research paper topics related to marijuana

Catchy Marijuana Essay Topics for Students

Topics about marijuana are on high demand today among students, and they are writing many works concerning this theme. To meet this demand, EssayShark essay writing service has prepared a list of topics on legalization, cultivation, and distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. The theoretical works and research dedicated to the history of marijuana legalization help to make scientific progress and exclude unconfirmed attacks on prohibition or legalization of this kind of psychotropic drug.

With the help of the list of marijuana essay topics, students can share their unique point of view and write about it through an expanded answer on any controversial question.

Ideas for Topics About Marijuana for Students to Write a Great Essay

• Why isn’t marijuana legalized in the US? Should the government change this position towards medical or recreational cannabis?
• How can we reduce addiction to smoking marijuana and drinking among students in their first year in college?
• Smoking among students and problems with the law in Kentucky.
• The lens of marijuana and the social norm that is breached among youth in the US.
• How is the deviance of smoking controlled among children? Why do some people diverge from the norm?
• What are the challenges of marijuana legalization?
• The way the US government combats smoking: education and taxation policies.
• How are psychological problems related to smoking marijuana?
• The way a person’s thought patterns change after a long period of smoking marijuana.
• What problems do behavioral patterns cause with a person after long-term smoking of marijuana?
• Long-term marijuana use and its impact on people around.
• Psychological changes after long-term marijuana usage. How does it get in the way of accomplishing a person’s goals?
• How has the legality of marijuana changed worldwide in the last five years?
• The conflict between federal and state marijuana laws in the US and its possible solution.
• What is more harmful to the human health and body: tobacco or marijuana?
• How does quantitative and qualitative research in counseling affect the legalization of marijuana?
• Legalization of marijuana in British Columbia.
• Why is tobacco legal throughout the US but marijuana is illegal in most states?
• Health benefits of medical marijuana, including treatment of pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy.
• The healthful and harmful effects of marijuana on the heart, brain, and lungs.
• Does marijuana legalization have an impact on the level of crime in any country?
• Dangers of marijuana and the effect it has on students’ studying process.
• Should the Australian government approve the use of medical marijuana throughout the country?
• Why is Texas less prone to accepting the legalization of marijuana than Colorado?
• Does recreational marijuana use affect performance and motivation in young adults during education?
• Should marijuana be legalized in Canada, and why?
• The subsequent social impact of marijuana prohibition initiatives in the US.
• Do the benefits of medical marijuana justify its legality?
• Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with the legalization of marijuana?
• The social construction of marijuana.
• Does marijuana use affect the transition to heavier drugs?

EssayShark is an essay writing service with a global approach to help students with their homework. Our team doesn’t do your tasks instead of you, but we do give you a simpler way to deal with it. Use our suggestions on marijuana essay topics from this list and get inspiration for your next writing.

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Non-linear plasma protein binding of cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is highly bound to plasma proteins. Changes in its protein binding can lead to altered unbound plasma concentrations and result in alteration of pharmacological activity of cannabidiol-containing m...

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The effect of cannabis edibles on driving and blood THC

Cannabis has been shown to impact driving due to changes produced by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. Current legal thresholds for blood THC while driving are based p...

Selected cannabis cultivars modulate glial activation: in vitro and in vivo studies

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by neuroinflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Cannabis, an immunomodulating agent, is known for its ab...

Cannabis and cancer: unveiling the potential of a green ally in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer

Cancer comes in second place on the list of causes of death worldwide. In 2018, the 5-year prevalence of breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PC), and colorectal cancer (CRC) were 30%, 12.3%, and 10.9%, respec...

Envisaging challenges for the emerging medicinal Cannabis sector in Lesotho

Cultivation of Cannabis and its use for medical purposes has existed for millennia on the African continent. The plant has also been widely consumed in the African continent since time immemorial. In particula...

Cannabidiol’s cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer is induced via an upregulation of ceramide synthase 1 and ER stress

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive malignancies with a median 5 year-survival rate of 12%. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to exhibit antineoplastic potential and may p...

An emerging trend in Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs): designer THC

Since its discovery as one of the main components of cannabis and its affinity towards the cannabinoid receptor CB1, serving as a means to exert its psychoactivity, Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC) has inspired m...

Investigating sex differences and age of onset in emotion regulation, executive functioning, and cannabis use in adolescents and young adults

Young adults have historically high levels of cannabis use at a time which coincides with emotional and cognitive development. Age of regular onset of cannabis use and sex at birth are hypothesized to influenc...

Factors associated with the use of cannabis for self-medication by adults: data from the French TEMPO cohort study

Medical cannabis, legalized in many countries, remains illegal in France. Despite an experiment in the medical use of cannabis that began in March 2021 in France, little is known about the factors associated w...

Cannabis use associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients using the national inpatient sample: an epidemiological study

Prior reports indicate that modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may have a protective benefit for Covid-19 patients. However, associations between cannabis use (CU) or CU not in remission (active ca...

State licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries: neighborhood-level determinants of applicant quality in Missouri

When state governments impose quotas on commercial marijuana licenses, regulatory commissions use an application process to assess the feasibility of prospective businesses. Decisions on license applications a...

Effect of organic biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under outdoor conditions

In 2019 and 2020, we investigated the individual and combined effects of two biofertilizers (manure tea and bioinoculant) and one humic acid (HA) product on cannabis biochemical and physiological parameters an...

Neuroimaging studies of cannabidiol and potential neurobiological mechanisms relevant for alcohol use disorders: a systematic review

The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of cannabidiol’s (CBD) management of alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains elusive.

A narrative review of the therapeutic and remedial prospects of cannabidiol with emphasis on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders

The treatment of diverse diseases using plant-derived products is actively encouraged. In the past few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a potent cannabis-derived drug capable of managing various debilit...

Comment on “Hall et al., Topical cannabidiol is well tolerated in individuals with a history of elite physical performance and chronic lower extremity pain”

A national study of clinical discussions about cannabis use among veteran patients prescribed opioids.

The Veterans Health Administration tracks urine drug tests (UDTs) among patients on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) and recommends discussing the health effects of cannabis use.

Evaluation of dispensaries’ cannabis flowers for accuracy of labeling of cannabinoids content

Cannabis policies have changed drastically over the last few years with many states enacting medical cannabis laws, and some authorizing recreational use; all against federal laws. As a result, cannabis produc...

Oral Cannabis consumption and intraperitoneal THC:CBD dosing results in changes in brain and plasma neurochemicals and endocannabinoids in mice

While the use of orally consumed Cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing products, i.e. “edibles”, has expanded, the health consequences are still largely unknown. This study examine...

Recent advances in the development of portable technologies and commercial products to detect Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol in biofluids: a systematic review

The primary components driving the current commercial fascination with cannabis products are phytocannabinoids, a diverse group of over 100 lipophilic secondary metabolites derived from the cannabis plant. Alt...

Associations between simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis and cannabis-related problems in 2014–2016: evidence from the Washington panel survey

To address the research question of how simultaneous users of alcohol and cannabis differ from concurrent users in risk of cannabis use problems after the recreational marijuana legalization in Washington State.

Characteristics of patients with non-cancer pain and long-term prescription opioid use who have used medical versus recreational marijuana

Marijuana use is increasingly common among patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). We determined if lifetime recreational and medical marijuana use were associated wit...

Cannabis use, decision making, and perceptions of risk among breastfeeding individuals: the Lactation and Cannabis (LAC) Study

Our primary objective was to understand breastfeeding individuals’ decisions to use cannabis. Specifically, we investigated reasons for cannabis use, experiences with healthcare providers regarding use, and po...

Distribution of legal retail cannabis stores in Canada by neighbourhood deprivation

In legal cannabis markets, the distribution of retail stores has the potential to influence transitions from illegal to legal sources as well as consumer patterns of use. The current study examined the distrib...

Examining attributes of retailers that influence where cannabis is purchased: a discrete choice experiment

With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, consumers are presented with numerous purchase options. Licensed retailers are limited by the Cannabis Act and provincial regulations with respect to offering sales...

Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application

Acute cannabis use has been demonstrated to slow reaction time and affect decision-making and short-term memory. These effects may have utility in identifying impairment associated with recent use. However, th...

Analysis of social media compliance with cannabis advertising regulations: evidence from recreational dispensaries in Illinois 1-year post-legalization

In the USA, an increasing number of states have legalized commercial recreational cannabis markets, allowing a private industry to sell cannabis to those 21 and older at retail locations known as dispensaries....

Comparison of perceptions in Canada and USA regarding cannabis and edibles

Canada took a national approach to recreational cannabis that resulted in official legalization on October 17, 2018. In the United States (US), the approach has been more piecemeal, with individual states pass...

Attitudes of Swiss psychiatrists towards cannabis regulation and medical use in psychiatry: a cross-sectional study

Changes in regulation for cannabis for nonmedical use (CNMU) are underway worldwide. Switzerland amended the law in 2021 allowing pilot trials evaluating regulative models for cannabis production and distribut...

Cannabis and pathologies in dogs and cats: first survey of phytocannabinoid use in veterinary medicine in Argentina

In animals, the endocannabinoid system regulates multiple physiological functions. Like humans, animals respond to preparations containing phytocannabinoids for treating several conditions. In Argentina, laws ...

The holistic effects of medical cannabis compared to opioids on pain experience in Finnish patients with chronic pain

Medical cannabis (MC) is increasingly used for chronic pain, but it is unclear how it aids in pain management. Previous literature suggests that MC could holistically alter the pain experience instead of only ...

The potential for Ghana to become a leader in the African hemp industry

Global interest in hemp cultivation and utilization is on the rise, presenting both challenges and opportunities for African countries. This article focuses on Ghana’s potential to establish a thriving hemp se...

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome presenting with ventricular bigeminy

The is a case of a 28-year-old male presenting to an emergency department (ED) via emergency medical services (EMS) with a chief complaint of “gastritis.” He was noted to have bigeminy on the pre-arrival EMS e...

Driving-related behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions among Australian medical cannabis users: results from the CAMS 20 survey

Road safety is an important concern amidst expanding worldwide access to legal cannabis. The present study reports on the driving-related subsection of the Cannabis as Medicine Survey 2020 (CAMS-20) which surv...

