until they try marijuana that they found a cure or medicine to
help with severe symptoms like seizures. The director provides us with a very sad case
of a 6 year old girl who gets seizures every 5 minutes and cant take hard medicine to
stop it in order to show that the case of whether marijuana is good or bad is not just
black and white as can be seen when Gupta says, For the next two years the Figgy's
tried everything: strange diets, acupuncture, and dozens of powerful drugs like Valium...
but nothing seem to help, even worse some the medication almost killed her showing
that maybe it is not a bad option(Gupta). Considering the informative yet emotional
tone, Dr. Guuptas intended audience are those who question if marijuana can actually
help ill patients.
The next positive source is a book by Wendy Chapkis. In her book, Dying to Get
High: Marijuana as Medicine (2008), professor and author Wendy Chapkis asserts that
there is more to marijuana than one might think as it can not only be used to feel good
but it could also be used as a form of alternative medicine. Chapkis cites many
commonly used claims made from people who oppose the use of marijuana and uses
scientific data to rebuttal those claims. The author clears up many misconceptions
about marijuana in order to break through social beliefs and prove that marijuana has
many uses in medicine as can be seen when she interviews a nurse in a ward in charge
of ward full aid patients and says our patients wasting away. They couldn't eat; nausea
and vomiting were two major side effect of everything we did. And everyone new
marijuana gave people the munchies; everyone knew marijuana did away with nausea
and vomiting. I mean everybody knew it I was not sorry; I was going to support patients
who wanted to use marijuana .I was actually writing marijuana prescriptions (Chapkins
37). Considering the informative and almost casual tone, Chapkis intended audience
are college or high school students researching this topic.
The final positive source is a journal by Doug wagner. In this scholarly journal,
Drawing Upon Science for Resolving Controversies Surrounding Marijuana, professor
Doug Wagner affirms that most controversies surrounding marijuana have no scientific
backing and should not be trusted until further research. Wagner cites research done by
Professor Mitch Earleywine on the research of topics related to marijuana consumption.
The author provides scientific evidence to many of these controversies in order to
determine where future research needs to proceed. Considering the formal and
informative tone, Wagners intended audience is fellow researchers trying to share and
compare information. It is very interesting because Doug brings up a good point in the
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sense that most of the negative stand points come from beliefs imposed by religion or
superiors like parents or the government this can be seen when he claims Those
diagnoses could be seen in three detrimental ways: inherently political and thus
unscientific, stigmatizing to the user, and not ringing true to the users and thus
minimizing some of the harmful consequences that may occur because of marijuana
use(Wagner).
Now the only side to view is the opposing side first sources is a book by Debbie
Stanley. In this non fiction book, Marijuana and your Lungs: the Incredibly Disgusting
Story (2000), journalist and psychologist debbie stanley claims that marijuana is harmful
to your health and body but most importantly your lungs. Stanley uses many
government resources like Alliance for cannabis therapeutics she also uses picture of
long term smokers and comparing it to normal lungs. The author provides the flaws and
downs on using marijuana in order to show that it is not all benefits like many people
say like giving the user fake confidence as seen when he states Some people skip the
growth process turn to drugs for artificial confidence. They think they are more fun to be
around and they don't feel like such losers (Stanley 33). Considering the informative
tone Stanley intended audience is people who wonder if there are any harms to
smoking marijuana.
Up next is a study giving some background on the possible dangers of the drug.
In this scientific journal, Adolescent Marijuana Use from 2002 to 2008: Higher in States
with Medical Marijuana Laws, Cause Still Unclear, doctor from the university of columbia
Melanie Wall writes to inform people of the increase in use medical marijuana from the
years 2002 to 2008. Dr. wall uses a plethora of graphs and recording of reported arrest
for people under the age 18 for marijuana use or possession of marijuana. The author
provides us with many facts and statistics in order to show the reader that there was a
significant incline in marijuana related problems. Considering the informative and formal
tone, walls audience is people who are also conducting similar research and would like
to review or add on to his findings that state States with MML had higher average
adolescent marijuana use, 8.68% (95% CI: 7.959.42) and lower perception of
riskiness, during the period 20022008 compared to states without MML, 6.94% (95%
CI: 6.607.28%). In the eight states that passed MML since 2004, in the years prior to
MML passage, there was already a higher prevalence of use and lower perceptions of
risk in those states compared to states that have not passed MML (Wall).
