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Determining the economical, chemical, and behavioral components of the marijuana plant in relation to its ongoing debate
Rosemary Doerner
Abstract: For decades there has been widespread debate on the use and legalization of the
cannabis plant. Many argue that it should not be legalized or decriminalized because the
psychoactive effects from the primary psychoactive component called delta-9-
tetrahydrobinol (THC) can be harmful on users causing them to become cognitively
impaired while driving. Other negative effects may be lung disease or cancer,
cardiovascular disease, and declined educational performance. However, beneficial
effects on the psychoactive components of cannabis have been known to stimulate
appetite, reduce nausea in patients receiving chemo treatments, aid in treatment of
glaucoma, and reduce pain in patients with chronic pain and many more. The cannabis
plant also produce strong fibers called hemp that may aid in economic growth. I will
argue for the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes as well as
alternative uses of cannabis in the production of paper, rope and clothing.
Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, hemp, weed, ganja, or pot, has
been around for many years. In the past, hemp was amongst the most prevalent plant in
Jamestown when settlers first arrived (Sussman et al, 1996). The plant grew wild and the
locals and town people used it to produce ropes, clothing, papers and boating supplies
(Sussman et al, 1996). Economically, it is an easy plant to grow compared to trees.
According to Truta et al., (2009) “hemp can give two crops per year, whereas trees give
one crop every 20-30 years” (p. 7). The plant contains about 460 chemical compounds
that are known today, and 60 cannabinoids that give a psychoactive effect (Clark, 2000).
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The majority of psychoactive components are in the flowers of the female plants (Baker
et al, 2003). According to Sussman et al, (1996) “Cannabinoid receptors are distributed
heterogeneously in the brain, but with the greatest concentration of sites in the basal
ganglion, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Thus marijuana likely exerts its greatest central
nervous system effects on pain, emotion, memory and motor control functions” (p. 699).
Because marijuana components play a huge role in the brain, its uses are not just for
materials but also for medicinal and recreational use.
Marijuana, which is illegal, has recently grown very popular for recreational and
medical purposes. There is an ongoing debate on whether to legalize the plant or not
based on its benefits and negative side effects. One side of the debate believes that
marijuana has many benefits, medically and economically whereas the other side believes
that marijuana's negative and harmful side effects prove that marijuana should remain
illegal. Marijuana today is known mainly for its psychoactive component delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. It has been seen to decrease pressure in the
eyes of glaucoma patients, increase appetite in AIDS patients, reduce nausea and
vomiting in cancer patients going through chemotherapy, and also reduce chronic pain in
general (Clark, 2000). However, Marijuana can have harmful effects to the body that
include impaired cognition, increased risk of lung cancer (when smoked), cardiovascular
problems (Hall, 2009), and the possibility of leading to the use of other harder drugs such
as cocaine and heroin (DeSimone, 1998). Marijuana is used mainly recreationally by
adolescence and young adults (DeSimone, 1998). For this reason, many people are
worried that the negative effects will impact these young individuals. One of the most
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concerning negative effects of marijuana is driving while cognitively impaired. Drivers
who have smoked marijuana before driving tend to drive slower but are not as risky as
drivers under the influence of alcohol (Hall, 2009). In both cases, cognition is impaired,
however driving slow can be just as dangerous as speeding.
This paper attempts to show both sides of the marijuana debate by specifically
reviewing past case studies. The main question with the debate is whether marijuana's
negative effects are enough evidence for keeping it illegal, or whether the plants' benefits
outweigh the negative effects and therefore should be legalized. It is important for people
to understand what marijuana is made up of and how the materials of the plant can be
used before coming to an opinion based on popular belief or bias. If the negative effects
are too severe and marijuana continues to be illegal, it may frustrate those who are trying
to receive it medically. However, if marijuana is legalized, will that cause more
automobile accidents due to impaired cognition, a decline in performance in schools,
increase respiratory and cardiac problems and psychosis? Or will the economy improve
dramatically with new uses of marijuana other than for its psychoactive components?