High levels of pesticides found in illicit cannabis inflorescence compared to licensed samples in Canadian study using expanded 327 pesticides multiresidue method

As Cannabis was legalised in Canada for recreational use in 2018 with the implementation of the Cannabis Act , Regulations were put in place to ensure safety and consistency across the cannabis industry. This incl...

Correction: Potency and safety analysis of hemp delta-9 products: the hemp vs. cannabis demarcation problem

The original article was published in Journal of Cannabis Research 2023 5 :29

Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study

Cannabis use, be it either cannabidiol (CBD) use and/or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use, shows promise to enhance exercise recovery. The present study aimed to determine if individuals are using CBD and...

The COVID-19 pandemic and cannabis use in Canada―a scoping review

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, the cannabis industry has adapted to public health emergency orders which had direct and indirect consequences on cannabis consumption. The objective of this...

DMSO potentiates the suppressive effect of dronabinol on sleep apnea and REM sleep in rats

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an amphipathic molecule with innate biological activity that also is used to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds in preclinical and clinical studies. Recent investigations o...

Potency and safety analysis of hemp delta-9 products: the hemp vs. cannabis demarcation problem

Hemp-derived delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (∆ 9 THC) products are freely available for sale across much of the USA, but the federal legislation allowing their sale places only minimal requirements on companies. Pro...

The Correction to this article has been published in Journal of Cannabis Research 2023 5 :33

A comparison of advertised versus actual cannabidiol (CBD) content of oils, aqueous tinctures, e-liquids and drinks purchased in the UK

Cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products are sold widely in consumer stores, but concerns have been raised regarding their quality, with notable discrepancies between advertised and actual CBD content. Informatio...

Cannabis sativa demonstrates anti-hepatocellular carcinoma potentials in animal model: in silico and in vivo studies of the involvement of Akt

Targeting protein kinase B (Akt) and its downstream signaling proteins are promising options in designing novel and potent drug candidates against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study explores the...

Conflicting forces in the implementation of medicinal cannabis regulation in Uruguay

Uruguay is widely known as a pioneer country regarding cannabis regulation policies, as it was the first state to regulate the cannabis market for both recreational and medicinal purposes in 2013. However, not...

Why a distinct medical stream is necessary to support patients using cannabis for medical purposes

Since 2001, Canadians have been able to obtain cannabis for medical purposes, initially through the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) came into force on ...

Propylene glycol and Kolliphor as solvents for systemic delivery of cannabinoids via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes in preclinical studies: a comparative technical note

Substance administration to laboratory animals necessitates careful consideration and planning in order to enhance agent distribution while reducing any harmful effects from the technique. There are numerous m...

No difference in COVID-19 treatment outcomes among current methamphetamine, cannabis and alcohol users

Poor outcomes of COVID-19 have been reported in older males with medical comorbidities including substance use disorder. However, it is unknown whether there is a difference in COVID-19 treatment outcomes betw...

Cannabis for morning sickness: areas for intervention to decrease cannabis consumption during pregnancy

Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing, with 19–22% of patients testing positive at delivery in Colorado and California. Patients report using cannabis to alleviate their nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and...

The therapeutic potential of purified cannabidiol

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) for therapeutic purposes is receiving considerable attention, with speculation that CBD can be useful in a wide range of conditions. Only one product, a purified form of plant-deri...

Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort

The aim of the current study was to examine patterns of medical cannabis use in those using it to treat anxiety and to investigate if the anxiolytic effects of cannabis were impacted by gender and/or age.

The Desert Whale: the boom and bust of hemp in Arizona

This paper examines the factors that led to the collapse of hemp grown for cannabidiol (CBD) in Arizona, the United States of America (USA), and particularly in Yuma County, which is a well-established agricul...

Reasonable access: important characteristics and perceived quality of legal and illegal sources of cannabis for medical purposes in Canada

Throughout the past two decades of legal medical cannabis in Canada, individuals have experienced challenges related to accessing legal sources of cannabis for medical purposes. The objective of our study was ...

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173 Marijuana Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on marijuana, ✍️ marijuana essay topics for college, 👍 good marijuana research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot marijuana ideas to write about, 🎓 most interesting marijuana research titles, ❓ research questions about marijuana.

