Jayla Ladson

Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana

March 10th, 2023
912-659-7783

● General Purpose

○ To inform

● Specific Purpose Statement

○ To inform my audience about the pros and cons of medical marijuana

● Central idea statement

○ The use of medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes is still up for dispute.

● Introduction (3-5 sentences)

● Have you ever heard of the phrase “ You can’t spell healthcare without THC”?

● For many years Americans, lawmakers, and even healthcare providers have been trying

to have THC/ Marijuana legalized in various states.

● Marijuana legalization is overwhelmingly supported by Americans. The Pew Research

Center reports that 91% of Americans favor legalizing marijuana. 60% of them believe

marijuana should be authorized for both medical and recreational use, while 31% believe

it should only be allowed for medical purposes.

● The Pros

○ As a medicine, marijuana is advantageous since it carries fewer dangers than

opioids and other prescribed medications.

■ Those who experience the discomfort of multiple sclerosis or general

nerve pain can also find relief from their symptoms with marijuana.

Contrary to marijuana, the medications that are frequently prescribed for

 these conditions are frequently quite sedating, which can lower quality of

life.

■ Cannabis has health benefits without requiring you to smoke it.

Cannabidiol oil (CBD), topical painkillers, edibles, and other non-smoking

products are now readily available.

■ People have used marijuana for centuries as a natural medicinal agent

with good results.

● The Cons

○ Although if marijuana provides a lot of advantages, there are also some

drawbacks. Some of the justifications given by individuals opposed to its use

include:

■ Regular use can make it harder for you to think clearly. Every substance

that you smoke, including tobacco and marijuana, can harm your lungs.

Moreover, marijuana use may raise the chance of developing lung cancer.

■ Abuse and addiction are risks associated with marijuana. Use of

marijuana impairs driving abilities and raises the possibility of auto

accidents. That is unlawful under federal law. Marijuana is categorized

under the federal drug scheduling system.

● Clinical investigations to ascertain if marijuana is efficient in treating particular illnesses

have in the past been constrained and limited.

● Yet, as medical marijuana usage increases globally, experts are conducting more

research. Expert analyses of recent data, however, continue to support the need for
 additional investigation. Controlling the quality and dosage of cannabis with what is

legally available to researchers is another major challenge.

● Conclusion (3-5 sentences)

○ I’m going to end this by simply saying “ We love you Mary Jane.”

○ Although it is still debatable, doctors are increasingly recommending medical

marijuana for a variety of illnesses. Further research is required despite the fact

that several states have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational

usage.

○ As marijuana becomes more widely legalized across the nation, more individuals

are ingesting marijuana and benefiting from its many health advantages, including

improved sleep, relief from chronic pain, and even the treatment of mental health

conditions like anxiety and melancholy.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Angela Morrow, R. N. (n.d.). The debate over the legalization of marijuana for medical

use. Verywell Health. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-medical-marijuana-113248

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Pro and con: Medical marijuana. Encyclopædia

Britannica. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from

https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-medical-marijuana

Pros & Cons - ProCon.org. Medical Marijuana. (2023, January 9). Retrieved March 10,

2023, from https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/