Pros and cons of medical marijuana - cannabis plant

TO SMOKE OR NOT TO SMOKE?: Pros and cons of medical marijuana

Last updated: February 20th, 2020

The medical marijuana debate is an interesting one because there’s such a wide diversity of opinions and views that oppose each other. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug.

They consider these drugs to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” and to be some of the most dangerous drugs, because they’re highly addictive and may cause “severe psychological or physical dependence.”

Other Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, LSD, ecstasy and meth. Many who are against marijuana believe the drug is dangerous, harmful and feel it should remain illegal.

Then on the other side of the fence many believe—especially those who use it medicinally—that despite its stigma, marijuana is not only not dangerous but has great value as a medicinal herb for treating various conditions. Some of these believe that marijuana is harmless and that you should have the right to consume the drug if you so desire.

When you weigh the pros and cons of consuming marijuana, it seems confusing that the drug would sit alongside some of the others in that DEA list.

The most controversial point about medical marijuana—like many other medicinal substances out there—is that it has its uses. It’s the potential abuse of this substance that has many questioning its necessity.

In theory, you can abuse anything, including alcohol, prescription medicine and even marijuana. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the evidence both for and against marijuana use and go into the pros and cons of medical marijuana.

What can happen when you consume marijuana?


When you start discussing the health problems associated with marijuana, a great deal of them have to do with the smoking aspect.

Aside from lung cancer, smoking has the possibility of generating many pulmonary diseases. That has everything to do with the smoke and nothing to do with what’s in marijuana. Cigarettes and cigars, for instance, have the same effect.

When you smoke marijuana, the compounds may reach their peak within minutes. Alternatively, the effects may last up to an hour or more, depending on potency. When ingested, however, marijuana can take several hours to reach peak levels and the intoxication effects last just as long as if they had been smoked.

If you directly ingest marijuana—through something like a pill, for example—you wouldn’t experience a majority of the health risks that come from smoking it. That’s not to say marijuana is completely safe to consume in other forms.

Whether you smoke marijuana or directly ingest it, it leads to the THC and other cannabinoids directly interacting with two different types of receptor cells within the brain and body.

The CB1 receptor controls body movements, memory and even balance, so smoking marijuana can affect your short-term memory and coordination.

The CB2 receptor, on the other hand, has more to do with your immune system. This includes how marijuana affects your spleen and lymph nodes. One of the most common uses for marijuana is to suppress these parts of the body, diseased or otherwise.

Marijuana can be ingested by transferring the THC and other cannabinoids to butter. This butter is then used to bake a wide variety of foods, including cakes, brownies and more.

However, it’s difficult to determine the proper dosage when consuming the drug in this form and so it’s possible for those ingesting it to get too strong a dose. If that happens, eating too much can cause severe vomiting, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.

When transferred to oil form, which allows marijuana to be used with a vaporizer, the extraction process is dangerous. Extraction requires the use of flammable gases like butane, so the process can put those involved, and anyone nearby, in danger.

In addition, it has been documented that cannabis can cause serious paranoia and mental instability. It can even bring existing problems to the surface.

After consuming the drug, it’s possible to experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, psychotic episodes, schizophrenia and periods of intense inward reflection. These side effects can be short term, but there have also been claims that symptoms persist in some people.

Other issues that may arise from chronic consumption of marijuana include decreased energy levels and sex drive, personality changes, memory impairment, neuropsychological decline, and more.

With all of these potential issues, it begs the question: why would anyone want to use marijuana medicinally? The answer lies in the alleviation of pain relating to particular areas of the body.

Pros of medical marijuana


There are many health benefits of smoking or ingesting marijuana. Of course, ingesting is more beneficial as patients or those involved are not also taking in smoke and tars—which usually come from smoking any kind of tobacco or drugs.

Marijuana can relieve many types of chronic pain, nausea and vomiting from any number of ailments. Those suffering from illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS—or even the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat these problems—may benefit from consuming marijuana.

In many cases, patients consuming cannabinoids—smoked or ingested via pills—experience improved immune functions, and have even gained weight when they wouldn’t otherwise do so. For example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments may feel better and be more inclined to eat solid foods as the THC in marijuana balances out their system.

Those suffering from severe personality disorders such as ADHD, ADD, social anxiety and many others even claim to feel better after ingesting or smoking marijuana. This is especially interesting, considering the drug has been known to cause mental instability in others.

9 positive things marijuana can do

Based on various studies, here is a partial list of some of the positive things marijuana can do:

Cons of medical marijuana?


Jail cell - To smoke or not to smoke

Aside from the fact that the federal government classifies marijuana as a schedule 1 drug, there are some additional cons worth discussing. Of course, if a law enforcement officer encounters you with the drug in your possession, the penalty may range from a small fine to a prison sentence—depending on how much you have on you and whether or not you’ve been authorized to use it medicinally or not.

Although marijuana may be legal in some states, possession is still illegal in others. Therefore, if you cross state lines with the drug in your possession—legally obtained or not—you may still incur penalties.

