The Science of medical marijuana

THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, produces effects that potentially can be useful for treating a variety of medical conditions. It is the main ingredient in an oral medication that is currently used to treat nausea in cancer chemotherapy patients and to stimulate appetite in patients with wasting due to AIDS. Scientists are continuing to investigate other potential medical uses for cannabinoids.74
Research is underway to examine the effects of smoked marijuana and extracts of marijuana on appetite stimulation, certain types of pain, and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. However, the inconsistency of THC dosage in different marijuana samples poses a major hindrance to valid trials and to the safe and effective use of the drug. Moreover, the adverse effects of marijuana smoke on the respiratory system 4, 5, 6 will offset the helpfulness of smoked marijuana for some patients. Finally, little is known about the many chemicals besides THC that are in marijuana, or their possible deleterious impact on patients with medical conditions.

Source: www.nida.nih.gov

Con's

1. Marijuana is often used as a stepping-stone drug, leading to heroin, cocaine, or other harder drugs.

2. Stoned driving and other dangers would be increased.

3. Some consider use of the drug as morally wrong.

4. Legalization would increase the chances of the drug falling into the hands of kids.

5. Because of drug-related arrests, people who have committed or are likely to commit more serious crimes can be taken off the streets.

6. Physical damage would be done to users that abuse the drug.

7. More widespread use would increase the dangers of secondhand smoke-damage to bystanders.

Source: www.balancedpolitics.org

Pro's

1. The drug generally isn't more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation.

2. Limiting the use of the drug intrudes on personal freedom.

3. Legalization would mean a lower price; thus, related crimes (like theft) would be reduced.

4. There are medical benefits such as the those for cancer patients.

5. Street justice related to drug disputes would be reduced.

6. It could be a source of additional tax revenues.

7. Police and court resources would be freed up for more serious crimes.

8. Drug dealers (including some terrorists) would lose most or all of their business.

9. The FDA or others could regulate the quality and safety of drugs.

10 Like sex, alcohol, or cigarettes, marijuana is one of life's little pleasures for some people.

11. Drug busts often trap young people in a flawed system that turns them into lifelong criminals.

Annual American Deaths Caused By Drugs

ANNUAL AMERICAN DEATHS CAUSED BY DRUGS

TOBACCO ........................ 400,000
ALCOHOL ........................ 100,000
ALL LEGAL DRUGS ................ 20,000
ALL ILLEGAL DRUGS .............. 15,000
CAFFEINE ....................... 2,000
ASPIRIN ........................ 500
MARIJUANA ...................... 0
----------------------------------------
Source: United States government...
National Institute on Drug Abuse,
Bureau of Mortality Statistics