Nikelle Jay

Intro to Political Science, Online-Summer 19

Term Essay, 7/21/19

Medical Marijuana, Different then you may think.

There is a lot of controversy around medical marijuana and the benefits of cannabis. I’ve

chosen this topic as it is very close to my heart. I can remember this day as it’s burned in my

memory whenever the pain comes back in. It was a cold November day, I was doubled over in

pain unable to even open my eyes or move for fear it would make it worse. I was just diagnosed

with Interstitial cystitis, a chronic pain within the bladder, and was told I would never be fully

pain free for the rest of my life. I was terrified. I was 21 and felt like my life was ending.

Dramatic I know but who isn’t when they are 21. Over the next 6 months I would try every

medication out on the marker to treat my IC. I would take pills every day, every time I ate

anything. I would adjust my diet and avoid certain drinks and foods. It wasn’t until I exhausted

every legal resource that I turned to marijuana. I was desperate to be without pain. Marijuana

has kept me pain free for over 3 years. I’ve been able to have my wonderful son and work great

jobs and even go back to school full time. This is why I’m so passionate about medical

marijuana here in Utah.

Now, let’s clear some of this up by talking about the medical benefits around marijuana

and the different types of “medical marijuana” that this refers to. First we need to discuss the

different types of medical marijuana there are such as medical sativa, medical indica, and

cannabidiol. Medical sativa and indica both contain varying amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) which is the principal element the produces the psychoactive or “high” reactions. Many

physicians recommend a patient start with a 10 mg dose of either strain to see how they will react

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Intro to Political Science, Online-Summer 19
Term Essay, 7/21/19
before proceeding with more. THC is said to increase appetite, weight gain, reduce nausea and

pain, reduce inflammation, and control muscle problems. Whereas, CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t

contain any of the psychedelic properties that THC does. CBD is thought to help with reducing

pain and inflammation, controlling epilptic seizures, and potentially treating mental illnesses.

The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has approved on CBD based medication for the

treatment of severe childhood seizures. CBD is considered for legal use, as it doesn’t contain

more than 0.03% THC, with the Farm Bill that President Trump signed supporting agricultural

growth within our nation.

However, federally, marijuana is still considered illegal and a schedule 1 drug. This

presents a huge problem for those who are seeking medical help from marijuana. This is a

problem because all though some states have legalized medical use, patients could still be

charged with possessing to much marijuana or not having their “green card” with them or even

driving while under the influence. This is just the tip of the legality iceberg. The current

governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper (governor during the 2012 ballot to legalize

recreational marijuana) has changing his mind regarding the effects of recreational marijuana

programs and how it affects children and economics. As more politicians announce their

candidacy for the 2020 presidential race, many voters are looking into their positions on

medical/recreational marijuana policies and what they plan to do around it. Some have even said

that if the candidate is in favor for recreational policies, they are more likely to be pushing equal

rights and equal treatment. NY Times mentions that, “Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey last

month introduced the pointedly named Marijuana Justice Act, which would remove the drug

from the federal list of controlled substances and expunge past convictions.” I think that this is a

huge step for even medical marijuana to become more talked about, researched, and used for

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Intro to Political Science, Online-Summer 19
Term Essay, 7/21/19
medical needs. When people learn that they can’t get felony convictions for possession, then it

will become less scary to talk about.

Regardless of personal feelings or beliefs, there is no denying that marijuana has been

around for a long time and has provided many medical benefits. These benefits include treating

inflammation and pain, suppressing muscle spasms and seizures, and even treating cancer

accomping chemotherapy. The extent of what it can do has yet to be determined and that is what

leaves many physicians and patients skeptical of how to proceed. I think that the best way to help

this get passed legislature is to be proactive and attend meetings regarding medical/recreational

marijuana. Get involved and get passionate about your opinion. The best way to be heard is to

been seen.

Sources:

2019 Medical Marijuana Registry Statistics.” Department of Public Health and

Environment, 1 July 2019, www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-medical-marijuana-registry-

statistics.

“Mantel, Dr.Barbara, et al. “Medical Marijuana: Does Cannabis Offer Health Benefits?”

CQ Researcher, vol. 27, no. 26, July 2017, p. 605. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=124546774&site=eds-live.

“Brechka, Nicole. “Everyone Is Talking About CBD.” Better Nutrition, vol. 81, no. 5,

May 2019, p. 4. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=135740679&site=eds-live.

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Intro to Political Science, Online-Summer 19
Term Essay, 7/21/19
“Gabriel, Trip. “Legalizing Marijuana, With a Focus on Social Justice, Unites 2020

Democrats.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 17 Mar. 2019,

www.nytimes.com/2019/03/17/us/politics/marijuana-legalize-democrats.html.

“Political Issue: Marijuana.” The Institute of Politics at Harvard University,

iop.harvard.edu/survey/details/political-issue-marijuana.

“Mealey, Lexi. “Pot and Politics: Investigating Barriers to Medical Marijuana

Legalization.” Harvard Political Review Pot and Politics Investigating Barriers to Medical

Marijuana Legalization Comments, 27 Mar. 2018, harvardpolitics.com/covers/pot-and-politics-

investigating-barriers-to-medical-marijuana-legalization

Weed the People, documentary streaming on Netflix