Marijuana is the most used illicit drug all over the world (about 125-203 million
users) due to its primary psychoactive component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
(Thomas et al, 2014). Many health and behavioral concerns are linked to the plant which
causes a global debate on whether it should be legalized or not. Thomas et al, (2014)
states that the “use [of marijuana] in the United States has been steadily increasing since
2007” (p. 187). Marijuana imposes a treat to the safety of the primary users of the drug:
adolescence and young adults (DeSimone, 1998). One of those being respiratory
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problems. Thomas et al. (2014) report that the most popular method of marijuana intake
in the United States is by smoking it. When compared to smoking cigarettes, smoking
marijuana has similar carcinogens however in higher amounts due to the fact that
“marijuana smokers inhale more deeply than tobacco smokers, retaining more tar and
particulate matter” (Hall, 2009, p. 460). According to Sussman (1996), a marijuana
cigarette (a joint) has four times the tar and does ten times amount of damage to the
lining of the lungs than of one tobacco cigarette. Hall (2009) describes a case study that
show regular cannabis smokers having a weaker respiratory system causing them to
develop more cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other infections. However since
marijuana is often paired with alcohol and tobacco, studies find it hard to accurately
study effects of marijuana-only users (Hall, 2009).
Another major health concern with smoking marijuana is cardiovascular
problems. In one case study, a 34 year old male reported having syncope and ventricular
tachycardia after the use of marijuana (Thomas et al, 2014). The angiography showed a
decreased coronary flow after the inhalation of marijuana, but after stopping marijuana
use his flow returned to normal (Thomas et al, 2014). In an interview of 3,882 people
suffering from acute myocardial infarctions, studies found that there was a 4.8 times
increase risk of developing myocardial infarctions within an hour after smoking
marijuana (Thomas et al, 2014). However, another group stated that there was no
relationship of developing myocardial infarctions in healthy adults (Thomas et al, 2014).
In another study, some individuals died after using marijuana but most of them had also
taken other drugs therefore the study cannot prove that marijuana causes death (Thomas
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et al, 2014). Marijuana also affects heart rate and blood pressure readings. According to
Thomas et al, (2014) not long after marijuana was smoked, pulse rate increased from a
reading of 66 (on average) to 89 beats/min, and blood pressure increased by 5-10 mm Hg.
Although these tests are studied and conducted, very little can be concluded due to not
enough research. Also studies are flawed by use of other drugs such as alcohol or cocaine
along with marijuana (Thomas et al, 2014).
Marijuana's psychoactive chemicals include “negative effects on short term
memory, concentration, attention span, motivation, and problem solving” (Joffe et al,
2004, p.e633). When people experience that sense of “high” a concern for risk of
accidental car accidents and poor performance in school is taken account of. According to
Hall, (2009) surveys were taken of drivers who consumed marijuana were more likely to
be in an accident due to slow driving. However, even though studies showed marijuana
was in the body of those killed or injured in accidents, the marijuana's psychoactive
effects were inactive at the time of the accident and many of those that had marijuana in
their system also had high alcohol levels (Hall, 2009). Sussman et al. (1996), states that
marijuana use enhances the effects of alcohol and other harder drugs. In France, studies
showed that about 2.5% car accidents were caused by cannabis use compared to 29%
caused by alcohol use (Hall, 2009). There is still a risk factor for driving under the
influence of marijuana, however studies show that driving under the influence of alcohol
causes greater damage (Hall, 2009).
Cannabis use has also been a concern regarding use by young children and the
impact it may pose on their education. Hall (2009) states that in one study “rates of
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cannabis use are higher among young people who no longer attend school or who had
high rates of absenteeism” (p.460). Three hypothesis were examined in this study: 1)
Cannabis causes below average school performance, 2) Poor education brought on
cannabis use, and 3) The use of cannabis and below average performance in school are
what start early cannabis use and result in poor performance (Hall, 2009). The study did
research on how long the young students were using cannabis, family and people
influencing their lives and delinquency (Hall, 2009). No conclusion was made, however;
the hypothesis that seemed to make the most sense was that poorer educational outcomes
were due to “pre-existing” things such as family or environment with the combination of
marijuana that caused students to dismiss school and seek entrance into early adulthood
(Hall, 2009).
Marijuana also has an abundance of beneficial uses both medically and
economically. Medical marijuana, for example, is an alternative medicine legal in only a
few U.S. States including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Oregon,
and Washington (Joffe et al, 2004). Ludlum et al. (2013) states that “over 400,000
[people] are currently using marijuana for medical purposes” (p. 289). The plant has been
known and grown popular due to relieving pain, enhancing mood and relaxation
(Sussman et al., 1996), helping with nausea in patients with chemotherapy, enhancing
appetite in patients with AIDS and anorexia, relieving pressure in the eyes of glaucoma
patients, and helping with muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients (Joffe et al, 2004).
