There have been controversial issues surrounding the use of Medicinal Marijuana. making it
not easy to legalize its use. Such issues are such as; that medicinal marijuana is unsafe, that the
use of medicinal marijuana will increase its recreational use. and that it has an addictive
potential. among other issues (Barnes. 2000: Cohen, 2010). Arizona. California, Nevada,
Washington. Qregon. the District of Columbia, and Alaska are some of the states that have
legalized the medicinal use of Marijuana. Other states should follow suit in this legalization
(Barnes, 2000). The paper will provide valid reasons explaining why it is important to legalize
medicinal marijuana. The presentation will cover the following areas:
I) The medicinal value of marijuana
Marijuana has therapeutic properties and this should be fully utilized. There is evidence of
therapeutic use of medicinal marijuana in controlling vomiting and nausea in cancer patients
after chemotherapy, and in AlDs patients. It is also effective in combating wasting syndrome.
and inducing appetite. These evidences should answer the controversial issues arising about its
effectiveness (Barnes. 2000: Cohen, 2010).
2) Safety of medicinal marijuana
It is normally argued that marijuana is not safe because of its addictive potential, the unknown
effects. and its use for recreation purposes. There is evidence showing the safety of marijuana.
as well as necessary control strategies that will ensure safety just like other therapeutic drugs.
Medicinal Marijuana means it will be under supervision by medical practitioners when
prescribed for certain conditions. Safety will be guaranteed through various measures: if at all
evidence shows it is unsafe. Previous research studies and reviews on the use of marijuana have
revealed that the cannabis
TIIE MEDlCl.lAL USE OF MARl.lUA.lA SHOULD BE LEGALIZED 3
plant has chemicals from its leaves. resin. and buds that have therapeutic properties. It also has
high nutritional seed oil as well as pulp and fibre from its stalk. This is the reason why it is
important to legalize its medicinal use. and allow further research for other important
discoveries (Barnes. 2000; Cohen. 2010).
