by Jennifer Winchester

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

If you have ever watched a cancer patient struggle through intensive chemotherapy and radiation, you might be left with questions about the potential relief of medical marijuana and any potential consequences. Marijuana, a psychedelic cannabinoid, dates back thousands of years. Throughout time, individuals have used such drugs as a means for easing fear and anxiety, quelling pain, treating some illnesses, and giving pleasure through what has become defined as a "high". In referring to a cancer patient, marijuana can absolutely help to diminish pain and nausea associated with the agonies of cancer treatment. An herbalist offered marijuana tea to a dear family member and the tea truly helped her feel better in the days following treatment. It is no secret that there is a personal advocacy for increasing the inquiry into legalizing medicinal marijuana. Some may counter that the manipulation of the drug on the brain would lead any individual to the conclusion that the drug worked to "heal" them in one form or another. It is a general, historical theme of drug use is that psychoactive drugs work because of a chemical manipulation in the brain. The point is, if the drugs did not impact the brain in some positive way, then they would not be taken voluntarily. However, in the case of a last-stage terminal illness it is difficult to argue that any further damage could be done. The government and all of its agencies are very quick to determine how the general population lives and dies. An extreme example would be the prosecution of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. A lesser extreme example is the current controversy over medicinal marijuana.

Yet, not all frequencies of drug use are based on medical necessity. Some users do become addicted. Addiction can become even more possible with the increased potency. The drug which is the most potent is likely in highest demand. In current society, there are different "strands" of marijuana in ranging levels of potency. Many drugs offer different strengths so there seem to be even more options available. Marijuana has been considered one of the most popular drugs for centuries and the cultivation efforts continue to produce new and "improved" brands of the drug. With new technology comes new experimentation with even more potent substances. Paraphernalia offer new ways of using the drugs so that they more quickly and effectively impact the central nervous system. Some users mix two drugs together for additional effect, such as mixing cocaine

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