Hall, (2009) states that a dangerous amount for humans is about 15g which is far more
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than a heavy smoker would take in. According to Sussman et al (1996) “there have not
been any reports of deaths from overdose” (p. 701).
In one case study, Ware et al. (2010) examined the effect marijuana had on a group of 23
people who were undergoing some kind of pain. The people were to given daily dose of
25 mg marijuana with 0% (placebo), 2.5%, 6.0%, and 9.4% THC for 14 days (Ware et al,
2010). People using the highest amount of THC levels reported less pain after use. Some
also reported that their sleep, anxiety and depression symptoms had all improved after
smoking the 9.4% THC level marijuana (Ware et al, 2010). This case study helps validate
improvements of pain after using the cannabis plant.
The medical benefits from the plant can also be taken in a synthetic form.
According to Clark (2000) Marinol (dronabinol) is “a scheduled II prescription drug
approved by the FDA in 1985 for treatment of nausea and vomiting of cancer
chemotherapy treatments that have not responded to the conventional antiemetic therapy”
(p. 43). This drug also contains the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana plants: THC
(Clark, 2000). Although this method may reduce effects of respiratory and heart
problems, patients still had many concerns with these drugs. One problem that rose was
that the drug was administered for patients with nausea but the patients had a hard time
swallowing the pill (Clark, 2000). Other problems were that it was too expensive (one
hundred 10 mg pills cost $500) and that the potency was too strong and lost its effects
quickly (Clark, 2000). Smoking marijuana seemed more favored and more effective due
to further information found that when it's smoked the drugs effect starts working in
seconds, whereas for marinol, the drug would take 30-60 minutes (Clark, 2000).
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The marijuana plant has chemical properties that are essential for improving
human health (Truta et al, 2009). “The hemp seed contains 25-35% oils, 20-25% protein,
2-30% carbohydrates, and 10-15% insoluble fibers and minerals” (Truta et al, 2009, p.1).
According to Truta et al, 2009, “seed extracted oils contain more than 80% unsaturated
fatty acids: linoleic and alpha-linolenic” (p. 1). These oils are essential for preventing the
risk of cardiovascular problems and cancers in the future (Truta et al, 2009). The proteins
in the marijuana plant are easily digestible (Truta et al, 2009). For vegetarians this can be
an essential part of their protein source if the seed were made into food. Since the
psychoactive component only lies in the flowers of the plant, the rest of the plant is non-
psychoactive. Medical uses for marijuana have been used for a very long time. Truta et al,
(2009) reports that the first known hemp was 5000 years ago and was used to fight off
malaria, constipation, muscle pains and birth pains in humans. Methods used included
ingestion, incense, and vapors (Truta et al, 2009).
Economically speaking marijuana is a durable plant that can grow anywhere
(Sussman et al, 1996). Many alternative uses of hemp have also been used in the past.
Sussman et al (1996) research found that hemp had been used for rope, paper, and
clothing in the 1600s. Today, according to Truta et al (2009) China produces large
amounts of clothing that come from hemp and have been trading it for the past 6000
years. The oils from hemp can be “utilized to make soaps, creams, perfumes or in
aromatherapy” (Truta et al, 2009, p. 7).
Although marijuana is becoming more popular it is still illegal under federal law
(Ludlum et al, 2013). It is considered to be a schedule I drug due to “its high abuse, no
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accepted medical use and no accepted safety for use in medically supervised treatment”
(Ludlum et al, 2013, p. 290). It has failed to be considered a schedule II drug, which is
medically accepted, because the federal government does not believe marijuana has any
medical purposes (Ludlum et al, 2013). According to Ludlum et al, (2013) in 1996
California state law issued an act called The Compassionate Use Act which allowed
patients in need of marijuana for medical purposes to receive it. Shephard et al (2007),
reports that the federal government spends about $7.7 billion a year by enforcing
marijuana. Only ten years ago were there more than 750,000 marijuana arrests mostly of
those in possession of it (Shephard et al, 2007). Because the use of marijuana is illegal,
doctors find themselves torn between providing patients with information on marijuana
treatment or keeping it from them because it is federally illegal (Clark, 2000). Another
concern is that if a person does consume marijuana for medical purposes, jobs can
terminate their positions based on government rules (Ludlum, 2013). Although some
states are more open to marijuana use, federal jobs will still follow federal rules (Ludlum,
2013).
