Should Marijuana Be Legalized - 1565 Words

The topic of the legal use of marijuana in Canada is a highly debated issue, and with the incoming Liberal government pledging to consider the legalization, much debate is taking place among Canadians. The legalization of marijuana in Canada can benefit one’s health in a variety ways, which this paper will discuss. In Canada marijuana should be legalized provided that one is an adult, mentally sound to make one’s own decisions, and is living in a civilized society. This paper will provide background information on marijuana and it’s uses and benefits, discuss the current marijuana policies in Canada, and then use utilitarianism and libertarianism ethical theories and principles to defend this claim, including paternalism, the harm†¦show more content†¦There are over seventy psychoactive compounds in cannabis, which are called â€Å"cannabinoids†, one of them being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Greenwell, 2012). THC accounts for the majority of the p sychological and physical effects of cannabis, and is often used to measure the potency of the drug (Greenwell, 2012). These cannabinoid compounds connect to cannabinoid receptors, and alters the way that the brain or nerve cell functions, often leading to a reduction in the intensity of pain that the brain interprets (Greenwell, 2012). This interaction leads to the variety of benefits which cannabis offers (Greenwell, 2012). Cannabis can be used to help treat many symptoms and diseases, such as neuropathic pain, which is present in 3% of the population (Lake, Kerr Montaner, 2015). Although many users of cannabis use it recreationally, many others use it to help treat health problems, such as pain, psychiatric disorders, troubles sleeping, gastrointestinal issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, HIV/ AIDS, and neurological disorders (Fischer, Murphy, Kurdyak, Goldner Rehm, 2015). Cannabinoids can also stimulate one’s appetite, treat nausea, act as a sedative, and reduce anxiety (Ault, 1999). Many of these users report improved health outcomes from using cannabis, which can as a whole result in lower strain put on the Canadian health care system, should the incoming Liberal Government legalize marijuana in Canada (Fischer et al., 2015). Current Should Marijuana Be Legalized - 1565 Words Marijuana Legalization From mandatory crop to illegal drug, cannabis has gone from revered to criminal in the course of United States history. Its fall from grace has been an education in mass hysteria, propaganda, market manipulation and greed. Fortunately, for those suffering debilitating medical conditions and those that wish to enjoy its euphoric effects alike, it appears that the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. The close of the 2015 legislative session revealed a potential shift in the way the Texas legislature views the sale and use of Marijuana. While not a complete victory, two bills legalizing the use of marijuana actually made it out of committee (Savage). That is not to say that if the legislative session had†¦show more content†¦While not everyone supports the recreational use of marijuana, most people could agree that if it provides medical benefits that are not currently available then exceptions or changes should be made to current laws. Comp assionate care or use exceptions, like the one signed into law by Governor Abbott, are sending that exact message. Texas joined fifteen other states that allow the use of â€Å"low THC, high cannabidiol (CBD) oil†, derived from cannabis, to treat specific medical conditions and another twenty-three state, the District of Columbia and Guam which allow more comprehensive medical use (National Conference of State Legislatures). This flies in the face of critics like Dr. Herber Kleber and Dr. Robert Dupont who say, because the FDA has not approved it and it may have side effects, there is no legitimate reason to recommend usage of medical marijuana (Kleber and Dupont 567). In the same article they say that there are â€Å"acceptable alternatives† to treatment for the conditions that cannabis is currently showing promise in treating (565). However, this supposition is only that there are acceptable alternatives not effective alternatives. Would they also argue that leuke mia patients should not receive chemotherapy with its plethora of potential side effects, because amputation of a leg is an acceptable alternative? This view is a bit short sighted and to imply that there is not efficacy to medicine until the FDA has approved it,