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

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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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