To add to the opposing side there is a news article scraping the surface of the
government's hate towards the drug. In this news article, Oregon Wants Doctors To Do
Full Patient Evaluation Before Recommending Medical Marijuana, journalist Kristian
Foden-Vencil writes to inform that the Oregon state government wants a thorough
checkup before prescribing medical marijuana. Vencil uses past laws and restriction that
show that the state governments do not necessarily enjoy the idea of legalizing
marijuana and have always been on the opposing side as can be seen when he states
Josh Taylor with the Oregon Cannabis Association thinks a full exam is a fair
requirement, but hes worried patients might have to pay another couple of hundred
dollars to get their treatment(Vencil). The author provides us with current events in
order to give the reader a better understanding of the current events. Considering the
formal yet very condensed tone, Vencils audience are those who want some quick
information on the topic.
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This source and the next couple of sources showcases the government's opinion.
In this news article, Wyoming medical marijuana initiative doesn't make 2018 ballot,
journalist Matt Murphy writes to show that the law to legalize medical marijuana in
wyoming is not going to make it into the ballots in 2018. Murphy uses laws, current
events and an interview with National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws to
support her thesis. The author provides us with this news in order to show that while
marijuana is slowly becoming more accepted state governments and councils still do
not want to legalize it as can be seen when he states Additionally, 72 percent of
Wyoming residents feel possession of small amounts of marijuana should not result in
jail time, compared to 66 percent in 2014 (Murphy). Considering the formal tone the
authors audience is those are doing research on the current stance of the state on the
subject of medical marijuana.
This is yet another source that shows that the government opposes the use of
marijuana. In this news article, Tennessee medical marijuana bill dead because Senate
'scared,' lawmaker says, State Government Reporter Jake Lowary purports that the
landmark legislation to make medical marijuana legal in tennessee will not be reviewed
until next year. Lowary cites the recent discussion in the House Health Committee and
a poll from Tennesseans for Conservative Action poll taken in January. The author
provides a plethora of evidence showing that the government opposes the uses of
marijuana as a medicine in order to show that while many people are fine with the uses
of marijuana for recreational purposes but the government officials are too scared to
admit that marijuana has any medical purposes. And it is not till towards the end of this
report where lowary states There are greater political implications today for being
against medical marijuana than being for it to show that everyone either doesn't care or
is for it (Lowary). Considering the persuasive and informative tone, Lowary's audience
are those who also support the legalization of marijuana and its use for medical
purposes.
This is the final source that show that the government opposes. In this news
article, Bill to Ban Commercial Marijuana Edibles Fails in House, journalist Scott Lise
asserts that the bill to ban edible forms of medical marijuana in arkansas failed to pass.
Liles cites excerpts from the bill, results from the results of the ballot, as well as some
history on the prohibition of marijuana. The author provides information showing that the
bill received a little more than half of House of Representatives votes in order to show
that this is still a very controversial topic that is split almost evenly but needs at least
two-thirds of a house majority to pass. Considering the formal and informative tone
Liles audience is those who are looking for news that is short and straight to the point.
The only thing that doesnt make sense is why ban edibles if someone can legally make
it at home as can be seen when he states That bill, sponsored by Rep. Robin
Lundstrum of Elm Springs and endorsed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, would have
prohibited the creation and sale of marijuana-laced edibles while still allowing patients at
home to mix the drug into food. (Liles).
Next, In this news article, Marijuana stocks on high as Canberra moves to up
supply, business journalist Jessica Sier writes to show that shares in Australia's crop of
marijuana stocks have rocketed. She uses current stock prices and an interview Federal
Health Minister Greg Hunt to support her thesis. The author provides us with this
shocking news in order to show the effect marijuana sales has on the world economy.
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Considering the formal tone and short article the target audience is those who are
wanting to buy a stock in the marijuana industry or want a quick update on the news.
Since the drug is now legal its legal to buy stocks on companies that sell marijuana
making the stock prices skyrocket as can be seen when the author says the medical
marijuana market has blown up in North America and Europe, and is projected to be
worth a total of $US270 billion. At Australia's current growth rate, the market is tipped to
reach $50 billion by 2018(seir).
