MEDICAL MARIJUANA 1
Running head: MEDICAL MARIJUANA 1
MEDICAL MARIJUANA 6
Medical Marijuana Comment by Dottie Roberts:
[Author Name(s), First M. Last, Omit Titles and Degrees]
[Institutional Affiliation(s)]
Medical Marijuana
The purpose of the paper is to develop an understanding of the effectiveness of policies related to marijuana in Michigan State. The policy introduced for the regulation of the use of Marijuana in the healthcare sector is discussed in detail which includes its costs, quality and safety issues. Moreover, evidence-based support is provided in the paper to support the policies introduced by Michigan State. At the end of the paper, a comprehensive plan is provided to ensure the effectiveness of Marijuana usage in the healthcare sector.
Background of the Topic
In Michigan, the policy legalized related to marijuana states that a person above age 21 is allowed to possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and can grow 12 plants in an enclosed area. Moreover, the law also removes criminal and monetary penalties for the possession of marijuana drugs for adults aged 21 years and older. The legalization of the drug has a significant impact on access, quality of health care and cost. According to an estimate, the current patient population has a demand for marijuana due to which the industry generates an estimated $44.3 million per year. To develop a strict regulation on the use of marijuana, Michigan law has enforced a 10% excise tax on the types of sale of marijuana. Moreover, to ensure transparency, the department of licensing and the regulatory affair has allowed a minimum level of insurance for the people who have a license for marijuana sales. Along with the excise tax and transparency law, strict punishment is also suggested for those who violate the law. This policy will help the healthcare department to treat cancers and chronic illness with the help of marijuana.
Contribution of Policy in the Healthcare Sector
The policy implemented by Michigan for the medical use of marijuana is widely supported by the citizens of the United States. The present media campaign related to the legalization of marijuana also created a positive attitude towards the acceptance of the legalization of the drugs. However, it is observed that the countries or states where marijuana is not legalized currently, the legalization process is opposed by the public (McGinty, Niederdeppe, Heley & Barry, 2017). According to a research study where survey for support and no support for medical marijuana was accessed by Quinnipiac University (2018), the results depicted that >90% Americans supported the legalization of medical marijuana.
The positive contribution which this policy has is; a positive impact after the legislation of the medical use of marijuana appeared in youth. A research study by Keyes et al., (2016), states that the perception of marijuana as a harmful drug is decreased over time among adolescents nationwide. Moreover, medical marijuana laws are highly associated with perception of harmfulness. The research study also states that those who perceived marijuana as harmful have a decreased rate of usage of marijuana. Another positive impact on the medical use of Cannabis is reducing harm and minimizing benefits to individuals in the form of health cures. According to a research study by Lapham et al., (2019), about 78% of people reported having used cannabis for the treatment of chronic health illness. Moreover, people have rated cannabis for its effectiveness, cost, side effects, safety, addictiveness and availability over pharmaceutical drugs.
In the healthcare sector, legalization of marijuana has played an important role. According to a research study by Hill (2015), the researcher states that many chronic illnesses like neuropathic pain, spasticity, and multiple sclerosis are treated with the help of medical marijuana. Several trials were taken on participants to confirm the effectiveness of cannabis and marijuana on multiple sclerosis. The researchers claim that positive outcomes were observed after giving proper education and proper dosage to ensure participants safety.
Opposing Opinion Related to Policy
It is observed when any act of a person does not consider as a criminal act by law, then people start performing that behavior more often. A similar situation occurs when the use of cannabis appeared to become more often in young adults in the United States of America. According to a research study (Hasin et al., 2017) in the last 25 years, the use of Cannabis and Cannabis disorder has increased. The research study also suggests that Medical Marijuana law has contributed a lot to restrict the illicit use of cannabis disorder and cannabis use. Moreover, in the states where Medical Marijuana law was not legalized or was legalized late have shown an increase in cannabis disorder and cannabis use. Moreover, marijuana is also illicit substance mostly used by lactating women. According to a research study by Lapham et al., (2019), nursing mothers are also using marijuana during breastfeeding their infants which is dangerous for the health of their baby. In my opinion, strict transparency laws should be practiced to ensure proper usage by only medically needy people. Moreover, the government should practice laws which they have legalized for the betterment of society.
Final Position on Policy
From the literature review, it is evident that people are more aware of the legalization of cannabis and marijuana. It is proved to be helpful in the healthcare setting as a medical drug but on the other hand, many young adults are getting drug addict due to removing of criminal charges for a person who uses these drugs. In my opinion, the government should come up with a policy where the selling of marijuana and local seller should be reported to the drug regulatory or marijuana regulation authorities. From the literature review and previous assignments, it is also evident that young people, children, pregnant women, and breast feeding women are using marijuana and cannabis without any medical requirement or prescription. Most of the people who are suffering from any chronic illness is using these drugs without the prescription of any authorized doctor. This is a serious concern which needs to be addressed by the government and stakeholders.
We have also observed that governments make policies for the betterment of their societies, but effective implementation of these policies is of great importance. If the government keeps checking and balancing the selling or cultivation of marijuana, then it might be possible that the number of addicts decreases.
Conclusion
The policy introduced related to the legalization of marijuana is not as effective as it should be. The recent researches reflects a trend of increased use of cannabis and marijuana, which is an alarming situation. This could project an increase in the rate of addicted people in the near future. The government needs to restrict the seller to sell the cannabis and marijuana from the pharmaceutical stores and an audit should be performed on the selling of the cannabis and marijuana to ensure the safety of the people of the country. Although marijuana is effective for treating chronic illnesses yet only those people should get access to drugs who have a verified and licensed doctor’s prescription.