• Legalization of Marijuana in Canada
• Discussion of Marijuana Legalization
• The Legalization of Marijuana in Canada
• Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
• Marijuana Addiction: A Sociological Perspective
• The Legalization of Marijuana
• Adverse Effects of Smoking Marijuana on Probation
• Marijuana Legalization: PREPARE and IMAGINE Models Marijuana is a common drug that is present in many regions around the globe. This research uses the PREPARE and IMAGINE model to evaluate the legalization of marijuana.
• Supporting and Opposing Recreational Marijuana Legalization Approximately 28 million years ago, on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, the cannabis plant underwent evolution, as revealed by a pollen study released in May 2019.
• Marijuana and Its Use in Healthcare The research suggests considering the use of marijuana as a medication for treatment because it can help to stop certain diseases and help reduce the risk of mental illness.
• Why Marijuana Should Be Legal? There are many arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana, including that marijuana is used for medicinal purposes, it is safer than other drugs.
• Legalization of Marijuana and Other Illegal Drugs The essay relates both the pros and cons of legalizing drugs, but since there is a solid argument for both sides, a conclusion cannot be reached unless more research is conducted.
• Legalization of Marijuana: The Pros and Cons of the Drug From an evaluation of the pros and cons listed in the paper, it is clear that marijuana holds more harm than the risk to society.
• Marijuana Social and Health Effects on Teenagers Consumption of illegal drugs among teenagers or adolescents is a problem that has serious health and social concerns.
• Legalization of Marijuanas: Essay Example Also known as cannabis, Marijuana primarily consists of dry leaves of the hemp plant that people chew or smoke in order to experience euphoric effects.
• Benefits of Legalizing Medical Marijuana Advocates of legalizing bang claim that marijuana has many medicinal advantages and can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.
• Marijuana Legalization: Cannabis Use Among US Adolescents With long-term use of this narcotic, tolerance to the effects of the drug is formed, and a person takes increasingly large doses of marijuana.
• Marijuana Policy: Analyzing Ideology and Compromise The most ardent advocates of marijuana legalization would want the complete removal of restrictions on the use, possession, and sale of marijuana.
• Legalization of Marijuana as Controversial Topic The paper determines whether or not marijuana should be legalized. It is a very controversial topic, and many factors must be considered before deciding.
• The Controversy Surrounding Marijuana Legalization Hashish, weed, marijuana, and hemp are all common names for a plant from Central Asia, which today is used not only in textile production and medicine.
• The Marijuana Use Impact on the Brain Activity Marijuana exposure has a severe effect on the structural parts of the brain, transforming the functioning of receptors and changing the natural work of individual parts.
• Marijuana Effects on Risk of Anxiety and Depression The current paper aims to find out whether medical cannabis can positively affect anxiety and depression and the process of their treatment.
• Legalization of Marijuana in the US The legalization of marijuana is one of the longest-running debates in the United States that has attracted public attention.
• The Marijuana Impact on Biopsychology of the Brain The influence of marijuana on the neurobiology and biopsychology of the brain is one of the critically significant issues in the field of biological psychology.
• The Marijuana Use Effects on the Human Brain This paper explores the theory that marijuana use causes structural changes in the human brain hemispheres, amygdala, and hippocampus.
• Why Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized The paper is designed for adolescents and adults who are concerned with the issue of whether marijuana legalization is needed in the USA.
• The Impact of Marijuana Studies The impact of marijuana has been researched for a long time, yet society’s perceptions of its practicality vary because of cannabis’s unclear effects.
• Legalization of Marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia This paper focuses on marijuana legalization in the Commonwealth of Virginia compared to the states of Colorado and Washington and the advantages and disadvantages.
• Legalizing Marijuana: Analysis of Arguments Marijuana legalization has negative and positive impacts on the health of the people and society. This paper analyzes both sides of the argument.
• Discussion of Legalization of Marijuana From View of Law The review discusses and evaluates some of the existing perspectives on the legalization of marijuana, as well as to argue in favor of the initiative.
• The Marijuana Legalization Arguments Analysis Despite the increased debate about marijuana legalization, countries should not pass laws that permit its medical and recreational use.
• Discussion: Marijuana and the Federal Law There is a need for the federal government to establish laws that aim at regulating cannabis use in states where the drug is legalized.
• Marijuana Legalization in Texas The problem of marijuana legalization in Texas is a recurring public discussion that includes various and sometimes polarized opinions.
• Legalizing Medical Marijuana Marijuana has medical and scientific importance for patients suffering from such health issues as chronic pains, cancer symptoms, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Medical Marijuana and Governmental Policies in the US Permitting the administration of medical marijuana is a necessary policy that should be sustained on various governmental levels.
• Marijuana Abuse: Annotated Bibliography Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that the COVID-19 pandemic had a highly negative impact on the nation’s overall health and well-being.
• Marijuana Legalization Issues in the USA Recreational use of marijuana should still be considered an unreasonable solution due to the harm that uninhibited consumption of marijuana will entail.
• Legalization of Marijuana in the United States The main objective of this study is to look at the problem of legalizing marijuana in the United States from different angles.
• Prohibiting Legalization of Marijuana in the US The purpose of this paper is to define the conditions under which the legalization of marijuana should be prohibited regardless of its potential help.
• Issue of Legalizing Marijuana Legalizing marijuana is a necessary step for the United States to provide people with the medical and recreational means they need.
• The Pros of Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana should be legalized because it has numerous medical benefits, it will boost the economy, lower the crime rate, and create employment opportunities.
• Marijuana: Benefits of Legalization The government’s control can help to monitor the composition of the drug and reduce the number of health problems linked to it.
• Marijuana Use: Positive and Negative Effects Marijuana has both positive and negative effects – it can both help to relieve chronic pain and can make certain people uncontrollable and violent.
• The Position Concerning the Legalization of Marijuana The paper argues in different ways for the position concerning the legalization of marijuana. They differ in the approaches to the analysis of this problem.
• Marijuana Use: The Impacts Among College Students The significant impacts of marijuana use include mental challenges which inhibit cognitive development and psychological growth among college students.
• Pot for Pain: Medical Marijuana for Veterans This paper argues the idea of medical marijuana for veterans should be encouraged by the US government and society only in cases where patients are under medical supervision.
• Marijuana: Limitations of Individualistic Explanations Medicinal Marijuana its wide use and the fact that the drug is addictive, several studies have been undertaken by scholars to have a deeper understanding of marijuana.
• Legalization of Marijuana and Prostitution Every state should develop ways of controlling the influence of selling marijuana and prostitution before establishing a conclusion on legalizing it.
• A Controversial Issue About Using the Marijuana The issue connected with the use of marijuana has passed through many generations and has been discussed in many cultures from different points of view.
• Arguments Against the Legalization of Marijuana I am persuaded to state that legalizing marijuana is a serious mistake if committed by a state and it’s not only morally wrong but it’s a time bomb.
• Marijuana Legalization and Its Use Among American Teenagers Opponents against the liberalization of marijuana counter that marijuana is not a munificent drug and that its use can attract various problems to an individual.
• National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws This paper is about the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which advocates for the legalization of the use of marijuana for recreational and medical purposes.
• Benefits of Medical Marijuana Over Other Prescription Medications The article is dedicated to ascertaining the extent of legal marijuana use in the United States in relation to other drugs after the subsequent law went into effect.
• Does Marijuana Use and Misuse Cause Cancer? The purpose of this paper is to review two studies that have attempted to define the possible link between marijuana use/misuse and lung cancer.
• Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado and Washington The legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington has raised a lot of controversy in American society in the recent past.
• Rhetorical Qualities of the 1969 Marijuana PSA This mini-essay will assess the anti-marijuana PSA from 1969. Due to the presence of several logical fallacies in it, presently produces the exact opposite effect of the intended one.
• The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, which will unify the rules for the use of marijuana and promote the development and price reduction of this healthcare service.
• Perspectives of Legalizing Marijuana in Texas Marijuana has the capability of becoming an important substance in the world today. The government must take the responsibility to legalize it.
• Analysis of Legalization of Marijuana A focus on the reasons for marijuana legalization and its integration into medical practice. The first reason for cannabis legalization is its efficiency in relieving fibromyalgia pain.
• The Use of Medical Marijuana in the Fight Against Various Diseases The use of medical marijuana can have a significant positive impact on the health of people with chronic pain. They can reduce anxiety, get rid of depression, and overcome insomnia.
• Is Marijuana Consumption Allowed for Medical Purposes? In the United States, the use of marijuana has been subjected to critics from the government and social organizations. Today, it is prohibited by the U. S. law.
• The Challenges and Benefits of Medical Marijuana Cultivation The paper aims to discuss medical marijuana and analyze the challenges and benefits of medical marijuana cultivation.
• Miami-Dade Marijuana Abuse The project was interesting and practical, providing me with useful insights regarding community health centers.
• Marijuana Legalization in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota The current essay discusses how federalism relates to the legalization of marijuana and argues that the legalization of marijuana is an example of the states as “laboratories of democracy.”
• Reasons for Banning Marijuana Use The primary argument against the legalization of Marijuana is the common belief that it may lead to psychological disorders.
• Policy Brief: Marijuana Policy The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed analysis of the marijuana policy, why it matters, and the importance of encouraging more people to be involved.
• Legalization of Marijuana Essay Example The nationwide legalization of marijuana is not a positive option since it can contribute to motor vehicle crash fatalities, does not reduce crime rates, and affects teenagers’ health.
• Decriminalization of Marijuana: Advantages and Disadvantages This research paper discusses different sides of the problem through the profound study of certain marijuana cases, and the drug-related laws were also used as examples.
• Opioids and Marijuana for the Chronic Pain Conditions Treatment Chronic pain accompanying a variety of conditions is an important issue when it comes to the provision of healthcare services.
• Opposing the Use of Medical Marijuana Arguments on the benefits of medical marijuana can be negated by many research studies concerning the harmful effects of its use, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes.
• Remedies for Marijuana Addiction Every community has a given limit of tolerance that is accorded to the behavior and conduct of its people and this is guided by moral, spiritual and legal principles.
• Should Marijuana Be Legalized? This paper analyzes two research articles in an attempt to present arguments for the legalization of cannabis.
• Opposition Towards Legalization of Marijuana The international community has not yet come to the consensus as to the legalization of soft drugs, and marijuana, in particular.
• Attitudes in South Dakota about Medical Marijuana: Recreational Use The question of marijuana legalization is a topical one in the world. The essence of the difficulty is that there are too many contradictive opinions concerning legalization.
• Decriminalization of Marijuana Laws Decriminalization of marijuana law is replacing “current criminal penalties for marijuana processions with civil penalty and fines”.
• Economic Effects of Legalizing Marijuana The paper will concentrate on looking at the economic benefits of legalizing the drug and also the possible negative effects that may result.
• Decriminalizing Marijuana: Pros and Cons It has been suggested, that legalizing or at least decriminalizing marijuana can help to reduce violent crimes and significantly decrease the number of people incarcerated for drug use.
• Contradiction for Universal Legalization of Marijuana Some people insist on marijuana legalization not only in medical sphere but also in every day life. The legalization of marijuana should never be allowed.
• Marijuana Should Be Legalized in the United States It can be clearly seen how the legalization of Marijuana if only for medical purposes can bring the United States some much-needed revenue in these dire economic times.
• Recreational Marijuana Consumption and Acceptance Marijuana use is generally associated with younger people, but people of any age may employ the drug for recreation.
• The Controversy Over Marijuana Legalization The topic of marijuana legalization has been debated at the global level for numerous decades. It is important to have a certain idea about the subject of discussion.
• Marijuana Legalization Controversies: Arguments For and Against The topic of marijuana legalization has always been a subject of numerous heated debates for decades. The legislative measures and methodological tools to study both positive and negative effects are present.
• Recreational Marijuana Should Be Legal and Regulated This argumentative paper offers powerful reasons that explain why the federal government should legalize and regulate recreational marijuana.
• Recreational Marijuana Is Beneficial in America The debates over whether recreational marijuana should be legalized provide various arguments that were propounded by both supporters and opponents.
• Marijuana Use Education: Policy Brief Discussions about cannabis and its legalization within the state have been prolonged and resulted in several states declaring the use of marijuana legal.
• Marijuana Legalization and Possible Effects The media discusses the necessity of legalizing marijuana to be used for medical purposes and to help patients deal with chronic illnesses.
• Concepts of Legalizing Marijuana Considering the many economic, health, and social gains, which may result as a product of legalizing Marijuana, it is very important for the federal government to weigh such gains, hence legalize its usage.
• Marijuana Convictions Reversal: Innovative Policy This paper proposes a policy that the government may adopt to reverse marijuana conviction among those who were sent to prison for distribution or possession of marijuana.
• Marijuana Legalization and Criminalization The government can introduce awareness programs to sensitize the citizens on the dangers of excessive use of the drug.
• Medical Marijuana: Treatments and Legislative Change Medical marijuana can be listed among controversial drugs that are viewed through the prism of negative stereotypes.
• Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative This paper at hand will analyze the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 2, which was passed in the state of Florida on November 8, 2016, and came into legal force on January 3, 2017.
• Marijuana Legalization: Adverse Health Effects Legalization of recreational marijuana consumption has garnered much support in recent years as the movement spread across several states in the US.
• New York City Marijuana Legal Policy Issuing tickets to people smoking marijuana in public places will free up police resources and will decrease racial disparities.
• Legalization of Marijuana: Reasons Marijuana is a psychoactive substance that is classified as an illegal drug in the United States. This study analyzes the reasons why should legalize marijuana.
• Medial Use of Marijuana in Texas: Pros and Cons Medical marijuana is a topic that has gained much attention in Texas. It should be observed that the policy has attracted both supporters and opponents.
• Marijuana Use and Governmental Regulation in the US Most of the US population has felt that the use of marijuana should not be under government regulation. But, until now any unauthorized handling of marijuana is illegal.
• Should Marijuana Be Legal in United States? Most Studies reported that around 60% of all Americans consider that marijuana should be legalized, and the remaining 40% considers that marijuana should be prohibited.
• Marijuana Popularity, Its Causes and Consequences The primary cause of marijuana’s popularity is its availability due to legalization and advancements in production.
• Legalization of Marijuana: Pain Management Media discusses the necessity of legalizing marijuana to be used for medical purposes and help patients deal with chronic illnesses.
• Medical Marijuana Bill, Its Pros and Cons This paper reviews the pending of Bill 1397, concerning particular issues associated with the medical use of marijuana, which has already been declined several times.
• Bioethics: the Use of Marijuana for Medical Purposes Bioethicists should use the best ideas in order to deal with the controversies associated with medical marijuana. Some health practitioners support the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
• Should the Federal Government Legalize the Use of Marijuana? Such fear and the need to exploit the numerous benefits of marijuana are what have triggered a very controversial debate on whether the government should legalize its use.
• Marijuana Legalization Debate: Arguments Against Legalization Article posted by the Editorial Board of the Washington Post newspaper, the rush to legalize the use of marijuana should be rejected by Washington D.C voters.
• Legalizing Marijuana in Washington and Colorado Legalizing marijuana will definitely make it cheaper in the market in spite of the associated taxes that will be levied by the respective state authorities.
• Marijuana Rules and Regulations in Colorado Marijuana legalization has been a major issue in the U.S. for quite a while. The arguments of both proponents and those opposed are very legitimate.
• Health Law: Legalization of Marijuana in the US Marijuana is a useful drug that can have a lot of benefits to the society contrary to the common belief that it is a harmful drug.
• Why Should Marijuana Be Legalized and Crack or Cocaine Remain Illegal Marijuana (cannabis) has varied medicinal uses, and many States in the Americas have allowed the possession and use of small quantities of marijuana for medicinal purposes only.
• Abnormal Psychology Problem: Excessive Use Of Marijuana And Alcohol
• What are the Medical Causes and Effects of Marijuana Use
• War Against Marijuana Legalize it
• The Benefits and Advantages of the Legalization of Marijuana
• The Long Term Effects Of Marijuana
• United States Government’s False Portrayal of Marijuana
• United States Senate and Medical Marijuana Card
• The Controversy Surrounding the Legalization of Marijuana in the U.S
• State vs. Federal Marijuana Legalization
• Reasons for the Legalization of Marijuana
• The Top Ten Reasons Marijuana Should Be Legalize
• Argument for the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Use
• Speech: Drug Addiction and Marijuana Law
• Good and Bad Efficacy of Marijuana
• The Uncommon Facts That People Don’t Know About Marijuana
• Smoke Signals and Mixed Messages: Medical Marijuana & Drug Policy Signalling Effects
• The Pros and Cons of the Legalization of Marijuana and the History of the Criminalization of Marijuana
• Should States Have Legal Control of Medicinal Marijuana
• Hemp and Marijuana Eliminating the Confusion
• Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana
• Drug Addiction and Responsible Marijuana
• How Gender and Age Effects Marijuana Usage and Brain Function
• Physical, Emotional and Social Impairment Caused by Marijuana
• The Positive and Negative Impacts of the Legalization of Marijuana
• Rogerian Argument for Marijuana Legalization
• Justin Trudeau and the Reasons Why Teens Should Have Access to Legal Marijuana
• The History and Possible Legalization of Marijuana
• Recreational Marijuana Should NOT Be Legal
• Decriminalization Policy And Marijuana Smoking Prevalence: A Look At The Literature
• Historical Context Paragraph for Marijuana
• The Cross-Border Spillover Effects of Recreational Marijuana Legalization
• Perceived Racial Discrimination and Marijuana Use a Decade Later; Gender Differences Among Black Youth
• The Green Need for the Fight for Marijuana Reform
• Modern Liberalism and Marijuana Legalization
• The Fight for Marijuana Legality
• Medical Marijuana Packaging Market – Global Industry Analysis
• The Economic, Medical and Industrial Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana
• Marijuana Prohibition Has Failed United States
• The Debate Concerning the Legalization of Marijuana
• Late Adolescent Development Should Marijuana Be Legalized
• Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes Should Be Legalized in the United States of America
• What Is the Impact of Marijuana Decriminalization?
• What Are Some Misconceptions About the Usefulness of Marijuana?
• What Is the Rebuttal Argument Against Legalization of Marijuana?
• Should Canada Legalize the Use of Recreational Marijuana?
• Should Governments Legalize and Tax Marijuana?
• Should the Medical Use of Marijuana Be Legal in the US?
• What Are the Benefits and Advantages of the Legalization of Marijuana?
• What Are the Common Symptoms and Side-effects of Medical Marijuana?
• What Are Cardiovascular System Effects of Marijuana?
• What Are the Acute and Chronic Effects of Marijuana on Individuals?
• What Types of Marijuana Users Are There by Longitudinal Course?
• Why Synthetic Marijuana Is Considered as the Legal Way to the Grave?
• What Form of Treatment of Marijuana Dependence Are There in Medicine?
• Do Medical Marijuana Laws Increase Marijuana Use?
• What Are the Dangers and Consequences of Marijuana Abuse?
• Why the Demand for Cocaine and Marijuana by Youth Is So High?
• What Are the Differences Between the Recreational Drug Marijuana and Its Medical Oil?
• What Will Federal Marijuana Reform Look Like?
• What Are the Primary Effects of Marijuana?
• Is Effective Treatment of Tourette’s Syndrome With Marijuana Even Real?
• What Are Dose-related Neurocognitive Effects of Marijuana Use?
• What Is the Relationship Between Marijuana Initiation and Dropping Out of High School?
• What Should Marijuana Prohibition Was Racist From the Start?
• What Health Problems Are Derived From Marijuana?
• Why Some Countries Will Never Legalize Using Marijuana?

