Medical Cannabis

For years we have been unable to find a solution or an antidote to the cure of cancer. Doctors and Scientist have treated cancer through the use of radiations, a process called chemotherapy. Although this has been the only proven method of dealing with cancer for years, this chemotherapy also includes side effects that may become harmful to the patient. The radiation produced by chemotherapy can cause the patient to experience side effects such as appetite loss, weight loss, strength decrease with time, sleep loss, and in most severe cases, the loss of hair. Recent studies conducted gathered results that support the positive effects of cannabis on symptoms caused by chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting. The result of this is the successful withholding of most side effects that are caused by chemotherapy. Studies have also proven that most cancer cell can be diminished by introducing cannabis chemicals to them. The result of these studies can help us continue to figure out a successful treatment to cancer. Allowing many cancer patients to refer to a better solution to the effects that are caused by cancer.
Viewpoints:
The FDA has found THC to be “safe and effective in treating nausea, vomiting, and other diseases such as anorexia” (Medical Marijuana). According to the U.S. Society for Neuroscience, evidence shows that "cannabinoids directly interfere with pain signaling in the nervous system." (Medical Marijuana) Researchers have also concluded that chemicals found in cannabis can help with the treatment of pain caused by chemotherapy, operation recovery, injuries, and pain associated with the nerve system. In addition to this, studies presented in 2006 found no evidence that marijuana smokers had higher rates of lung cancer. Many organizations, like the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Student Association, have endorsed the use of marijuana for medical treatment. (Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library)
However, NOT all physicians agree that marijuana should be prescribed for medical conditions. There are still many who argue that marijuana contains harmful chemicals that may increase the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory cancers. These people also argue that the use of marijuana for a long period of time can lead to addictions and loss of memory. The use of medical cannabis can also be associated with negative side effects like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Opponents worry that legalizing medical marijuana will lead to substance abuses and an increase in cannabis use by minors. (Medical Marijuana, Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library)
Evidence:
The use of cannabis to treat cancer has become a very valuable research to invest in, for many scientist in the United States and around the world today. The many research has led to incredible results and also lead many to believe that cannabis can cure cancer. A webpage called Collective Evolution, shows us the different kind of studies that have been conducted by different organizations, such as the U.S. National library of medicine and many more. In an article released by Arjun Walia, titled the “20 Medical Studies that prove cannabis can cure cancer.” This article provides studies conducted by different researchers that have proven cannabis to be efficient when used to treat Brain Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Liver Cancer, Blood Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Oral Cancer. The results of these studies conducted have been published in different journals. One example, is The Journal of Neuroscience, which look at the chemical procedures in serious nerve damage and diseases. These test were conducted on rats, and found that THC (main chemical found in cannabis) reduced brain injury in rats. Providing to us evidence that the chemical found in marijuana, THC, can serve to protect the brain against nerve damage or the loss of structure or function of nervous system. (Walia, 2013)
The article mentioned before also includes studies conducted to help treat Prostate Cancer and were also published in different journals like the US National Library of Medicine. The results that were obtained by these studies proves a decrease in prostate cancer by acting through cannabis and proving the success of cannabis to treat cancer. Studies have also proven beneficial in the treatment of Breast Cancer and many other Cancers that exist. According to the US National Library of Medicine, “CBD (also a chemical found in cannabis) inhibits human breast cancer cell and significantly reduces tumor mass.” In addition, there are many scientific studies that have been conducted in order to obtain precise results of what the use of cannabis can do to help treat cancer and the many diseases stated before. (Walia, 2013)
However, many Oncologist and Doctors like Dr. Kevin Cullen (the director of the University of Maryland Marlene) have look into the need to legalize marijuana. As stated by him, “he would probably never recommend the drug to cancer patients because other medications are more effective.” There is no doubt that many other prescription drugs today are able to reduce the same side effects that are treatable with cannabis. The use of pain killers, narcotics, and stimulants are just a few prescribed drugs used to help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy on the human body. Yet, with the many side effects that are caused by chemotherapy, how many pills would someone need to help treat these symptoms?

Solutions:
In conclusion, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes can mean the replacement of all of these different prescription drugs that may include many other side effects. The banning or prohibition of cannabis to help treat symptoms can cause many problems to patients across the United States. This decisions would not only affect patients, but it could also affect the scientist researching the possible effects of cannabis against different diseases. The results and information obtained so far would become meaningless and the possibilities of the effects of cannabis would remain unknown. Studies are still limited and have yet to provide any solid evidence to the benefits of medicinal Cannabis, but still a large percentage of Americans approve of legalizing marijuana for medical use.
I too agree with allowing the medicinal use of cannabis to help suppress symptoms and also treat diseases. The symptoms produced by cancer and cancer treatments like chemotherapy can become a lot easier to handle with the use of a sedative as cannabis. Allowing for the use of cannabis can also break the limits in which scientific studies are conducted. With further analysis we may find many other ways in which cannabis can serve as a treatment for.