The Use Of Marijuana Therapeutically

Thesis: Studies show that there is sufficient evidence for

the legalization of marijuana medically prescribed

for terminally ill patients and people with chronic pain.

I. Pharmacological effects of marijuana

II. Therapeutic effects in clinical trials

B. Relieves nausea and vomiting

name 1

Historically marijuana or cannabis has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Between 1840 and 1900, Europeans and American medical journals published more than 100 articles on it

panelist believed a purer form of marijuana be used. They think that with all its components it would be more detrimental then smoking cigarettes. Studies show that smoking five joints a week can be more harmful then smoking a full pack of cigarettes every day.

The adverse effects of long term use of marijuana should also be considered. the National Institute of Health released a panels report on marijuana's medical uses. The panel felt that frequent use of marijuana might damage the immune system. Some of the

Proposition 215 was a bill to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana. Proposition 215 was fought and won in California. A similar Proposition was passed in Arizona in the fall of 1996. Similar petitions are in progress in Missouri, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Florida. What sold most voters is that it was a way to help people with serious illnesses but it also permits pot use for almost any illness. This greatly upsets

The short-term effects are easier to identify. in cancer patients, due to chemotherapy, and in AIDS patients as a result of the disease itself, marijuana relieves the nausea, vomiting, and stimulates the appetite. It has also been recommended for treating anorexic for the same reasons.

When Americans were asked in a 1995 pole by the American civil Liberties union 47% of people thought it would be a good idea to legalize marijuana to relieve if prescribed by a doctor and 32% thought it would be somewhat good. When asked if marijuana is found effective for medical needs, like glaucoma or relieving nausea from chemotherapy should be able to use it legally 60% strongly agreed. In another pole done by Chilton Research services of Radnor, Pennsylvania and ABC News/Discovery channel they found that although most Americans oppose legalizing marijuana 69% say doctors should be allowed to prescribe it. 77% would approve the drug if medical research found it effective in treating some conditions.

groups such as Partnership for a Drug-Free America. The California law has no age restrictions and the use of marijuana is on the rise among teenagers. This is a potentially risky practice due to the theory that marijuana is considered a "gateway" drug to more hard core drug use. Research has proven that nearly all heroin and cocaine addicts first used marijuana. According to Proposition 215 doctors would not lose their licenses due to the fact that they orally recommend it to the patients and do not write an actual prescription. Thus leaving no paper trail.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1796
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)