Break the Stereotypes: Legalize Medical Cannabis
Currently, the Controlled Substances Act does not recognize the difference between medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. But for some Americans, marijuana is just like any other prescription - a way to escape from chronic pain. And with federal law as it is, even patients who obtain marijuana legally in their state can face federal prosecution.
Cannabis has been used to treat HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, chronic pain, arthritis and pains associated with aging. Especially for older Americans, cannabis can be the best prescription for their pain.
In a study conducted for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, doctors found that nicotine was far more serious than marijuana on many levels. Similarly, if marijuana were compared with the effects and side effects of many other prescription drugs, it would become clear just how beneficial of a substance it is.
Other countries are recognizing the benefits of medicinal cannabis as well. Canada, Chile and the Netherlands have decriminalized or legalized medical marijuana, and countries such as Australia and Belgium are conducting trials on the benefits of medical marijuana. It's time for the United States to shed its stereotypical view of marijuana and recognize the many medicinal benefits.
Tell your Congressperson today that you support federal legalization of medical marijuana.
Dear Congressperson,
I am writing to ask you to step back from the stereotypical images of marijuana and consider its medicinal benefits.
While federal agencies have continually talked down the benefits of marijuana for medicinal uses, independent studies from the U.S. and around the world have found that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain resulting from cancer, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, aging and many other ailments.
For example, in a study conducted for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, doctors found that in the categories of dependence and withdrawal, on a scale of one to six (with six being very serious and one being not serious), nicotine scored a six and a four, while marijuana scored a one in both categories. And in terms of intoxication, nicotine scored a two, while marijuana was only one step above at a three.
Other countries are recognizing the benefits of medicinal cannabis as well. Canada, Chile and the Netherlands have decriminalized or legalized medical marijuana, and countries such as Australia and Belgium are conducting trials on the benefits of medical marijuana.
The United States has been straying from this issue because of fear of social repercussions. But I believe that if we could just focus on the facts and not the social stereotypes and make medical marijuana legal on a federal level, we could ease the pain of millions of Americans.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
