Essay

Pot, weed, smoke, marijuana. Yes, people use it, and yes, it is still illegal in most states. But a doctor can prescribe it legally in other states. Whether obtained illegally or with a doctor's prescription, all pot is simply the dried leaves of the cannabis plant. This crazy little plant contains over 400 chemicals, the most powerful of which is THC, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. Yeah. There is a reason they call it THC, but anyway. For years patients and doctors alike have quietly considered marijuana as a way to help patients cope with AIDS, the eye condition glaucoma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Initially it was thought that getting the munchies from smoking pot was actually a good way to help AIDS and cancer patients increase their appetites and build necessary strength to help battle their conditions. With more research, they found that there are chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in marijuana that help control nausea and vomiting, also common side effects of chemotherapy and AIDS treatments. These cannabinoids also influence pain by interfering with the signals sent to the nervous system, which makes sense when you think about it. With recreational but still illegal use of marijuana, many say they feel relaxed. And that is all about the body's nervous system, right? The sale, purchase, and possession of pot has been illegal in the U.S. since the 1960's but started to get a bad rap back in the 1930's when it was thought to cause violent behavior and corrupt the nation's youth. Today the legalization of marijuana is a hot issue. Many states have moved to legalize the regulated sale and possession of pot for medical use with a prescription. Much of this legislation has been due to pressure from AIDS Action Council, American Public Health Association, the Academy of Family Physicians, Lymphoma Foundation of America, and the American Medical Association. On the other side of the Legalize It movement is the fact that marijuana is still considered a narcotic, which means you can go to jail for having or selling it. While there is some debate whether one can become addicted as with alcohol or opiates, there is no doubt that some people do abuse marijuana and become, at the very least, psychologically addicted. Because marijuana is usually smoked, as with cigarettes, the inhalation of pot smoke can damage your lungs. Continued pot smoking can also lead to depression in some and can at least temporarily mess with your brain, and not in a good way. In 1996, a bunch of activists in California began to organize around legalizing marijuana for medical use. By 2015, almost half the country had laws on the books making medical marijuana legal. What do you think? Should pot be allowed for medical use? Do you think it should be legal for everyone?