In the Netherlands cannabis is now available as a prescription drug at pharmacies. Belgium allows the medical use of marijuana and is considering allowing citizens to grow small amounts. The Australian and New Zealand governments are on the verge of approving the medical use of marijuana. Canada provides medical marijuana through its national healthcare program. (MedMJProCon)

Despite the fact that America’s federal laws prohibit the use of marijuana, thirty-four states have laws protecting doctors that prescribe or recommend marijuana to their patients. These same laws also drastically reduce or completely eliminate fines and penalties for users of doctor recommended or prescribed marijuana. (MedMJProCon)

Cannabis sativa is the Latin name of marijuana. However, it is also known by many slang names such as: hemp, cannabis, maryjane, and hashish. It more than likely originated in the Middle East or Asia and tends to flourish in temperate and tropical regions. (Swerdlow 347)

Because not all cancers are the same, there are many types of cancer treatments. Depending on the type of cancer a patient is suffering from he or she could be on any number of medications, including: altretamine, bleomycin, capecitabine, dacarbazine, or VP-16. (Drugs.com) These are just a few of the medications available for treatments of cancer, for more information, please see the appendices.

The package inserts for these medications list side effects that vary from mild to lethal. Some of these side effects are allergic reactions, decreased bone marrow function, blood problems, neurological problems, diarrhea, anorexia, kidney failure, sores in and around the mouth, unusual bleeding or bruising, lung problems, liver problems, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and muscle pain. (Drugs.com)

All anti-HIV medications have side effects that range from annoying to life-threatening. Some of these side effects can include, but are not limited to: bone marrow problems*, fatigue, pale skin, sore throat, fever, chills, myopathy*, weakness of limbs, lactic acidosis*, nausea, vomiting, unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, rash, insomnia, headache, increase in cholesterol or triglycerides*, lipodystrophy*, diabetes, hyperlipidemia*, pancreatitis*, and peripheral neuropathy*. (AIDSmeds)

Many of the symptoms of MS can be alleviated by marijuana as well. It relieves fatigue and controls spasticity. Many studies have shown that neurodegenerative processes are also slowed down by the use of marijuana. (MedMJProCon) In the words of one MS patient, “The MS makes me tired. The marijuana gives me strength and energy.” (Richburg)

There are many types of cancers. Some are lethal, however many are treatable. Not all cancers have the same symptoms, but many of them share similar symptoms. Some similar cancer symptoms include: inability to fight infections, slow healing wounds, fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain in areas where tumors are present. (Murphy)

However, the U.S. government was not interested in Skippers weight gain or increased immune system functions. In the spring of 1993 his home was raided twice. He was charged with cultivation and possession of marijuana. However, Sam Skipper was the first person in the United States to successfully use the medical-necessity defense. (NORML)

Marijuana can also be beneficial to people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis or MS. Many symptoms of MS are loss of strength in arms and legs, pain, inability to control bladder and bowel movements, sexual issues, loss of balance or coordination, spasticity*, fatigue, neurodegenerative disease*, and loss of cognitive functions. (MSActiveSource)

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