Legalization of Medical Marijuana
Medical Marijuana has been proven to be of value to patients struggling through the painful side effects of many illness and, therefore, should be legalized for medical uses
To whom it may concern,
As a teenager, I am acutely aware of the dangers that illicit drugs present to individuals. I am opposed to the use and misuse of all of these illegal drugs; however, I do know that certain drugs can be used for greater purposes. Medical marijuana has been proven to be of value to patients struggling through the side effects of many illnesses.
Medical marijuana can be used to treat the painful side effects of many chronic and debilitating diseases. According to the Southern Medical Journal, medical marijuana is often used to “prevent nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.” With this in mind, one can infer that the use of medical marijuana, when used during certain stages of cancer treatment, can drastically reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Along with the reduction of treatment side effects in cancer patients, medical marijuana is also known to reduce the pains caused by Alzheimer's Disease. According to CNN researchers, medical marijuana can be used to “slow the progress” of proteins commonly associated with the disease. This validates the claim that medical marijuana can be used to both reduce side effects and slow down the progression of certain diseases affecting individuals. Lastly, medical marijuana can be used to treat illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. By “preventing muscle spasms, pains, tremors, and stiffness,” according to CNN reports, medical marijuana greatly impacts multiple sclerosis patients. This shows the many physical side effects medical marijuana can ease.
Overall, this illustrates the many ways medical marijuana can be used to alleviate symptoms and side effects common in many chronic diseases, along with potentially slowing the progression of certain diseases. I have personally witnessed how horrific these side effects can be by watching both my grandma and my cousin unsuccessfully battle cancer. Legalizing the use of medical marijuana can significantly improve the lives of those already suffering.
Respectfully,
Kaylee Hooper
Works Cited
Schwartz, Richard. "Medical Marijuana." Europemc.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Oct. 2016.
Christensen, Jen. "10 Diseases Where Medical Marijuana Could Have Impact."CNN. Cable
News Network, n.d. Web. 04 Oct. 2016.