9 negative things marijuana can do

Additionally, smoking or ingesting marijuana can have the following health risks:

  • Impairment of thinking, problem-solving skills and memory
  • Lowered reaction times and altered perception
  • Reduced balance and coordination
  • Apathy, drowsiness and depression which may affect personality and mood
  • Increased risk of heart attack
  • Heightened risk of chronic cough and respiratory infections
  • Potential for hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms
  • Immune system suppression from long-term use
  • Reduction of sexual capacity and male sex hormones

It’s also worth noting that smoking marijuana is more dangerous than ingesting it, particularly because of the hazards associated with smoking. Believe it or not, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke, which means it has a much higher potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract.

Marijuana smokers are at a much greater risk for contracting lung cancer, especially since marijuana smoke is commonly inhaled and held in the lungs longer than tobacco smoke, increasing the lungs’ exposure to hazardous chemicals and carcinogens.

Many habitual marijuana users will disagree with this argument, as would tobacco smokers of both the cigarette and cigar variety. Smokers do not like to associate cancer with their habit, true or not. That doesn’t change the fact that smoking of any kind increases the risk for lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases. That’s not to say you’re guaranteed to have these problems if you smoke, it just means you’re at a much higher risk than someone who doesn’t smoke.

Furthermore, marijuana you purchase from a licensed seller may be remarkably different from what you buy on the street. It can sometimes contain more harmful chemicals within.

Whether you believe the health risks of marijuana are minimal or not, circumstance will vary from case to case. As with any prescription drug there are potential dangers and side effects. Discuss all the options available to you with your doctor before trying medical marijuana. There may be additional health risks and drawbacks, or there may not. Ultimately, the question to ask yourself is if the pros of using the drug outweigh the cons.


Recommended resources

Come to the best decision about medical marijuana usage by empowering yourself with in-depth knowledge on the topic. Here are a couple of resources for further reading:

Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana

The most comprehensive, easy-to-use book available on understanding and using medical marijuana. Revised and updated with the latest information on varietals, delivery and dosing, and treatable conditions.

The Cannabis Health Index: Combining the Science of Medical Marijuana with Mindfulness Techniques To Heal 100 Chronic Symptoms and Diseases

This comprehensive sourcebook combines evidence-based insights from more than 1,000 studies from cannabinoid and consciousness research to present a convincing case for the powerful healing effects of medical marijuana on over 100 chronic symptoms and diseases.

[su_panel background=”#f2f2f2″ color=”#000000″ border=”0px none #ffffff” shadow=”0px 0px 0px #ffffff”]Ali Lawrence is a kombucha tea-sipping writer who focuses on healthy and sustainable living via her family blog Homey Improvements. She was born and raised in Alaska and dabbles in PR, Pilates, and is a princess for hire for kid’s parties.

image 1: Young cannabis plant via Shutterstock; image 2: Pixabay

      1. That’s damn rude. It was a legit question, especial if you’re trying to find reliable academic sources for a college research paper!

  1. My mind was changed on pot when in the mid 90’s I learned that one our towns leading cancer Dr’s was recommending it to his chemo pt’s, I then started doing “research” on it, Now the medical benefits and potential benefits are there.
    Another thing I discovered when looking at all this I could not believe (and still can’t)……..Hemp, Hemp is the male plant, it has none of the stuff in it that gets you “high” so can anyone explain why it is illegal to grow?……….anyone?………..Only thing I can figger is it LOOKS like the “Devil, Demon, Satan plant.
    And research on MJ medical benefits are severely hampered by the DEA, THEY get to decide what research is done!………That’s right, Cops make that decision (knowledgeable as they are in Biochemistry, Molecular structure, peptide receptors in the brain) it;s like putting a garbage man in charge of NASA (no offense to our underpaid Sanitation workers) So if you want to “study how MJ is bad for you” NO PROBLEM, Want to study if some part of the MJ plant might cure Cancer………NO NO HELL NO………..it’s way past time for serious research and an adult conversation about MJ

  2. My name is Debra Warren, i am from Florida USA. I never knew cannabis oil was indeed wonderful and very effective in treating canceer diseases.? To hell with the government and their insane policy,if not for the government and their so called rules in regulating cannabis my husband would have still been alive. Thanks to the newly policy for legalizing cannabis in my state i would have also lost my son to kidney cancer, i was really touched and surprised when i watched lots of documentary on how cannabis oil had helped lot of people whom their family members never thought they could make it after undergoing several ?Chemo?. From the dept of my heart i must say a word of appreciation to the Rick Simpson Team for the timely intervention in the life of my son suffering from Kidney Cancer. as i am writing this testimony on this Blog my Son is so strong and healthy in spite he hasn?t completed the total Dosage? for your cannabis and medical consultation and information on how to get the oil try and get in touched with the Rick Simpson Team through email: info.rickcannabis10@yahoo.com CALL OR TEXT:::: (+1) 989-941-3969 so he can enlighten you more.