Much of the research was limited in this field of study due to the illegal status of
the plant. Some arguments seem to contradict each other completely. One side presents
marijuana to be a threat to cardiovascular effects (Thomas et al, 2014), while the other
side states that marijuana contains factors that decrease the risks of cardiovascular
complications (Truta et al, 2009). Marijuana itself has not been proven completely to
cause cardiovascular problems. While some studies observe increased pulse rate (Thomas
et al, 2014), this may just be from excitement of taking the drug and knowing it will have
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some effect on the body. However, controlled studies with placebo and the active form of
marijuana proves that marijuana did increase pulse rate in patients receiving the active
form. Then again, some of the participants in the trial were under the influence of other
drugs at the same time as well. Tobacco also increases heart rate and has risks for
cardiovascular health, yet is legal for adults ages 18 and up. More studies should be
conducted to measure whether or not these cardiovascular risks are due to the toxins in
the smoke or the chemicals in the marijuana plant. Although cardiovascular problems are
very serious, it is not a law to say that all things that may cause cardiovascular problems
are illegal. If that were the case, high fat foods, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and
lack of exercise would be illegal as well. The lack of research on the plant is both a
strength and weakness in the decision to legalize it or to not. Since the plant is illegal,
researchers must attain special permission and funding to study the plant in a controlled
environment. Many times no conclusions are made due to inability to replicate study and
follow up. If the plant were legal, more research would be available and more
information found validating or invalidating previous ones.
One other concern was that individuals who smoked marijuana and drove were
more likely to get into a car accident. The research showed that these people were
intoxicated with alcohol or other drug abuse at the time so to say it was only the fault of
marijuana would be inaccurate (Hall, 2009). Marijuana influence while driving has a
much lower percentage of damages than alcohol (Hall, 2009). However, this may be due
to to the fact that alcohol is legal and more widespread. Also, marijuana when mixed
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with alcohol may be the activate an unknown compound that cause greater damage than
just alcohol itself. More research is needed.
For risks of respiratory problems, the main issue is of carcinogen intake. What
seemed to bring on respiratory problems in the case studies were the toxins in the smoke
inhaled while smoking marijuana (Sussman et al., 1996) and not necessarily the plant
itself. Respiratory problems seem to be a serious issue but not enough to not legalize
marijuana. Data could not be proven completely because many of their participants did
not only smoke marijuana but consumed other drugs or alcohol that may have
jeopardized the results.
I found it very interesting that although the federal government believed that
marijuana had no known medical purpose, Marinol, which contains the same
psychoactive component as the marijuana plant (THC) was approved by the FDA (Clark,
2000). If a medication has been made from the plant's psychoactive component THC, the
government should accept it's beneficial use in the medical field. This may be due to the
ability to control exactly what patients are receiving, instead of consuming hundreds of
other chemical compounds. However, if it were legal those who did not have health
insurance and were suffering from pain could access the drug easily and inexpensively.
Studies have shown marijuana to reduce chronic pain (Ware et al., 2010). The
government should not single out the fact that marijuana has psychoactive properties by
means of keeping it illegal because studies show that the psychoactive property is what
relieves pain.
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The fact that marijuana has been used for thousands of years, (Truta et al, 2009)
hints that it has been very beneficial to societies before. The use of rope, paper, clothing
all can be made from hemp (Sussman et al, 1996). The oils in marijuana lack the
psychoactive component and are good sources of protein and help the body stay healthy
(Truta et al, 2009). Since hemp is a weed and can grow most anywhere (Sussman et al,
1996) more foods should contain hemp oils which could reduce malnutrition or protein
deficiencies.
The negative outcomes of marijuana were tested but with not enough evidence to
deny legalization. Most of the negative effects were the same or similar to those of
alcohol and tobacco, to which are legal in every country. People should take caution the
negative risks but not neglect the many positive effects of the plant. Though there is
limited research, I feel strongly that with some regulation with marijuana will provide the
economy and health care system with various new cures. Therefore, I am for the
legalization of marijuana.