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StudyCorgi . "173 Marijuana Essay Topics." September 18, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/marijuana-essay-topics/.

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These essay examples and topics on Marijuana were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

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Real World Evidence in Medical Cannabis Research

Rishi banerjee.

1 Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK

Simon Erridge

2 Sapphire Medical Clinics, UK Medical Cannabis Registry, London, UK

Oliver Salazar

Nagina mangal, daniel couch.

3 The Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, 18 Hanway Street, London, W1T 1UF UK

Barbara Pacchetti

4 Curaleaf International, London, UK

Mikael Hans Sodergren

5 Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Hospital, Academic Surgical Unit, 10th Floor QEQM, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY UK

Associated Data

Not Applicable.

Whilst access to cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) has increased globally subject to relaxation of scheduling laws globally, one of the main barriers to appropriate patient access remains a paucity of high-quality evidence surrounding their clinical effects.

Whilst randomised controlled trials (RCTs) remain the gold-standard for clinical evaluation, there are notable barriers to their implementation. Development of CBMPs requires novel approaches of evidence collection to address these challenges. Real world evidence (RWE) presents a solution to not only both provide immediate impact on clinical care, but also inform well-conducted RCTs. RWE is defined as evidence derived from health data sourced from non-interventional studies, registries, electronic health records and insurance data. Currently it is used mostly to monitor post-approval safety requirements allowing for long-term pharmacovigilance. However, RWE has the potential to be used in conjunction or as an extension to RCTs to both broaden and streamline the process of evidence generation.

Novel approaches of data collection and analysis will be integral to improving clinical evidence on CBMPs. RWE can be used in conjunction or as an extension to RCTs to increase the speed of evidence generation, as well as reduce costs. Currently, there is an abundance of potential data however, whilst a number of platforms now exist to capture real world data it is important the right tools and analysis are utilised to unlock potential insights from these.

Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are a collective term to describe a preparation or other product that contains cannabis or its derivatives for medicinal use in humans [ 1 ]. There are significant barriers to the integration of CBMPs within treatment pathways including ongoing stigma, cost, education, complex pharmacology and a paucity of evidence to inform international and national guidelines [ 2 , 3 ]. Limited evidence, does, however, support the role of CBMPs in conditions such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, and psychiatric disease [ 4 ]. There is also growing evidence of side effects and how the severity and incidence of side effects may differ between patients [ 4 ]. The quality of evidence, however, is often insufficient in the opinion of insurers, regulators, and guideline bodies [ 5 ].

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK has only recommended licensed CBMPs for a limited range of indications [ 6 ]. Changes to scheduling as recommended by the World Health Organisation, and within individual countries, recognises the potential medicinal value of cannabis and removes barriers for clinical and research use [ 1 , 7 ]. However, widespread stigma, complex pharmacology, funding, and challenges in sustaining adequate supply of consistent products continue to act as barriers for clinical research.

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary and should continue to be the standard against which medical evidence is upheld. However, they are expensive, time consuming and subject to their own limitations [ 8 ]. Whilst these are awaited, there is a requirement to generate evidence of potential benefits and harms to inform policy and clinical practice.

Barriers to Controlled Clinical Trials for Medical Cannabis

RCTs are not infallible—they are expensive and time consuming. Globally $100 billion USD is spent on biomedical research [ 9 ]. In the UK, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) provides £80 million GBP in funding for clinical trials [ 10 ]. Yet, their narrow scope can lack ecological validity to real-world circumstances and therefore lack generalisability in more diverse populations. There are also specific barriers to conducting RCTs using CBMPs.

Complex Pharmacology

In addition to cannabidiol (CBD) and (−)-trans-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) there are over 140 cannabinoids, as well as flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds within the flower of different cannabis plants [ 8 ]. These can each potentially affect the clinical outcomes observed between CBMPs due to their individual and collective effects [ 11 ]. The concentrations of each compound are influenced by the genetics and environment each plant is grown in producing a distinct chemical profile. The result of a clinical trial for one finished pharmaceutical product, therefore, cannot be extrapolated to all CBMPs, due to their heterogeneity. However, current evidence reviews often fail to account for this [ 12 , 13 ].

The route of administration further affects the pharmacokinetics of CBMPs and the associated outcome of any trial. CBMPs can be administered sublingually, trans-dermally, via inhalation, or orally [ 14 ]. This subsequently affects the distribution, biotransformation and elimination of active compounds. Heat exposure and vaporisation of dried flower or extracted oils changes the underlying phytocannabinoid composition compared to the original unprocessed dry flowers, increasing the proportion of decarboxylated cannabinoids [ 15 , 16 ]. Assessment of efficacy using RCTs in isolation will therefore ultimately fail to identify the most appropriate CBMP for each clinical scenario [ 17 ].

Placebo-control

An appropriately blinded assessment against placebo or active therapy is the optimal design for RCTs. It has been difficult to identify a placebo that cannot be distinguished against an active CBMP according to absence of both vasoactive and psychoactive effects, as well as the typical aroma associated with cannabis [ 15 ]. This presents a challenge to adequate blinding.

Production methods and import costs mean that CBMPs are typically expensive, adding further to high research costs [ 18 ]. Research has therefore focused on compounds under patent as opposed to generic CBMPs where research outcomes fail to provide a similar return on investment for licensed producers and pharmaceutical companies. Historically, clinical trials on CBMPs were funded privately, which may be associated with potential reporting biases [ 19 ].

RCTs are possible with CBMPs; however, the above issues present legitimate challenges. In many chronic diseases there is a need for novel therapeutics and CBMPs are therefore being utilised based on best available evidence. Due to the challenges in developing CBMPs through a traditional drug development pipeline, the exploration of its utility should not be limited to traditional methods. It is important that we capture a suite of real-world evidence (RWE) to inform prescribing guidelines, regulations, and clinical trials. By leaning on RWE there is an opportunity to improve the quality and design of RCTs and clinical evidence in general, via a top-down approach [ 20 ].

Real World Evidence

RWE is defined as evidence derived from health data sourced from non-interventional studies, registries, electronic health records and insurance data as opposed to the highly controlled setting of RCTs [ 21 ]. There is an abundance of this unstructured data, however, the necessary frameworks and governance are needed for the application of this data [ 22 ]. It is currently used extensively to monitor post-approval pharmacovigilence [ 23 ]. There is clear evidence of benefit in using population-based data to detect safety events associated with specific medications to implement restrictions to reduce harm [ 21 ].

