Legalized marijuana in medicine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Legalized marijuana in medicine - Research Paper Example The history and role of marijuana in our society, cultivation, medical benefits and its eventual prohibition by the federal government has been a subject of controversy, mystery and propaganda. Despite being legal for medical use in 13 states the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I Controlled Substance under the 1970 Controlled Substance Act. By their own definition a Schedule I substance is classified as; being highly addictive in nature, possesses no medical accepted medical use, and there is a lack of accepted safety for medical use of the drug or substance even under medical supervision, yet research has proven that none of this assumptions are true. As a matter of fact despite the mounting body of scientific and anecdotal evidence suggesting the medical and therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis the federal government refuses to recognize the medicinal value of cannabis. Regardless of the fact that cannabis has been proven to be safer and more effecti ve than a variety of drugs the federal government continues to maintain its unreasonable stance on marijuana prohibition. The financial personal and social costs of prohibition have been great for the public in general that are unfortunate enough to get arrested in a marijuana related incident. Furthermore the goals of prohibition have not being achieved since prohibition has created a black that market increases crime rate drugs availability. As matter of fact it is easier for a minor to buy marihuana than legal drugs such as tobacco or alcohol since distribution is not regulated like for alcohol and tobacco and which directly has caused marihuana to be easier to obtain for has not fallen and has been utterly ineffective at reducing crime rates or hard drug use. The real reasons for marijuana prohibition have nothing to do with the inherent safety of the drug itself, but are directly influenced by the economic impact that