Review Of Different Articles About Marijuana Legalization

Variability in Medical Marijuana Laws

"Variability in Medical Marijuana Laws in the United States." Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, vol. 29

The authors of this article conducted a study of research among all states within the United States. They assessed the impact that new marijuana legalization laws will have on various aspects of American’s lives. They found that various States listed different medical conditions for which medical marijuana was a viable treatment, such as muscle spasms, epilepsy, HIV, and nausea. They also found that even the most restrictive state, which was Washington, listed marijuana as a viable treatment for PTSD and migraines, among other conditions. All these States listed scientific evidence to justify medical marijuana as a viable treatment.

Marijuana for Non-Medical use

"Legalization of Marijuana for Non-Medical use: Health, Policy, Socioeconomic, and Nursing Implications." Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, vol. 52

Within this article, the author indicates how controversial the topic of marijuana legalization is. Although the article is entitled “for non-medical use”, the author discusses medical use in depth. She defines medical use as being the acquisition, possession, use, or transportation of marijuana in relation to addressing a debilitating condition. She discusses the health implications and policy implications that are solely related to recreational use and how this is very different from medical use. The differentiation between legalization for recreational purposes and medical purposes is very important in relation to marijuana. They both have very different indications and will affect the communities differently. Anne Durkin clearly makes this differentiation.

Medical Marijuana Users Protection

"Light, Smoke, and Fire: How State Law Can Provide Medical Marijuana Users Protection from Workplace Discrimination."

Elizabeth Rodd indicates that courts will soon be moving toward providing employees discrimination protection based on their medical marijuana use. According to Rodd, there have been cases in the past in which the employer was fully protected against any action of the employee in termination based solely on outside medical marijuana use. With the ongoing and growing support of both the public and the law makers, medical marijuana users will be classified as having a disability based on the medical marijuana usage. Marijuana is becoming a therapeutic choice in many States, and the other States will soon follow, according to the author of this article. As medical marijuana usage becomes more prominent, so will the laws that protect these patients.

Marijuana Policy Opinions

"Marijuana Policy Opinions in Washington State since Legalization: Would Voters Vote the Same Way?" vol. 43

The authors of this article conducted a study among voters who voted to legalize marijuana. Among the voters, they found that only 5% would have changed their votes after the fact. This means that about 95% of people were happy with the outcome as well as the events thereafter. Bivariate tests and multivariable regressions were used in this analysis. They also found that 14% of individuals that voted against the measure would change their vote to vote in favor now that they have seen the outcomes.

Administration of Cannabis

"Forms of Administration of Cannabis and their Efficacy."

Stockburger discusses the various parts of the marijuana plant and the various forms of marijuana, or cannabis, as it is referred to in this article. She further discusses the ways in which medical patients use cannabis in treatment of their ailments. Stockburger is a physician, who also points out that medical marijuana is not FDA regulated. She discusses in depth how medical marijuana has a vast majority of ailments which may be effectively treated through the various techniques of ingesting.