    Feeling so Delighted.
    Debra Warren…

  3. Okay…I’m “technically” underage and have been smoking for 4 years now, and can attest that smoking MJ does not have even half of the side effects that every “CON” side on every site has listed.

    For example; “Smoking marijuana can seriously affect your short-term memory.” <That's, honestly, such bull. I have a better short and long-term memory than MOST of the teens my age that both smoke and don't smoke. I have full memory of any given time before, during, and after smoking. I can tell you everything in FULL detail.

    "Frequent use can impair your cognitive ability." <BETT. I just so happen to have fully functioning cognitive abilities. If you look up the definition of "Cognition" and "Cognitive Abilities" you will find these: "1. The mental process of knowing, including aspects such as awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment.
    2. That which comes to be known, as through perception, reasoning, or intuition; knowledge." <Guess what?! Everyone's memory and cognition can and will fade or fray eventually, but I am sorry, not sorry, to argue or disagree with any of which whom may disagree with the fact that IT IS NOT A RESULT DUE TO THE SMOKING OF MARIJUANA. MARIJUANA IS NOT A REASON AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING.

    "Marijuana carries a risk of abuse and addiction." < I can honestly say that in even the few years I have been an MJ smoker, I am NOT addicted in any way whatsoever. Anyone that I know that is or was a smoker can also attest to this, as well as the fact that neither are they. Many things contain possible addiction components, but only the easily swayed and weak-minded can and will say that they are "addicted to marijuana." I'm sorry, well, not really, to say it, but YOU CANNOT GET OR BE ADDICTED TO MARIJUANA.

    "Marijuana has been implicated in a high percentage of automobile crashes and workplace accidents." < I know it may not have been the best of ideas, but I have both driven while I was blazed and been driven by others who were blazed. AND I SURVIVED. I can honestly say to you, and anyone for that matter, that being high does not make you any less functional. It does not prevent or alter perception and awareness. You are still in full control and full consciousness of what you are doing as well as the actions of those around you.

  4. I do agree that ingesting is more beneficial as you said when it comes to medical marijuana treatment since it gives you additional fiber. It is indeed great to know that marijuana can relieve many types of chronic pain as you mentioned because I wanted to give this to my grandmother who is suffering from scoliosis. Knowing that those suffering from severe personality disorders as you pointed out is great to read as well so that I can give this to my sister who needs to get alternative therapy for ADHD.

  5. It is very difficult to decide whether to use Marijuana as a medicine or not and after years of discussions and research we are still not sure. But thanks for sharing this article.

  6. Thank you for mentioning how marijuana can help relieve different kinds of chronic pain. My wife has been experiencing a lot of muscle pain. It may be best for us to consider getting some kind of CBD product to help relieve her symptoms.

  7. CBD as a product has been studied for many years, but much early research was suppressed as it did not fit with the prevailing political and legal rhetoric of recreational drugs being harmful. Backing up science reports on CBD, many users report how it helps them to de-stress, sleep and relax.
    Marijuana is a Schedule controlled substance not because it is more dangerous than morphine or cocaine (it isn’t) but because it has no scientifically proven medical use.
    https://www.addictionrehabcenters.com/addiction-treatment/marijuana-addiction-treatment-and-rehabilitation/

  8. Hello, very interesting article! What’s most ironic about all this is that medical marijuana, which is still illegal in so many countries of the world, is almost an ideal product when compared to alcohol or cigarettes, but still people continue to argue. As for me, it’s funny to consider her bad, because she can really help a person, but what can do for a person who uses alcohol or cigarettes is a completely different story, but no one wants to prohibit them)

  9. I read too many posts about the effect of marijuana. But non could be satisfied me. I your article, you describe in detail. It will be helpful to me. Thanks for sharing this article.

  10. Before reading your article, I didn’t know about the positive site of taking marijuana. After reading your article, I was starting marijuana for reduce my Post Traumatic Stress. And It’s really work. Now I am feeling better than the previous. Thanks for sharing your valuable article

  11. I agree that the minus of marijuana is abuse, the development of addiction and an increased amount of use, but on the other hand, chocolate can also be abused, but we do not class it as a dangerous substance.

  12. It is so interesting that marijuana can relieve chronic pain. My dad suffers from intense chronic pain. I’ll suggest that he look for a reputable medical marijuana dispensary.

  13. I smoke weed everyday and it keeps me working on different projects involving money making or simple projects, if you overthink like that you’re abusing the plant, take it from me I smoke everyday if you’re at the point of overthinking yeah you’re abusing the drug, non addictive I don’t go crazy without a blunt lol but a cig yeah I’ll go Lolo if there’s no cigs after 6 hours lol

  14. The information you have shared in this article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential health problems associated with marijuana use. While marijuana may have medicinal benefits, it’s essential to weigh those against the possible adverse effects on physical and mental health. Thanks for sharing this tips.

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