Discussion Questions For This Discussion Complete The Follow

Discussion Questionsfor This Discussion Complete The Following Steps

Discussion Questions for this discussion, complete the following steps: Make sure you have read the course content (including supplemental reading) for this lesson before starting this assignment. In your initial post, answer the following questions: Do the health benefits of marijuana outweigh the risks? Why or why not? Taking your answer to Question #2a into consideration, do you believe that continued changes to marijuana laws in the United States are warranted? Why or why not? Your post should be a minimum of 250 words (excluding references). When discussing any health benefits or risks, you must base your statements on evidence. Support your decision with at least one source from either the supplemental reading for this lesson or any other source found through the University Libraries. Use in-text citations when you refer to the source and provide a reference for the source at the bottom of your post. Do not quote any material from any sources for this assignment; everything should be in your own words. If needed, refer back to the References and Citing module for additional information about APA guidelines for this course. Make sure you pay attention to the rubric and meet all of the requirements to get full credit for the assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over the health benefits and risks of marijuana remains prominent in public health and policy discussions. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been documented to possess various medicinal properties. For instance, it has been used to alleviate chronic pain, reduce nausea in chemotherapy patients, and stimulate appetite in individuals with HIV/AIDS. These benefits are supported by scientific research indicating that cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, can modulate pain perception and other physiological processes (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017). However, despite its medicinal potential, marijuana's use is associated with notable risks, including impaired cognitive function, increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and psychosis, and potential for addiction. These risks are especially significant when use begins during adolescence, a critical period for brain development (Volkow et al., 2014). When weighing the benefits against the risks, it becomes evident that marijuana's medicinal advantages may outweigh its adverse effects when used appropriately under medical supervision. Nevertheless, recreational use poses a different scenario, often leading to excessive consumption and increased health risks. Consequently, policy decisions regarding marijuana should consider these nuances.

Given the evidence of its therapeutic benefits, many advocates argue that continuing to liberalize marijuana laws is justified. States across the U.S. have progressively moved toward legalization for medicinal and recreational purposes, citing benefits such as reduced criminal justice costs, increased tax revenues, and improved patient access to alternative therapies (Pacula et al., 2014). Moreover, legal frameworks can regulate quality and dosage, thereby minimizing health risks associated with unregulated markets. Conversely, opponents warn that legalization could lead to increased marijuana consumption among youth and potentially normalize drug use, which may have broader public health implications. Nonetheless, recent studies suggest that legalization does not lead to significant increases in youth usage rates, although ongoing monitoring is necessary (Hasin et al., 2017).

In conclusion, a balanced approach that recognizes marijuana’s medicinal benefits while implementing regulations to mitigate risks is advisable. Continued legislative evolution appears warranted given the evidence; however, policies should be grounded in scientific research and public health considerations. As ongoing studies deepen our understanding, laws should adapt to promote health and safety while respecting individual rights.

References

• Hasin, D. S., Kerr, A. C., Olaszek, J., et al. (2017). Impact of marijuana legalization on youth: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(2), 209-222.
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. National Academies Press.
• Pacula, R. L., Powell, D., Heaton, P., & Sevigny, E. L. (2014). Marijuana liberalization policies: Implications for youth. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, 14(2), 255-281.
• Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.