Consistent use of RWE to aid regulatory decision making is yet to be normalised, but the promise is apparent [ 21 ]. Recently, regulator-supported initiatives have highlighted the desire to incorporate RWE into licensing and guidelines, developing a framework which can incorporate its insights into decisions regarding safety and effectiveness [ 21 , 22 ]. It is important that studies standardise their methodology according to those set out by regulatory authorities to ensure research has the greatest impact [ 21 , 22 ]. Moreover, they should seek to directly address questions set out by governing bodies as areas where there is insufficient research [ 24 ].

Types of Real-World Evidence for Medical Cannabis

NHS England and NHS improvement published a review on the barriers to accessing CBMPs in the UK [ 3 ]. Their recommendations included the need for the collection of structured data, and the development of methods to further support the generation of new evidence, for patients who cannot enrol onto relevant RCTs.

RWE is already being incorporated into the scientific literature on cannabis (Table ​ (Table1). 1 ). Early examples utilised state-level records to examine the effects of cannabis laws on opioid misuse. Subsequently there have been examples of online and self-administered survey tools analysing national outcomes. More recently there has been a focus on collecting evidence from clinical registries and databases with evidence generated from patient-reported outcome measures and long-term pharmacovigilance.

Examples of Real World Evidence Generation for Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products

Comparison of Real-World Evidence and Controlled Clinical Trials

Between these study designs it is important to be aware of potential divergence in reported outcomes. RWE has broader inclusion criteria, accounting for factors like non-standard dosing, and is not limited by scope of disease, thereby improving ecological validity [ 25 ]. However, some studies have concluded there is little difference between results obtained via RCTs and observational studies [ 26 ]. RWE typically has longer patient follow-up and may consequently capture rare but important adverse effects that are not detected within RCTs. Pharmacovigilance is therefore widely accepted as one of the most important roles of RWE.

RWE can bring further clarity on questions that remain unanswered in RCTs. A recent study utilised anonymised surveys of patients with fibromyalgia who consumed cannabis flower [ 27 ]. In addition to reporting positive outcomes on depression and pain the study also reported negative aspects of cannabis consumption, for example driving under the influence (72% of patients) [ 27 ]. These are findings which are unlikely to be reported by patients in controlled clinical trials for fear of repercussions, or strict inclusion criteria. It can also be useful in collecting data in rare conditions whereby recruitment to RCTs can be limited by the need for defined trial sites.

RWE can improve the efficiency of clinical trials by generating hypotheses, refining eligibility criteria, and exploring drug development tools. Registries can be used to form an infrastructure to conduct a clinical trial, lowering costs whilst maintaining high evidence quality [ 28 ]. In supplemented single arm trials the controls are derived from RWE-data sets, providing the opportunity for patient centric study designs. RCTs can also be augmented with real-world data to increase the size of the control group to increase the power of the study. These study designs are particularly useful for rare diseases where participant recruitment is challenging [ 29 ].

Limitations of Real-World Evidence

RWE, however, does have limits to its utility. There is variation in the quality and provenance of the data stored in electronic medical records [ 5 ]. Furthermore, insurance records typically use coding specific for reimbursement purposes and may not provide all clinically relevant information. RWE can require complex statistical expertise to deduce valid conclusions.

Another limitation is the lack of randomisation, controlled variables and internal validity. This can make it more difficult to derive causative mechanisms behind clinical outcomes. However, this is also one of the strengths of these studies, allowing for generalisability to true clinical practice [ 22 ]. Treatment assignment based on the physician as opposed to randomisation, creates selection bias and more specifically stigma biases. RCTs, therefore, are still necessary to establish a strong causal relationship between medication and outcomes [ 30 ].

CBMPs are a complex range of pharmaceuticals which pose challenges to traditional pathways of drug development and translation. Development of CBMPs requires novel approaches of evidence collection to address these challenges. RWE can be used in conjunction or as an extension to RCTs to both broaden and streamline the process of evidence generation. Currently, there is an abundance of potential data, however, it is important the right tools and analysis are utilised to unlock potential insights from these.

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations.

Author Contributions

RB and SE prepared the manuscript. OS, NM, DC, BP, MS read and approved the final manuscript.

Availability of Data and Materials

Declarations.

SE: Sapphire Medical Clinics. DC: Medical Lead Centre for Medicinal Cannabis. BP: Chief Scientific Officer at Emmac Life Sciences. MHS: Sapphire Medical Clinics Managing Director and Research lead at Emmac Life Sciences.

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109 Medical Marijuana Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Medical marijuana has been a hot topic of debate in recent years, with many states legalizing its use for various medical conditions. If you are tasked with writing an essay on medical marijuana but are unsure of where to start, we have compiled a list of 109 topic ideas and examples to help inspire your writing.

• The history of medical marijuana: How has the perception of medical marijuana changed over time?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for chronic pain management.
• The role of medical marijuana in treating epilepsy and seizures.
• How can medical marijuana benefit cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
• The impact of medical marijuana on mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
• The potential of medical marijuana in treating PTSD in veterans.
• The use of medical marijuana in alleviating symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
• How does medical marijuana help with glaucoma?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with HIV/AIDS.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating Alzheimer's disease.
• The potential of medical marijuana in managing chronic migraines.
• How does medical marijuana help with arthritis pain?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with Crohn's disease.
• The role of medical marijuana in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in managing fibromyalgia pain.
• The impact of medical marijuana on inflammatory bowel disease.
• How does medical marijuana help with insomnia and sleep disorders?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for muscle spasms and tremors.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing chronic respiratory diseases.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating eating disorders.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing opioid use for pain management.
• How does medical marijuana help with nerve pain?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with autism spectrum disorders.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing Tourette syndrome symptoms.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating substance use disorders.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with chronic kidney disease.
• How does medical marijuana help with bladder control issues?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for patients with spinal cord injuries.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of endometriosis.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating hormone-related conditions.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing muscle stiffness and spasms.
• How does medical marijuana help with chronic fatigue syndrome?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with Lyme disease.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of lupus.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating chronic pelvic pain.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with chronic pancreatitis.
• How does medical marijuana help with liver disease symptoms?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for patients with chronic migraines.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating fibromyalgia pain.
• How does medical marijuana help with chronic pelvic pain?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with liver disease.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of chronic pancreatitis.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating chronic kidney disease.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with bladder control issues.
• How does medical marijuana help with endometriosis symptoms?
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of hormone-related conditions.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing muscle spasms and tremors.
• How does medical marijuana help with autism spectrum disorders?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with nerve pain.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of Tourette syndrome.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating chronic respiratory diseases.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with opioid use disorder.
• How does medical marijuana help with eating disorders?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating Parkinson's disease.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing symptoms of Crohn's disease.
• How does medical marijuana help with arthritis?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with multiple sclerosis.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of glaucoma.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating chronic migraines.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
• How does medical marijuana help with epilepsy and seizures?
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating PTSD in veterans.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
• How does medical marijuana help with chronic pain?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with epilepsy.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of anxiety.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating PTSD.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• How does medical marijuana help with cancer pain?
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of epilepsy.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating anxiety disorders.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
• How does medical marijuana help with Alzheimer's disease?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with cancer.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of chronic pain.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating epilepsy.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with anxiety disorders.
• How does medical marijuana help with PTSD?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of cancer.
• The potential of medical marijuana in reducing symptoms of epilepsy.
• How does medical marijuana help with anxiety?
• The benefits of medical marijuana for patients with PTSD.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating cancer pain.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with chronic migraines.
• How does medical marijuana help with epilepsy?
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for patients with anxiety disorders.
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of PTSD.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating chronic pain.
• How does medical marijuana help with cancer?
• The role of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of chronic migraines.
• Exploring the use of medical marijuana in treating anxiety.
• The impact of medical marijuana on patients with PTSD.
• The benefits of using medical marijuana for patients with cancer pain.

With these 109 medical marijuana essay topic ideas and examples, you are sure to find inspiration for your next essay on this important and timely subject. Whether you are exploring the potential benefits of medical marijuana for specific medical conditions or examining its impact on public health and policy, there is no shortage of interesting and relevant topics to explore. Happy writing!

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568 Great Marijuana Research Topics

Cannabis is a genus of plants native to Central and South Asia. Marijuana is a species that belongs to this genus. It contains the psychoactive substance THC, which has been used for recreational, spiritual, and medicinal purposes for centuries. This drug can be taken via smoking, vaporizing, eating, and as an extract. Though one of the most commonly used substances globally, it remains illegal in most places.

The legalization and medical use of cannabis are controversial subjects in several countries. This drug has a lot of benefits, such as reducing anxiety or alleviating pain. However, many still believe that it harms people’s physical and mental health and can cause addiction.

In this article, our experts have gathered various marijuana research topics for academic papers. Browse through our list to find an idea that will interest you. Additionally, you can read our tips that will help you select your ideal topic.

• 🔝 Top 14 Marijuana Topics
• 🌿 General Marijuana Topics

🚨 Marijuana Research Questions: Criminology

🫁 research questions about marijuana: medicine, 🚭 research titles about marijuana: cultural, 🪙 marijuana research paper topics: economics, 🎁 84 more thought-provoking marijuana essay titles.

• ✍️ How to Choose a Marijuana Essay Topic

🔗 References

🔝 top 14 marijuana research questions.

• Can cannabis use cause psychosis?
• How effective is marijuana as alternative medicine?
• What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
• What are the consequences of marijuana addiction?
• How does the Bible view marijuana use?
• Why Is Marijuana Still Illegal?
• Should states allow the selling of marijuana in pharmacies?
• What are Lester Grinspoon’s opinions on marijuana legalization?
• How can we legalize marijuana and other drugs for medical purposes?
• What are the laws regarding marijuana possession?
• Do the advantages of marijuana justify its use?
• Should Marijuana Be Legalized?
• What are the differences between federal and state laws regarding marijuana?
• What are the health effects of the long-term use of cannabinoids?

