The use of illicit drugs such as medical marijuana has been one of the most controversial topics

The use of illicit drugs such as medical marijuana has been one of the most controversial topics

Explain why you agree with their position using evidence to support your position

The use of illicit drugs such as medical marijuana has been one of the most controversial topics to be discussed. Over the years, the healing benefits of medical marijuana have contributed to its legalization in over 25 states in the United States. As a result, medical marijuana has been used to treat diseases such as cancer, seizures, glaucoma, terminal illnesses, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Apart from the relief that patients get from using medical marijuana, it helps reduce the use of prescription drugs, which may have more concerning side effects. A more recent study by Jett and his colleagues showed that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells in the body and reduce their size. (Jett et al., 2018)

According to Wiese and Wilson-Poe (2018), common opioids such as oxycodone and morphine were addictive in comparison to medical marijuana. In fact, legalization of marijuana in many states has not led to any increase in its use or misuse in states such as Colorado (Wiese & Wilson-Poe, 2018). While one may not overlook some of the side effects of medical marijuana, it is important to note that its benefits are based on how the plant is administered, and under what circumstances one needs to use it for (Jett et al., 2018).

In a nutshell, debates on the use of illicit drugs may go on for a long time; however, medical marijuana has proven to be beneficial to the human health. Although it has not been legalized globally, medical marijuana can provide relieve for those suffering from various diseases.

More recently other illicit drugs such as MDMA and Ketamine have started to be utilized as alternative treatments for PTSD and depression. I actually have a co-worker with severe post partum depression that has failed traditional treatments. The co-worker was referred into a ketamine trial. They do specified doses of ketamine given via nasal spray at a clinic every day for a course of at least seven days. The co-worker researched this option extensively before committing to the trial. It’s incredibly expensive and not yet covered by any insurance companies. I’m incredibly interested to see how my co-workers ketamine trial goes and I’m especially hopeful that it will be successful.

I absolutely agree with the use of illicit drugs to manage medical conditions but I also feel that the use those drugs need to be supported through research. Over prescribing or leniently prescribing things like medical marijuana can create negative public opinion and only works to discredit legitimate applications.

REFERENCES

Jett, J., Stone, E., Warren, G., & Cummings, K. (2018). Cannabis Use, Lung Cancer, and Related Issues. Journal Of Thoracic Oncology, 13(4), 480-487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtho.2017.12.013

Wiese, B., & Wilson-Poe, A. (2018). Emerging Evidence for Cannabis’ Role in Opioid Use Disorder. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 179-189. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0022