This next source showcases another economic issue with the legalization of
marijuana. In this news article, MARIJUANA DOESN'T GET FREE MARKET
TREATMENT?, Journalist John Romano writes to show the negative effects of medical
marijuana in the pharmaceutical industry. Roman uses various facts and statistics on
the current income for medical marijuana shops to support his thesis. The author
provides many good opposing points in order to show the reader that it's not only the
physical side effects of people are worried about the economical ones too. He also
shows contradictions when he says "No economic system has done more to benefit
mankind than the free enterprise system ... but when judges or legislatures or local
governments continually rewrite the rules or attempt to pick winners and losers, that is
when markets fail. We need to reverse the damage that has been done, untangle the
red tape and tear down all these barriers to entry'' showing that the government is all for
marijuana if they can make some money off of it (Romano). Considering the casual tone
of this article the authors target audience is people wondering what the negative effects
selling marijuana legally are.
The final source is a study showing car accidents and marijuana use. In this
scholarly journal, Medical or recreational marijuana and drugged driving, director of The
Heritage Foundations project Paul Larkin declares that there is a correlation with the
high amount of car accidents and the increase in sales of marijuana. Larkin cites a
variety of statistics showing that over the years both car accidents and sales of
marijuana have go up in the past years as well as his own research. The author
provides many instances where there has been a marijuana related automobile accident
in order to show that there should be a stricter laws against marijuana to prevent
accidents. Considering the persuasive and informative tone, Larkin's audience are those
who are against the legalization of marijuana and its overall use. This was good
research but a flaw was found in the peer review by dr. Guenzburger when he argues
The evidence in all three states, however, indicated that the increase was step-like,
rather than arithmetic (or geometric), perhaps indicating that marijuana use stabilizes
over time, or that new users are less likely to drive, less likely to be involved in a fatal
crash, or both. (Larkin).
Now that the research is out of the way it was time to conduct research. First was
the the interview with professional, so first question was have you done any research or
have any prior knowledge on medical marijuana? To get a sense of how much
knowledge she had prior to the interview in which she answered Not much, I know that
there is a possibility that it may help some people with depression, poor appetite, or
nerve pain. Other than that i don't know much more due to the fact that when you go to
med school they never really go over marijuana too much because it is such a taboo or
controversial topic. Question number two is what are the pros of using medical
marijuana if any? I asked this to get a sense if she was for or against marijuana. In
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which she replied In my opinion it is too early in research to tell if there are any real
Pros of using marijuana as a form of alternative medicine. The next question is what
are the cons of using medical marijuana? I asked this to be able to corroborate her
information to the ones i found on the internet. She responded Well there is quite a few.
To begin with you can become very dependant on this drug because what it does is it
will make a chemical called dopamine, the chemical that makes you happy, and then
you will rely on this drug to be the main producer of this chemical and the brain will
reduce its own production, and there is also the fact that inhaling the smoke can cause
lung cancer but there is other ways of taking it so it is not that big of a deal.
The next question doesnt most medicine, such as antidepressants and painkillers,
come with many similar side effects and do about the same thing so why not just go
with the more natural version rather than factory made medicine? I asked this because
people use painkillers to get high and have overdosed and there is really no case of
someone overdosing on weed. She responded
well the main reason would have to be that it is harder to prescribe. Marijuana has so
many laws and restrictions around it that it would just be easier to prescribe
antidepressants.
In your opinion, how would medical marijuana benefit psychiatric patients or why would
they think that they would benefit from using it? It is important to find out psychological
problems as well as physical side effects. In which she responded I guess due to the
fact that it can give you the a feeling of euphoria many people look to it to get like a
quick dose of happiness but as I said in the long term you may become dependent on it
and that would just cause more problems. So to answer the question I just wouldnt
prescribe anything unless they desperately need it .The next question Which is would
you prescribe medical marijuana to patients who asked for it like maybe as a final? This
was a question of morals that came up while watching the documentary. She responded
It's like I said before I wouldn't I'm list they desperately needed it.the next question was
do you feel that marijuana should be a more open medical options for patients to
choose from? In which she responded I am neutral when it comes to this. I feel that if a
patient has exercised his options and then wants to try marijuana to see if it would help
him they should be able to do so. So to put it in perspective it wouldn't be my go to
medicine but i feel that patients should have the right to try if they want to.. Then i need
a direct answer so i asked do you think that marijuana has any medical use or value? In
which sh responded It is hard to say at the moment but what i can say is that it has a
lot of potential. There has been a lot of reports, some you may have seen, about
marijuana helping people out with seizures and spasms but there is not enough backing
for research or the idea to use this drug as a medicine. If it had more support than
there is a possibility of some major breakthrough in medicine to happen? She was
leaning more towards the supporting side and i just want to make sure where she stood.