🌿 Marijuana Topics: General

• Smoking marijuana during pregnancy and its impact on the fetus.
• Increased risk of leukemia due to smoking marijuana.
• Propaganda of marijuana use in the media space.
• Legalization of Marijuana by Federal Government.
• Marijuana abuse as a cause of car accidents.
• Destruction of the lungs under the influence of marijuana.
• Temporary sterility in men from marijuana use.
• Menstrual cycle disorder from taking marijuana.
• Reasons for the use of marijuana by teenagers.
• Enhancing euphoria by smoking marijuana.
• Does marijuana relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
• The consequence in the early onset of marijuana use.
• Side effects of marijuana treatment.
• Illicit psychiatrists and the treatment of patients with marijuana.
• Marijuana abuse treatment at home.
• Morphine and Marijuana in Palliative Care of Patients With Cancer.
• Using the purified substance of marijuana under supervision.
• Smoking marijuana used as a painkiller. 
• The practice of using marijuana in psychiatry.
• The proven effectiveness of marijuana as a medicinal product.
• The use of marijuana as self-medication.
• Relief of the condition of military veterans with marijuana.
• The effect of marijuana on the human body.
• Dependence on marijuana in adults.
• Signs of a person’s dependence on marijuana.
• Types of marijuana addiction.
• The main stages of marijuana addiction.
• Combination of marijuana with other substances.
• Relationship between relatives and a marijuana addict.
• Diagnosis of marijuana addiction in adolescents.
• The psychological reasons for craving marijuana.
• How marijuana affects mental health?
• Possibility to smoke marijuana for people with mental disorders.
• How marijuana affects the brain?
• How the effect of marijuana on the body works?
• Is there an addiction to marijuana?
• What negative effects are observed when using marijuana?
• Can marijuana provoke psychosis?
• Is there a connection between marijuana use and schizophrenia?
• Can marijuana enhance a manic state?
• Risk of developing mental illness when smoking marijuana.
• Can marijuana treat mental disorders?
• Increased risk of developing mental disorders when smoking marijuana.
• Effect of smoking marijuana on the development of paranoid schizophrenia.
• How quickly the brain of marijuana smokers recovers after quitting?
• Is it possible to use marijuana to treat mental disorders?
• What to be afraid of when smoking marijuana?
• Smoking Marijuana and Its Negative Outcomes.
• The place of marijuana in the ranking of mass drugs.
• The prevalence of marijuana compared to alcohol, tobacco, and coffee.
• The active ingredients of marijuana.
• The effect of marijuana on vital processes in the body.
• What active substances are contained in cannabis resin?
• What is the effect of marijuana in small doses?
• The effect of different large doses of marijuana.
• What dose of marijuana gives an exciting effect?
• Brain parts affected by cannabinoids when smoking marijuana.
• How smoking marijuana affects the limbic system?
• Intuition and insight when smoking marijuana.
• Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes in the US.
• How do consumers describe their feelings when smoking marijuana?
• How smoking marijuana affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain?
• Acute reaction to external sensations when smoking marijuana.
• What causes the brightness of sounds and colors when smoking marijuana?
• How smoking marijuana affects the feeling of hunger?
• What causes an increase in appetite when smoking marijuana?
• Increased dopamine release when smoking marijuana.
• What explains the positive emotions when smoking marijuana?
• “Popcorn effect” in experiments with marijuana on mice.
• Why do rodents become quiet in experiments on the influence of marijuana?
• How the THC content differs in different varieties of marijuana?
• What kind of marijuana was smoked in the hippie era?
• Which varieties of marijuana are the most popular?
• Marijuana and Banning Edibles .
• Which varieties of marijuana are the least popular?
• How to grow marijuana in greenhouses?
• How to grow marijuana on hydroponics?
• What is the risk of marijuana addiction?
• Risk of marijuana addiction compared to addiction to heavy drugs.
• Tobacco and alcohol addiction and risk of marijuana addiction.
• What percentage of consumers are addicted to marijuana?
• Risk of marijuana addiction when smoking every week.
• Dependence on marijuana included in the list of mental disorders.
• How many people suffer from marijuana addiction?
• Hotlines and support groups for marijuana addicts.
• The most frequent questions about marijuana consumption.
• Amotivation syndrome in marijuana addicts.
• Weakening and slowing down of thinking abilities in marijuana addicts.
• Reduced interest in the outside world among marijuana addicts.
• Passivity in marijuana addicts.
• The Recreational Use of Marijuana and Other Drugs.
• Lack of ambition and motivation in marijuana addicts.
• Rapid fatigue in marijuana addicts.
• The shattered mood of marijuana addicts.
• The ability to study marijuana smokers.
• Irreversible changes in the brain caused by marijuana.
• Making informed decisions among marijuana smokers.
• Propensity to risk in marijuana smokers.
• Impulsive behavior in marijuana smokers.
• Is there a withdrawal syndrome when using marijuana?
• Loss of appetite during withdrawal from marijuana.
• Restless sleep with nightmares during withdrawal from marijuana.
• How individual is the effect of marijuana on the body?
• Is it possible to predict the effects of marijuana in advance?
• What percentage feels the negative effect of smoking marijuana?
• Marijuana as a common means of self-treatment.
• Pro-Legalization of Marijuana.
• Features the first experience of using marijuana.
• Hallucinations with marijuana-induced psychosis.
• Aggression in marijuana-induced psychosis.
• Long-lasting effects of regular marijuana use.
• Short-term effects of regular marijuana use.
• The existence of a relationship between schizophrenia and marijuana smoking.
• Does marijuana provoke the accelerated development of mental illnesses?
• Can marijuana act as a trigger for mental illnesses?
• Marijuana Addiction and Legalization in the US.
• The connection of marijuana smoking with bipolar disorder development.
• The legal differences between marijuana legalization and decriminalization.
• The impact of marijuana decriminalization on crime statistics.
• Workplace drug testing as a cause of unlawful dismissal.
• Types of recreational marijuana taxation in the United States.
• Do medical cannabis patients benefit from decriminalization?
• Advantages and disadvantages of marijuana-related crime expungement.
• Racial bias in drug convictions: can legalization help?
• Barriers to decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level.
• Prohibition with limited responsibility as an alternative to legalization.
• Does the public support marijuana decriminalization?
• The impact of full marijuana legalization on medical research.
• Marijuana Legalization: Pros and Cons .
• The advantages and disadvantages of a cannabis licensing system.
• Marijuana legalization: potential harmful impact on underage users.
• How does marijuana legalization prevent wrongful dismissal from work?
• Correlation between marijuana legalization and violent crime rate.
• Disadvantages of decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
• Can cannabis legalization cause the consumption of other drugs?
• Decriminalization and the rise of drug offenses among minors.
• Marijuana Legalization on State and Federal Levels.
• Government cannabis business regulation in the United States.
• Place of marijuana in the federal drug scheduling system.
• Differences in regulations of various types of marijuana products.
• Obstacles to establishing a balanced cannabis growing licensing system.
• What were the reasons behind the Marihuana Tax Act?
• Different types of cultivation licenses in the United States.
• The necessity for medical marijuana ID cards.
• Marijuana legalization and use by police and army personnel.
• Should people with dangerous professions be allowed recreational marijuana?
• Benefits of universal decriminalization of marijuana for medicinal use.
• What should be the age for lawful marijuana use?
• Marijuana legalization in states with random drug testing policies.
• The impact of recreational cannabis use on public safety.
• Can businesses deny employment to recreational marijuana users?
• Should marijuana be legalized for recreational adult use?
• The impact of marijuana legalization on drug trafficking.
• Decriminalization of Marijuana.
• Relationship between marijuana decriminalization and property crime rates.
• The regulations for marijuana growth for personal recreational use.
• The criminogenic effect of marijuana legalization and decriminalization.
• Marijuana decriminalization as a cause for police resources re-allocation.
• The crime-reducing effect of recreational marijuana decriminalization.
• How to open a marijuana dispensary in the U.S?
• What governmental bodies are responsible for regulating marijuana use?
• The dangers of growing marijuana for personal use.
• Benefits of marijuana inclusion in the Affordable Care Act.
• Differences in regulation regarding marijuana cultivation in different states.
• Can legalization lead to a rise in drug-related crimes?
• Peculiarities of legalizing marijuana in different jurisdictions.
• Marijuana legalization on tribal lands.
• The implications of cannabis decriminalization on army jurisdiction.
• Can marijuana be legalized under tribal jurisdiction?
• Drugs, Values and Society. Drug Industry and Crime.
• Can military personnel use marijuana recreationally while not on duty?
• The socioeconomic impacts of marijuana decriminalization.
• The impact of marijuana legalization on business performance.
• Does increased cannabis use result in increased criminal activity?
• Comparing crime rates in states with and without legalization.
• Advantages of legalizing medicinal marijuana for underage use.
• The potentially damaging impact of marijuana on recreational users.
• Benefits of mandatory education on drugs in schools.
• Does marijuana decriminalization equate to recreational use legalization?
• Financial benefits of marijuana legalization.
• Marijuana Legalization and How It Can Benefit Society.
• Should previous convictions relating to drug possession be expunged?
• Legalization increases access of underage users to marijuana products.
• Should drug education be legalized in U.S. schools?
• Federal interference in state-level marijuana policies.
• Legal advantages of removing marijuana from the drug schedule.
• Benefits of establishing a federal tax on recreational marijuana.
• Should medicinal marijuana be exempt from sales tax?
• Colorado as an example of marijuana decriminalization and legalization.
• Advantages and disadvantages of marijuana being covered by insurance.
• What happens to cartels that lose the marijuana business?
• The Legalization of Marijuana in the USA.
• Marijuana product testing as a legal requirement before licensing.
• Comparing the effectiveness of alcohol and marijuana legislations.
• Driving under the cannabis influence: potential for vehicular accidents.
• Benefits of establishing driving limits for marijuana use.
• Marijuana legalization as an opportunity for black market growth.
• How can marijuana use by drivers be accurately checked?
• Marijuana legalization causes a decrease in police corruption.
• Should marijuana plants be allowed in households with children?
• Legalization paradox: marijuana laws require increased law enforcement.
• The dangers of a monopoly in the marijuana industry.
• Legal barriers: the impact of UN drug control conventions.
• Drugs, Crime, and Criminal Activities.
• Tax fraud and money laundering in marijuana dispensaries.
• Should marijuana use be allowed in public spaces?
• Marijuana legalization as a tool for generating tax.
• The criminal status of medicinal marijuana users.
• Federal policy on marijuana as the main barrier to decriminalization.
• Jurisdictional clash: how to deal with unintentional marijuana trafficking?
• Is the prohibition of recreational marijuana an effective policy?
• The laws on gifting marijuana products in the U.S.
• Marijuana Legalization: It’s Time to Make It.
• Marijuana legalization as an instrument of reducing cartel violence.
• Advantages and disadvantages of cannabis batch tracking measures.
• Can cannabis decriminalization reduce racial bias in law enforcement?
• The beneficial impact of reducing sentences for marijuana possession.
• Effectiveness of right-to-try laws in states where marijuana is illegal.
• Should cultivation for personal use be subject to regulation?
• How can the government regulate marijuana prices?
• Should recreational marijuana be subject to the excise tax?
• War on Drugs: Reducing and Defining the Trade of Illegal Drugs.
• Marijuana use in sports: benefits, risks, and drug testing.
• Impact of cannabis on mental health: effects on anxiety.
• Legal consequences of cannabis use and driving under the influence,
• Marijuana advertising: benefits, risks, regulations, and impact on consumer behavior.
• The effect of marijuana on cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Exploring the pros and cons of marijuana for addiction treatment and its therapeutic benefits.
• Examining the efficacy of cannabis for relieving and treating chronic aches and pains.
• Assessing the impact of cannabis on memory and learning capacity.
• Cannabis and the criminal justice system: sentencing and incarceration rates.
• Marijuana and health care costs: impacts on access and outcomes.
• Exploring the effects of cannabis on neurodevelopment.
• Selective Cannabinoids for Chronic Neuropathic Pain.
• Impact of cannabis use on young people.
• Potential link between cannabis and cancer.
• Marijuana Legalization: Only for Medical Purposes.
• Cannabis and memory; effects on long-term memory.
• Possible connection between cannabis and mental illness.
• Effect of cannabis consumption on job performance.
• Promotion of marijuana on social media platforms.
• Possibility of lung problems from marijuana use.
• Consequences of allowing marijuana use legally.
• Influence of marijuana on the job attendance.
• How marijuana affects thinking capacity?
• Financial effects of marijuana; impacts on job performance.
• Outcomes of marijuana use on secondary education.
• Environmental impacts of marijuana: effects on environmental pollution.
• Marijuana and its effects on public health.
• Legalizing Medical Marijuana: History and Purpose.
• The role of marijuana use on the risk of injury.
• Impact of marijuana on mental health; mental health treatment.
• Relationship between marijuana use and substance abuse.
• Effects of marijuana on adolescent development.
• How does cannabis impact family dynamics?
• Relationship between marijuana and crime rates.
• Effect of marijuana on employment; influence on child labor.
• The effect of marijuana on property values.
• How marijuana impacts people’s modes of transportation?
• Impact of marijuana on local politics; influence on youth politics.
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Its Causes.
• Influence of marijuana on tourism; effect on local tourism.
• Marijuana and public safety; influence on road safety.
• Marijuana and stock market; impact on stock exchange.
• Effect of marijuana on international relations.
• Marijuana and social interactions; effect on social media interactions.
• Impact of marijuana on social media; influence on youth interactions.
• Relationship between marijuana and drug trafficking.
• Influence of marijuana on the legal system.
• Marijuana and family ties; influence on divorces.
• The role of marijuana on public policy.
• Medicinal Marijuana Industry in Colorado.
• Marijuana and international trade; influence on international trade barriers.
• Impact of marijuana on economic development.
• Influence of marijuana on healthcare costs; impact on mental healthcare.
• Impact of marijuana on drug use: effects on local regulations.
• Marijuana and education outcomes; impact on secondary education outcomes.
• Effect of marijuana on social inequality; impact on income distribution.
• How cannabis impacts on social mobility?
• Influence of marijuana on cultural norms.
• Marijuana and social cohesion; impact on civic participation.
• Influence of marijuana on social trust; effect on integrity.
• Marijuana and social exclusion; influence on psychological exclusion.
• Cannabis and quality of life; influence on healthcare.
• Influence of marijuana on cognitive function; effect on memory.
• Effect of marijuana on physical activity; influence on walking styles.
• Influence of marijuana on substance abuse treatment.
• Association between cannabis use and sleep habits.
• Impact of marijuana on risk perception; effects on decision-making.
• Effects of cannabis on drug use; impact on physical health.
• The negative impacts of cannabis on media representation.
• How marijuana influences public opinion polls?
• Medical Marijuana: Persuasive Argument Against It.
• The influence of cannabis on creating public awareness.
