Legalizing marijuana has been a major topic in politics and it is unclear whether it should be legalized medically at a national level. This indecisiveness may stem from possible consequences, if any, and not enough research conducted in this area. Although research has grown, there is still a lot to learn about marijuana. This topic is important because marijuana may have a medicinal use and be able to help people live a comfortable life, which other drugs may not provide as efficiently. The goals of research are to find if the benefits of legalizing marijuana (for medical purposes) will be more helpful, rather than harmful. Whether someone is against or with legalizing medical marijuana, the important thing to look at is its effectiveness.
To begin with, many people believe that people will abuse marijuana if it is legalized medically. I suggest looking if the benefits of legalizing it will outweigh the harm, if any, which may occur. Marijuana has been able to provide treatments “for severe pain, muscle spasticity, anorexia, nausea, sleep disturbances, and other numerous other uses” (Lamarine 2012). It’s important to look at the several uses this drug has because it can have less severe side effects than others. In several cases, marijuana may be the best option for some individuals and the lack of opportunity in certain states may lead them to suffer medically. Furthermore, there is worry that medical marijuana laws will increase usage among adolescents. K. Hill (2015) states. “the growing body of research that includes this study suggests that medical marijuana law do not increase adolescent use.” In other words, his intentions are to warn people that research and evidence should guide how we apply medical marijuana laws and policies, rather than our own beliefs or assumptions.
Overall, I believe that medical marijuana should be legalized in our nation because it can provide several benefits and many people are deprived from this. Aside from this, stereotypes associated with marijuana may provoke policy makers to become indecisive about making decisions. Decisions should be based on the current and updated research and this will provide a more efficient process for legalizing medical marijuana. Those involved in creating policies and laws should view research and data concerning this issue. The next thing that should happen is looking at how marijuana is categorized by the DEA and decriminalizing in the United States. By looking at research and applying that knowledge to policies in the United States, we will be able to show the usefulness of marijuana for medicinal purposes.