She responded with yes, the more support it gets the more funding it receives, the
more funding it receives the more research that is being done.. That concluded the
survey and helped the research even more because now there is a profession view on
the topic.
Next, 100 students from Bravo medical magnet were surveyed. The
demographics were grade, gender, and race. The questions they were asked were as
follows: Do you, or does someone you know personally, have a medical marijuana card
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or license to grow marijuana for medical purposes?, Do you, or does someone you
know personally, use marijuana for recreational purposes?, Do you, or does someone
you know personally, use marijuana for medical purposes?, My state should allow and
promote medical marijuana for adults?, My state should allow medical marijuana for
children under age 18?, Adults should be allowed to use medical marijuana in the
presence of children?, Parents use of medical marijuana encourages children to try
marijuana?, There is nothing wrong with edible forms of marijuana to be sold for
medical purposes?, There is nothing wrong with edible forms of marijuana to be sold for
recreational purposes? key results and interesting findings can be seen in the graphs
below.

For this question I was looking for the opinion and thoughts on the current
marijuana laws that were passed and whether the students agreed with the age limit
set. The results came out pretty split being that there was more variety in this question
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more than the others. Because more people agreed with this statement it can be
assumed that most people who answered yes support the use of marijuana because of
prior use of the drug or just not really caring if people use marijuana or not..

I asked this these questions to compare if people were using the drug for medical
purposes instead of just using it for recreation. As expected more people had friends or
family members who have used marijuana for recreational purposes. This go to show
that more people are likely to use the drug for fun than to try it as an actual form of
medicine. This information would help the opposing side for it proves more people are
using it to get high.
That concludes the end of the research and while there is a lot of information on
this topic there is still much to be discovered. There was more negative research found
than positive and neutral with there being 9 sources that were negative. Then it was the
positive side with 5 sources, and finally the neutral with 4. While there was more
negative sources, these were not the outcomes that were expected because it was
expect to be more neutral than positive and about the same neutral or a little less than
the negative sources. On one side there is the people who believe that medical
marijuana should be used in medicine and should get the recognition it deserves by
doctors and most importantly the government. They feel as if people should change the
views and opinions society has molded for this topic over the years. They believe it is
safer than most prescription drugs like Valium, they also believe that the CBD
cannabinoid in marijuana helps relax the brain and cure symptoms like seizures and
muscles spasms. On the other side there is people who believe that marijuana is
dangerous and should stay a controlled substance until the masses have a better
understanding of this drug. They believe that marijuana is addictive and should not be
 Rodriguez 12

experimented with, they believe that by taking marijuana they will be going against their
morals , and they believe that prescription drugs were purposely made to help and are
better to use because there is tons of records of the drugs working. Finally there is the
people who are neutral and have not formed an opinion because of lack of information.
These are all the sides contributing to this long drawn out feud to find marijuanas place
in medicine.
The feud will end once scientist have found a concrete answer but for the time
being how can people be so quick to judge if they have never had a life changing
experience? While the THC marijuana can be addictive is it worth the risk of trying it? It
is like the moral question in dr. Guptas research when he studied a 5 year old girl with
epilepsy. The family had tried all types of medication some nearly killing the infant and
the two options were marijuana or wait and hope that it would go away. The family opted
for the marijuana and it helped the 5 year old, it stopped the seizures. Would this
knowing change the view that people have on this drug? Would people who oppose the
use see that it has the potential to help patients with their problems? Or would supporter
feel like giving marijuana to a 5 year old be going too far and that the government
should put some restrictions on it?
Emotions are subjective and the feeling of having to know the answer is human
nature. So in the future further study should be done on this topic like narrowing it down
to pediatric use and adult use to be able to see any physical or psychological reaction
with short term and long term effects. It would also help if someone compared medical
marijuana with another drug like valium on epilepsy patients and compared
effectiveness of the drug and overall patient health status. For the time being the war
continues and nobody knows when it will end but with scientist working day and night
things become so fast to change and maybe tomorrow or next week they will have
proven that marijuana does have the ability to heal people or maybe that it does
absolutely nothing and it was a placebo effect the whole time.
 Rodriguez 13

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