The Legalization of Marijuana

Essay by Anonymous UserHigh School, 12th gradeB, November 1996

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The legalization of marijuana as a prescription drug should be allowed. Medical research shows that marijuana has therapeutic value in patients with various types of cancers, some neurological disorders, and AIDS patients. The marijuana eases some of the effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and dizziness. It also controls muscle spasms and contractions and aids in the relaxation of patients with neurological disorders.

Many researchers and administrations of the government, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration(D.E.A.) feel that legalizing marijuana is an unnecessary approach in the treatment of patients. Many of them feel that not only those people with the diseases and the disorders will use the drug, but other people will want to use it for everyday problems. First, a doctor must prescribe the marijuana in order for a patient to take it. It would be almost impossible for a person to obtain the drug without a prescription.

It is up to the doctor whether or not the patient needs it. The D.E.A. also has fears about the possible addiction to the drug and its effects in society. As with any other drug, the possibility of addiction is a concern, but when a doctor prescribes the marijuana, he will have the chance to control and monitor the intake of the patient. There are many other drugs that are legal with the same types of effects such as codeine, cocaine, and morphine. If drugs like those are legal and are under control, then a drug like marijuana that is very similar to them, should also be legalized and easily kept under control.

Many other complaints of the legalization of marijuana have been argued and show no relevance in reasons of why marijuana should not be legalized. The D.E.A. is trying to make the argument that by legalizing marijuana,