Marijuana: illegal drug or medical aid?

The U.S. has had quite the history with drug use. From methamphetamine, to cocaine, to heroin, to marijuana, everyone has read what seems to be hundreds of articles on drug use. What was once a substance for the rich and famous has slowly evolved into a drug for anybody with $20 in their pocket. While only two states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, 20 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. Should Wisconsin be another? Two of Wisconsin’s surrounding states, Michigan and Illinois have legalized medicinal marijuana, so it would seem natural for Wisconsin to be following their lead.

Considering the recent news article that came out naming UW-La Crosse as one of the schools with the most drug and alcohol related arrests, it wasn’t very surprising to see students reactions when asked about legalizing the use of medicinal marijuana in Wisconsin. It seems that when college students are asked about the use of medical marijuana, they ignore the word “medical.” If cannabis is legalized for medicinal purposes, it will be at the doctor’s discretion whether not it is necessary for it to be prescribed.

The prescription drugs currently on the market will most likely be more readily prescribed because there has been more studies done on the side effects and long-term benefits and detriments.“Why not?” and “Hell yeah, bro!” were some common responses when random students on campus were asked if they were for legalizing medicinal marijuana. So, the first person with a more negative response was a surprising reaction.

A sophomore, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “I don’t do it, I don’t think people should do it […] but, I mean I guess I don’t know much about it. I know more about drinking [alcohol] and its effects on you, I just don’t get what marijuana does for sick people.” This testament was similar to many others; no one seemed to know much about the medicinal purposes of marijuana.

Medical marijuana can be used as a treatment for AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma and other conditions. Webmd.com describes marijuana as a treatment for “weight loss or appetite loss due to AIDS, and for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.” The chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, are also used for “glaucoma, appetite stimulation, leprosy, fever, dandruff, hemorrhoids, obesity, asthma, UTIs, cough” and more.

The studies that have been done on whether or not cannabinoids are efficient pain relievers have not been around long enough to give reliable and frequent evidence. One side of the debate consistently brings up the use of marijuana to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, while the other side brings up that smoked marijuana contains cancer-causing compounds. So, while relieving cancer patients of their pain and nausea, marijuana could potentially cause more cancer.

Students who have experimented with marijuana use can vouch for the fact that it can stimulate one’s appetite. “Munchies” can be a very efficient cure for people struggling with weight-loss associated with HIV/AIDS or eating disorders. The legalization of marijuana in Wisconsin for medicinal purposes may be around the corner, so learning more about it doesn’t hurt anything or anybody.

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