The Legality of Medical Marijuana

The Legality of Medical Marijuana

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The controversy behind the legality of medical marijuana attracts significant attention, and this is probably the reason as to why marijuana is always a major topic of discussion during every electioneering period. It has become apparent that many of the debaters barely understand the essence of the subject matter, and this is that there are several strains of marijuana. The variations are based on the composition of their constituent elements, particularly the cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinoil (THC). The THC is the most common element in what is commonly referred to as regular or recreational marijuana, while the CBD is in such strains as the Charlotte’s Web. This paper discusses these strains, their differences, brings-out their medical value, and how these values vary. The paper concludes with the recommendation of the role that researchers need to embrace to enhance the understanding of what is really meant by medical marijuana.

Keywords: Cannabidiol, Tetrahydrocannabinoil, Marijuana, medical benefit, Charlotte’s Web, recreation

Formal Paper Part 1

Discussions about marijuana attract heated debates in the United States with some observers claiming that it is a valuable substance which is yet to be fully explored. Their contenders in this debate feel that cannabinoids are dangerous and they are not worth any further experimentation with human subjects, and this automatically disqualifies their consumption. Cannabidiol was recently added to the list of Schedule I substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (or the DEA) (Sterna & Wolfe, 2017).

This development has a direct impact on both cannabis-based CBD oil and hemp, and it follows that Charlotte’s Web is to be treated the same way as regular marijuana. While this is according to the DEA, Charlotte’s Web and regular marijuana vary. Among other differences, regular marijuana is psychoactive while Charlotte’s Web is non-psychoactive (Wallace, 2015). A couple of them are explored in this paper.

Regular Marijuana

The difference between regular marijuana and Charlotte’s Web are as a result of the composition of their elements. While cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinoil (THC) are natural elements found in every cannabis plant, some plants tend to have more of CBD while others have THC as the dominant element. THC is psychoactive, and it is what dominates in regular marijuana; while CBD is not, and this is the element that prevails in Charlotte’s Web (Egan & Bane, 2014).

A significant number of observers have ended-up labeling the THC as the ‘bad’ cannabinoid and the CBD as a ‘good’ cannabinoid. The most common cannabinoid is the THC, and it is what is associated with the characteristics associated with the feeling of being ‘high’. It induces relaxation in some people, eliminate fatigue in some, cause hunger, and alter senses. Its effects are synonymous to what could be regarded as a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter anandamide (Sterna & Wolfe, 2017).

Charlotte’s Web

The term Charlotte’s Web refers to a high-cannabidiol (CBD), and low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis that is extracted and marketed mostly in form of a dietary supplement in the US. The product is produced in Colorado by the Stanley brothers, and due to the low THC content, it does not prompt the ‘high’ psycho-activity that has come to be associated with regular (or recreational) marijuana. The Stanley brothers are committed towards ensuring that their product is consistent with not more than 0.3% of THC. This is meant to ensure that the impact it has on senses and cognition is as minimal as possible (Hearing & Balducci, 2017).

The Medicinal Values of Regular Marijuana

The THC has medical uses as well. In fact, studies show that this is a substance which helps in treating the side-effects of glaucoma, chemotherapy, and multiple sclerosis. In essence, regular marijuana is the cannabis plant that has THC as the dominant substance, and it is what most people are familiar with. It is the effects of this plant that has compelled individuals and groups to seek to have every strain of marijuana outlawed (Egan & Bane, 2014). They say that the values of this product are overstated; and that instead of the relaxation of the legal prohibition aiding the researchers to explore it further, it merely encourages abuse by some of the members of the society (Hearing & Balducci, 2017).

The Medicinal Values of Charlotte’s Web

The CBD tends to outshine the THC in regards to medical usage. The fact that Charlotte’s Web is among the strains with the highest level of CBD means that it is more effective in the medical arena as compared to the regular marijuana. Though Charlotte’s Web does have the THC too, it has been determined that, indeed, it is the CBD that reduces paranoia and anxiety and also serve as an energy booster as well as an antipsychotic (Wallace, 2015).

Charlotte’s Web is valuable in treating pain and inflammation. In addition, patients with intestinal issues, epilepsy, and bacterial infections find Charlotte’s Web being an invaluable product. Charlotte’s Web is consumed as a highly concentrated oil product. This plant contains about 40% concentration of CBD, and it does also have such nutrients as amino acids, vitamins, and omega-3 (Hearing & Balducci, 2017; Wallace, 2015). These nutrients are in high demand and are generally desirable. Indeed, health professionals and consumers go to great lengths to acquire them, whether from cannabis or through other means. Consequently, the advocates of Charlotte’s Web argue that it should be allowed in every state in the United States since it avails these substances to those in need with relative ease (Egan & Bane, 2014).

Regular Marijuana Versus Charlotte’s Web Based on Medicinal Values

The Charlotte’s Web does not have similar degree or amount of cognitive impairment as the regular marijuana. It can actually be used together with THC-concentrated regular marijuana in an endeavor to mitigate the strong psychoactive properties. Nonetheless, this could require the assistance of herbalist and/or a trained physician in order to achieve the optimal combination. This is because it is not easy for the untrained users to know how to achieve this precisely (Hearing & Balducci, 2017).

Studies have concluded that although the THC has already earned a bad name, the elements work synergistically to trigger the therapeutic values and in creating versatility. Researchers have been prompted to work harder towards determining if the therapeutic value is, indeed, the whole-plant effect which is being availed by isolated elements in tandem. It could be that even the THC has several other values than the ones already identified to the point where it could be argued that it has more pros than cons (Wallace, 2015).

Conclusion

While many states had and do deem Charlotte’s Web as a safe and legal product and totally separated from the regular marijuana, the DEA seems not to be making such a distinction. It could be that further studies are needed to make this difference as apparent as possible. While it is still a controversial subject of discussion and stakeholders are geared towards defending their positions, at least they do air their points of view. This is an encouraging starting point and researchers out to table their facts and persuade parties on both sides of the debate as to why these two strains are different or similar.

References

Egan, N.W., & Bane, V. (2014, March 17). Medical marijuana kids fight seizures—with pot. People, 81(11), 169

Hearing, G.A., & Balducci, M.A. (2017, March). Medical marijuana’s effect on employment law: The highs, the lows, and the unanswered questions. Florida Bar Journal, 91(3), 22-29

Sterna, S., & Wolfe, J. (2017, Oct.). Liability risks and other concerns when servicing marijuana businesses. CPA Journal, 87(10), 1-9

Wallace, L.N. (2015, Dec.). Sibling popularity: A moderator of sibling influence for adolescent substance use. Addiction Research & Theory, 23(6), 481-489. DOI: 10.3109/16066359.2015.1036046