Why Should Marijuana Be Legalized for Medicinal Purposes?

Medical Marijuana Cannabis TampaHuman beings have been using marijuana since its medicinal potential was realized back in 2900 BC by Emperor Fu Hsi of the ancient China. According to him, the plant contained Yin and Yang (opposite or contrary forces that complement each other to support all natural systems). Two centuries later, Shen Nung, the father of traditional Chinese medicine established the healing benefits of marijuana, and since then, it has successfully been used to treat a broad array of ailments. By the 20th century, however, many nations (including the United States) outlawed the use and even possession of marijuana.

Medical marijuana (or medical cannabis) is now legal in over 25 U.S. states including Florida (by Florida Amendment 2 in 2016). Medical cannabis is used for medical purposes to treat certain conditions in Florida, such as:

  • Lou Gehrig’s Disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Epilepsy
  • Terminal Illness
  • Parkinson’s
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Cancer
  • Seizures
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Chronic muscle spasms
  • Or other conditions which have the same symptoms/severity, determined by a physician’s opinion that the use of medical cannabis would surpass any potential health risks

The medicinal potential of marijuana (or cannabis) is being recognized around the world. Although marijuana remains prohibited in most countries, countries such as Germany, Finland, Israel, and Canada are some that have taken the bold steps to allow the use of medical marijuana. As mentioned above, over 25 states in the United States have amended their laws to legalize the medical use of marijuana. Below are a handful of reasons the remaining states should consider legalizing the medical use of cannabis.

Why Should Medical Marijuana be Legal?

1. Reduces the use of prescription drugs

Studies have shown that medical cannabis has fewer side effects in comparison to painkillers and patients who used marijuana for medical purposes felt better overall. Common opioids such as Morphine or Oxycodone are painkillers that can be habit forming and can be dangerous if misused. Using them as directed by your doctor or by the packaging are the best ways to be safe from an overdose or even death. With medical cannabis, overdose is almost non-existent making it a safe alternative to prescriptions drugs. Due to the risk factors of opioids, national health leaders have talked about reducing traditional painkillers. Making medical cannabis a good solution due to the low-risk factors and high benefits.

2. Legalization has not led to increased use

Critics of legal medical marijuana argue that cannabis legalization could lead to increased use, especially among minors. However, legalization has had the opposite impact due to effective regulation and education. In states like Colorado, for example, the percentage of teenagers using cannabis has been dropping steadily since the substance was legalized. Besides, the use of marijuana in states that have legalized it has not gone above the national average. In Florida, one can only obtain cannabis for medical use if they have one of the qualified conditions. Even if they qualify, they must see a state-certified physician for medical cannabis for a period of time so the physician can determine whether you need the plant. Following multiple consultations with a physician, one can then gain access to cannabis for medical use. This method prevents people getting access to this plant for the wrong reasons.

3. Medical benefits of Cannabis

There is a general misconception that marijuana has negative effects on human health. While elements of this maybe true, the way the plant is administered and under what circumstances are very important for health benefits. In California, and in Florida, it has successfully been used by mainstream medical practitioners in the treatment of AIDS, arthritis, anorexia, and even cancer. Studies show that marijuana can be used treating depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

In a nutshell, it is apparent, from the foregoing discussion, that the benefits of legalizing medical cannabis are immensely significant. It is, therefore, medically significant for states that have not legalized the medical use of marijuana to amend their laws accordingly and allow medical practitioners to use it for the good of their patients.

To make a medical cannabis appointment with a state-certified physician in Tampa, Hudson, or Beverly Hills, FL, click here or call us at 727-202-4325.