The Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana

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The Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana Com 215 May 12, 2014 The Pros and Cons of Medicinal Marijuana The articles chosen for this paper is the pro and cons of medicinal marijuana. Boyd Bergeson (2011) lists the some pros and cons. Marijuana is useful in treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and glaucoma, a disease of the eye. It also encourages appetite in AIDS and cancer patients. However, it can increase psychosis and mental health issues such as schizophrenia. Being that marijuana is a drug that has potent psychoactive side effects, it can cause anxiety, hallucinations, confusion and loss of memory. There is a strong connection between the induced psychosis and suicidal tendencies. Testicular cancer and cancer of the respiratory tract is also a great risk, by the use of the drug, since it contains up to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than cigarette smoke. Rae Uddin (2011) however, lists the benefits. Stating that the use of medical marijuana improves the overall lives of sick patients. The author also conveys that the neurological pain level in HIV patients reduces by 30 percent with the use of marijuana. She agrees in her study, that it decreases appetite in patients. This is essential, due to patients that often loose appetite, not wanting to eat, are not getting the nutrients needed for the healing process. Marijuana use can also diminish nausea in cancer patients whose treatment are often very strenuous and improves their overall well-being. It is also a great benefit for people with muscular pains and tensions. Inhaling the smoke relaxes muscles, therefore, cutting the pain. Rae speaks of improving quality of life in patients, on the other hand does not find it important in her view point to list the side effects that it can have. It makes the reader think, that all listed are great benefits. For example, in Boyd’s article the

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