• Marijuana and domestic violence; impact on women abuse.
• Impact of marijuana on interpersonal relationships; effects on friendships.
• Marijuana and health care services; impacts on dental health.
• Marijuana and its effects on tertiary education.
• Exploring the impact of marijuana on political stability.
• Relationship between cannabis use and people’s views.
• How cannabis impacts risk assessment and choices.
• Influence of cannabis on social identities.
• Marijuana and mental health services; impact on psychological counseling.
• Marijuana and its impact on health care quality.
• Effects of cannabis on drug abuse treatment.
• Marijuana and its impact on health care access.
• Smoked Marijuana for HIV-Associated Anorexia and Wasting .
• Effects of marijuana on pharmaceutical use; impact on anticonvulsants use.
• The economic benefits of marijuana legalization; impact on GNP.
• The impact of marijuana dispensaries on local communities.
• The neuropharmacology and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids.
• Main properties of cannabis in the context of its use.
• Current opinion of the WHO and the UN on the legalization of cannabis.
• Does the number of cannabis users grow after its legalization?
• Marijuana users: analysis of the social group.
• The problem of the spread of cannabis use in marginalized populations.
• Cannabis and morbidity in psychiatry: is there a connection?
• Comparison of legalization and criminalization strategies for cannabis use.
• Positive and negative effects of moderate cannabis use for society.
• The main arguments in favor of cannabis legalization.
• Increase in the number of cannabis users due to legalization.
• Legalization of cannabis use: history, significant events, prospects.
• How does the medical community view the legalization of marijuana use?
• Adverse effects of regular marijuana use on the human body.
• How have global legalization prospects changed in recent years?
• An overview of modern approaches to controlling the production of cannabis.
• Cannabis and social life in Western countries in the 20th century.
• Prerequisites for forming a culture of cannabis use in the Western world.
• How have attitudes toward cannabis changed throughout the 20th century?
• How do society’s needs affect cannabis legalization processes?
• Behavioral Effects Associated With Marijuana.
• Pros and cons of the legalization of cannabis use for recreational purposes.
• Medical research on the benefits of cannabis use for treatment purposes.
• Canada’s experience in the legalization of cannabis: the results achieved.
• An analysis of the Dutch experience in the legalization of cannabis use.
• The problem of legalization: point of view of a market economy.
• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the cannabis industry and users?
• The spread of marijuana use in the Middle and Far Ein the XXI century.
• Traditional harvesting methods and forms of cannabis use in India.
• How has cannabis influenced culture and social life in India throughout its history?
• Background to the widespread use of cannabis in modern India.
• The spread of marijuana use in Indian society: the current state of the problem.
• The sacred role of marijuana in the religious cults of India.
• Features of the use of cannabis as a remedy according to the canons of Ayurveda.
• Influence of the Indian colonization process on forming cannabis culture in Europe.
• Control of the sale and use of marijuana in India from the 19th century.
• Indian cinema as a reflection of the attitude of Indian society toward marijuana.
• Impact of marijuana use on society’s life of Jamaica.
• Similarities and differences in the culture of marijuana use in India and Jamaica.
• The current state of the cannabis industry in Jamaica.
• The role of cannabis as a spiritual guide in Rastafari culture.
• An overview of spiritual practices with marijuana of the Rastafari movement.
• Spread of the cannabis culture during the era of colonization.
• Distribution and production of cannabis in the US during the colonial era.
• Legalization of marijuana in the USA: history, the current state of the problem.
• An overview of the current legal market for cannabis production in the US.
• An analysis of the role of cannabis use in the beatnik movement in the 1950s.
• Hippie culture and the use of cannabis: prerequisites for de-marginalization.
• Hipster movement as supporters of legalization in the 21st century.
• The impact of the normalization of cannabis use among celebrities.
• The influence of marijuana culture on the formation of Stoner Rock music.
• Social events and holidays associated with cannabis use: history and traditions.
• The negative image of cannabis in the media in the 20th century.
• Attitudes towards cannabis use in the US over the past 100 years.
• How does the use of cannabis fit into religion today?
• Does a person’s age affect their attitude toward the legalization of cannabis?
• Possible negative social consequences of a liberal approach to marijuana control.
• Do positive attitudes toward marijuana affect the perception of other drugs?
• Person’s political views and their attitude toward cannabis legalization.
• The attitude of representatives of generation Z to the legalization of marijuana.
• Cannabis and professional sports: is there a trend towards less control?
• Cannabis as an entheogen: a role in antique social, cultural and religious practices.
• Analysis of information about the use of cannabis in ancient societies.
• The origin of Cannabis Culture Day and its role in normalizing cannabis use.
• Global trends in cannabis use: new perspectives and challenges.
• Marijuana: Benefits of Decriminalization.
• Indicators of the normalization of cannabis consumption in Western society.
• Basic principles about marijuana among the followers of Buddhism.
• Cannabis use among representatives of various Abrahamic religions: general trends.
• An overview of religious movements that use cannabis in their sacred cults.
• The influence of cannabis on jazz culture in the 20th 30s of the XX century.
• Stoner film genre and its role in public opinion on the legalization of cannabis.
• The influence of cannabis on society in the 1960s: the road to legalization.
• The use of cannabis in ancient China.
• The cult of the goddess Magu and its connection with cannabis.
• The traditions of Dacians and Scythians that were associated with cannabis.
• The influence of religious movements on cannabis legalization in the world.
• Deities associated with the use of cannabis in different religions.
• Evidence of cannabis use by the Europe tribes in connection with religious events.
• Cannabis in the culture of African peoples, associated rituals, and features of use.
• Cantheism as a philosophical movement that studies the interaction with marijuana.
• THC Ministry is an international marijuana movement: history, religious overtones.
• Specific cannabis-associated terms and their inclusion in the everyday public lexicon.
• The most common forms of cannabis use in Western countries.
• Global trends in cannabis use among youth, adults, and the elderly.
• The most common modern forms and practices of marijuana use.
• The relationship of spiritualism and cannabis use among today’s youth.
• Popularization of the use of cannabis in social networks.
• Advertising of marijuana use and its positive representation.
• Approaches to controlling advertising and promotion of cannabis on the Internet.
• The problem of racism in the modern culture of production and use of cannabis.
• Overview of modern trends in the cultivation and production of hemp.
• Ways to control the distribution in countries with legalized cannabis.
• Eastern spiritual practices and their influence on cannabis use in the West.
• Public Discussions on the legalization of Cannabis: trends in recent years.
• Image of a person using cannabis in modern culture.
• Long-term effects of cannabis legalization on social and cultural life.
• The legalization movement in western countries: an analysis of activity.
• Trends in the world practice of marijuana legalization.
• Fighting the black market as part of the legalization of cannabis.
• Are marijuana advocates concerned with the economy or personal benefits?
• Can legalized cannabis revenues cover rehabilitation expenditures for marijuana abusers?
• Can the financial benefits of marijuana legalization justify health issues?
• Cannabis legalization: Lessons and economic outcomes from three developed countries.
• Cannabis tourism: Economic advantages and ethical concerns.
• Countries that benefited financially after allowing marijuana usage.
• Do the costs of marijuana legalization outweigh its tax revenues?
• Does recreational marijuana have to be legalized for economic growth?
• Does the US have enough specialists for cannabis-related occupations?
• Ethical issues of legally allowing cannabis to pursue economic improvement.
• Global marijuana business and its effects on the economy.
• How can legalized marijuana consumption help overcome the financial crisis?
• How can legally accepted cannabis advance gross domestic product?
• How can legal cannabis usage resolve unemployment issues?
• How can marijuana legalization save government costs concerning criminal justice?
• How can small businesses profit from marijuana being legally allowed?
• How can the cannabis industry become an economic driver?
• How can US banks facilitate cannabis legalization?
• How do countries that allow cannabis consumption tax the drug?
• How do US states that allow marijuana allocate tax revenues?
• How does cannabis prohibition impact the economy through black markets?
• How does legalizing marijuana contribute to decreases in government spending?
• How has California benefited financially due to making cannabis legal?
• How has unemployment changed in Colorado since allowing marijuana usage?
• How can marijuana legalization harm existing businesses?
• How may the black market benefit from cannabis legalization?
• Marijuana, Its Medical and Economic Benefits.
• How would legally permissible cannabis usage affect US tax revenues?
• Is creating marijuana taxation policies more feasible than prohibiting cannabis?
• Is the legalization of medical cannabis enough for economic growth?
• Legalization of marijuana: accounting and taxation issues.
• Making marijuana legal: Economic benefits and pitfalls.
• Marijuana industry’s economic impact since legalization in Colorado and California.
• Marijuana legalization as a way of overcoming unemployment.
• Marijuana taxation in the US and Canada: Comparison and outcomes.
• The comparison of cannabis tax policies in Colorado and California.
• The economic effects of cannabis legalization on tourism and banking.
• The economic rationale for cannabis legalization.
• The impacts of the cannabis industry on the US population.
• The monetary outcomes of sales of medical marijuana in the US.
• US tax policies on medical marijuana usage.
• What are the economic benefits of cannabis legalization, aside from tax revenues?
• What are the financial benefits of marijuana legalization?
• What are the monetary costs of legalizing marijuana?
• What are the economic outcomes of taxing and penalizing cannabis?
• What are the three top cannabis businesses in Colorado?
• What are unemployment rates in states allowing and prohibiting cannabis?
• What factors affect economic growth associated with cannabis legalization?
• What is more economically advantageous: prohibiting or legalizing marijuana?
• What is the price elasticity of legalized and illegal cannabis?
• What jobs can be created due to legally allowing marijuana?
• What programs or organizations are supported by marijuana tax revenues?
• What three industries benefit the most from cannabis legalization?
• What would benefit the economy: Medical or recreational cannabis usage?
• Which industries have expanded in California since marijuana legalization?
• Which policies ensure that cannabis tax revenues benefit the nation?
• Which US states have experienced financial loss after cannabis prohibition?
• Which US states have seen economic growth after cannabis legalization?
• Why is marijuana prohibited if its legalization is economically beneficial?
• Would cannabis legalization provide long- or short-term economic advantages?
• The implementation of the recreational use of marijuana.
• Advantages and disadvantages of marijuana legalization.
• Modern marijuana policy in the USA.
• The origin of marijuana and its usage in the past.
• Marijuana Legalization and Drug Effects.
• The role of marijuana in the discussions in media.
• The consequence of inappropriate use of marijuana.
• Consequences of legalization of marijuana in Maine.
• The role of marijuana in severe illnesses treatment.
• The reasons for the failure of anti-marijuana measures.
• The impact of marijuana legalization on society.
• Negative consequences of marijuana on people`s health.
• Benefits of using marijuana at hospitals with examples.
• The media`s influence on legalization and prohibition of marijuana.
• The relationship between marijuana and other drugs.
• The impact of marijuana legalization on the American economy.
• The economic loss due to the prohibition of marijuana.
• The future of anti-marijuana policy in the USA.
• Students’ Attitudes towards the Use of Cannabis.
• The social effect of marijuana prohibition and its benefits.
• Marijuana, alcohol or cigarettes: what is deadlier.
• Raising cannabis plants at home: legal or illegal.
• The role of racial presumptions in prohibiting marijuana.
• Illegal ways of marijuana spread in the USA.
• Effective measures to prevent illegal use of marijuana.
• The war on drugs and marijuana’s role in it.
• The history of the war against marijuana in America.
• The decrease in crime rates due to marijuana legalization.
• Economic, healthy, and safety factors in legalizing marijuana.
• Tax revenue in the states due to marijuana legalization.
• The improvement in regulatory oversight due to marijuana legalization.
• The increase in health quality due to marijuana legalization.
• The Problem of Drug Abuse by Women.
• Differences in worker productivity because of marijuana.
• Main concepts and strategies of legalizing marijuana in Maine.
• The reasons for marijuana prohibition: explanation and examples.
• Safe and danger of marijuana: qualitative study.
• Adverse effects of the medical use of marijuana.
• The reasons for different marijuana policy in the US states.
• The sights of inappropriate and harmful use of marijuana.
• Drug Abuse and Modern Society.
• Marijuana addiction in the USA: causes, examples, and consequences.
• The medical effectiveness of marijuana: truth or lie.
• The factors that influence global marijuana policy.
• Marijuana popularity among teenagers: reasons, examples, and results.
• Marijuana`s effects on teenagers and adolescents influencing marijuana legalization.
• The benefits of recreational marijuana in the USA.
• The basic presumptions and their role in marijuana legalization.
• Attitudes among Americans toward marijuana legalization.
• The overuse of marijuana due to legalization: possible issues.
• The effect of marijuana on the fight against cancer.
• Arguments against marijuana legalization in the USA.
• Benefits of limitations of the legal use of marijuana.
• State vs. government marijuana legalization: what is more effective.
• The advantages of legal control over marijuana for Americans.
• The Reasons Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized.
• The historical examples of the benefits of marijuana legalization.
• Different types of marijuana: from safe to deadly.
• The reasons for taking marijuana by adults and teenagers.
• Health problems caused by extreme use of marijuana.
• Countries that will never legalize marijuana and why.
• Industrial benefits of legalizing marijuana for financial development.
• The effects of marijuana prohibition on public health quality.
• The consequences of marijuana prohibition on the crime level.
• Legalization of medical marijuana in Maine: causes and consequences.
• Reasons for comprehensive drug reform in the USA.
• The research of the public`s opinion on legalizing marijuana.
• Statistics of marijuana use: research, analysis, and influence.
• The strategies of marijuana legalization that failed.
• The role of the drug enforcement administration in marihuana prohibition.
• Medical marijuana law in America: explanation, use, and impact.
• Legalizing Marijuana from the Christian Worldview.
• The influence of clinical studies on marijuana legalization.
• Relations between marijuana legalization and life-safety conditions.
• Marijuana nation: the root of the issue or way to improvements.
• The consequences of recreational marijuana legalization in Maine.
• Recreational use of marijuana in America: explanation and necessity.
• How to prevent the harmful use of marijuana in society?
• The reasons for taking marijuana among teenagers.
• The role of the third amendment in marijuana legalization.
• The harmful effects of marijuana prohibition in the USA.
• When, how, and why did marijuana become legal?
• Marijuana Legalization for Recreational Use.
• Which factors influence decisions about marijuana legalization?

