MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Medical Marijuana



Medical Marijuana

Thesis Statement

Marijuana should become a medical treatment and used for very specific illnesses or it should remain and classified as illicit drug in the United States.

Introduction

Marijuana is a greatest controversy of this Century. “Public attitude on the medical worth of marijuana has been harshly divided. Some dismiss medical marijuana as a hoax that exploits our natural compassion for the sick; others claim it is a uniquely soothing medicine that has been withheld from patients through regulations based on false claims.” (Marijuana and Medicine May 19, 2008, Web site: http://www.nap.edu/html/marimed/es.html).

Even if in my entire life I never use and illegal drug, I support the use of marijuana as a medication only in certain type of illnesses strictly under medical supervision.

Pros and cons

“Health marijuana is one of the most broadly supported issues in pharmaceutical principle reform. Numerous published studies suggest that marijuana has medical value in treating patients with serious illnesses such as AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic pain.” (Marijuana: The Facts:

Retrieved May 19, 2008, Web site: http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/medical/).

Patients should be allowed to use medical marijuana because their fundamental right to avoid death and severe pain under the Fifth and Ninth Amendments.

Fifth Amendment - privileges of individuals: “No individual shall be held to response for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a impressive Jury, except in situations arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in genuine service in time of conflict or public danger; nor will any individual be subject for the identical infringement to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; neither will be compelled in any lawless person case to be a observer against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or house, without due process of regulation; nor ...