Medical Marijuana Argumentative Analysis

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Medical marijuana has been a controversial topic of debate for many years now. Despite its reputation as an addicting gateway drug, many medical professionals and politicians alike have started to consider this plant to ease the symptoms of specific medical conditions, making it medically legal to a degree in many states across the U.S.. There are many things to consider in this debate, and the most important question to ask is “Among adults and children suffering from various serious disease processes, does the use of medical marijuana provide better symptom relief and pain control than current medications on the market?” In this paper, we will look at a brief history of marijuana, as well as current legalization and regulation in the U.S., …show more content…
Compared to THC, this has less of an effect in a psychological aspect, which will not produce a feeling of being ‘high’ in the patient. The most compelling argument for the legalization of medical marijuana involves an oil containing CBD, and how it is being used to help children with epileptic disorders lead normal lives. According to Cilio, Thiele, and Devinsky (2014), “Pure CBD appears to be an ideal candidate among phytocannabinoids as a therapy for treatment-resistant epilepsy.” Although more controlled studies need to be conducted, many parents can attest to its effectiveness. For the children who have diseases such as this, having over 20 seizures a day is a normal thing. The most famous case is that of Charlotte Figi, who was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome at a young age. “Dravet Syndrome is a rare, severe form of intractable epilepsy. Intractable means the seizures are not controlled by medication.” It was said that this little girl was suffering from almost 300 seizures a week. Out of answers, her parents turned to a strain of marijuana low in THC but high in CBD. The results were amazing. She now uses the oil twice a day in her food. “Her seizures only happen two to three times per month, almost solely in her sleep. Not only is she walking, she can ride her bicycle. She feeds herself and is talking more and more each day.” She also has a CBD oil named after her called Charlottes Web, which is used to help many children today with Dravet’s Syndrome. This sounds promising, and it may carry less of a stigma if the psychological effects are