The marijuana debate will probably continue to go on for many more years unless
more money can be put into its research. More studies are needed to better understand the
chemicals within the plant and their effects on the body. We know that there are about
500 chemical components (Clark, 2000) but what if there are more. More methods of
research should be done to test if the drug really causes poorer performance in school or
if it is the students own attitude towards learning (Hall, 2009). Also research with
cardiovascular studies should be done on individuals who have never done any drugs or
alcohol so that the study can simply measure the outcomes of the marijuana plant alone
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and not past abuses that may hinder the results. By doing so, all other factors will be
eliminated and the real effect of marijuana on the heart can be known. Also, by reducing
the inhalation when smoking marijuana can reduce the carcinogen intake thus reducing
risk of lung cancer (Hall, 2009). Smoking seems to be the fastest drug release into the
body(Clark, 2000) but the issue is the toxic materials inhaled from smoke. The use of
humidifiers, or creams with marijuana may be safer on the lungs. Recently marijuana has
become legal in some states in the U.S. This gives researchers the opportunity to do more
research and take numbers on the states as to whether or not the increased availability
does more damage or actually does not change.
Another suggestion would be to let people make their own choices when it comes
to smoking or consuming marijuana. Alcohol and tobacco are both legal and do similar
damage if not worse than what we know about marijuana. An enforcement of age should
be put on buying marijuana unless it is needed for medical purposes, then it may be
prescribed by a doctor for those less than 21 years old. When a person reaches the legal
age it means they are an adult and make decisions on their own. If a person wants to
smoke or consume marijuana after knowing the risks of psychosis, lung damage,
cardiovascular problems (when inhaled) it is their choice. Alcohol damages the liver and
is a major contributor to car accidents every year. Tobacco causes a number of different
types of cancers and yet it is still legal as well.
Lastly, although the government refuses to recognize the drug as having any
medical use (Ludlum et al, 2013) it should recognize alternative uses for marijuana that
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can open up a new market and provide people with many new jobs. This opportunity
would not only help people get jobs but also help the U.S. economy.
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Citations
Baker, D., Pryce, G., Giovannoni, G., & Thompson, A. J. (2003). The therapeutic potential of cannabis. The Lancet Neurology, 2(5), 291–298.
Clark, P. A. (2000). The Ethics of Medical Marijuana: Government Restrictions vs. Medical Necessity. Journal of Public Health Policy, 21(1), 40-60.DeSimone, J. (1998). Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?. Eastern Economic Journal , 24(2), 149-164.Hall, W. (2009). The adverse health effects of cannabis use: What are they, and what are their implications for policy?. International Journal of Drug Policy, 20(6), 458-466Joffe, A., & Yancy, S.W. (2004). Legalization of Marijuana: Potential Impact on Youth. American Academy of Pediatrics Technical Support, 113(6), e632-e638.Ludlum, M., & Ford, D. G. (2013). Medical Marijuana and Employment Discrimination. Southern Law Journal, 23, 289-310.Shepard, E. M., & Blackley, P. R. (2007). The Impact of Marijuana Law Enforcement in an Economic Model of Crime. Journal of Drug Issues, 37(2), 403-424.Sussman, S., Stacy, A. W., Dent, C. W., Simon, T. R., & Johnson, C. A. (1996). Marijuana use: Current issues and new research directions. Journal of Drug Issues, 26(4), 695-733.Thomas, G., Kloner, R.A., & Rezkalla, S. (2014). Adverse Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Peripheral Vascular Effects of Marijuana Inhalation: What Cardiologists Need to Know. The American Journal of Cardiology, 113(1), 187-190.Truta, E., Surdu, S., Rosu, C.M., & Asaftei, M. (2009). Hemp-Biochemical Diversity and Multiple Uses. Analele Stiintifice ale Universitatii “Al. I. Cuzu” Din Iasi. (Serie Noua). Sectiunea 2.a. Genetica si Biologie Moleculara, 10(2), 1-8.Ware, M. A., M.B.B.S., Wang, T., PhD., Shapiro, S., PhD., Robinson, A., R.N., Ducruet, T., M.Sc, Huynh, T.,M.D., . . . Collet, Jean-Paul,M.D., PhD. (2010). Smoked cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain: A randomized controlled trial. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 182(14), E694-701.
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