✍️ How to Choose a Marijuana Topic for Your Essay

Whether you are writing an argumentative , persuasive, or any other type of essay , you should consider your topic first. After all, a compelling title can result in an equally compelling paper. Below, we will discuss tips for selecting the best marijuana essay titles.

• Bear your interests in mind. Before settling on an idea, do some preliminary reading and ask yourself which area stands out. Perhaps you are concerned with how cannabis affects mental illness? Alternatively, you might be wondering about marijuana laws in different states. To write a good paper, choose a topic that fits your interests. Working on something you are invested in will make the process more enjoyable.
• Conduct preliminary research. To find the perfect topic, you need to understand the overall scope of your work and the current research. What are the “hottest” discussions and the most recent debates about cannabis legalization? Who are the influential voices on this subject? Answering these questions and reading relevant sources regarding marijuana will guide you in the right direction. And to ensure that you don’t linger on this stage, you can shorten the articles you read with our summary generator .
• Find a niche in the existing knowledge. As you conduct your initial research, try to find a gap in the existing academic literature. You can focus on areas that are not as thoroughly studied as others. For example, this could be the effects of edible cannabis products on human health. Yet, you still need sufficient evidence to support your arguments.
• Consider what your professor might find engaging. Talk to your instructor if you can’t find a niche in the existing knowledge or aren’t sure if your topic fits. They might give suggestions or tell you about a research area they find personally engaging. It is a good idea to keep your professor’s interests in mind. After all, they will be the ones grading your paper.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for advice! Always remember: you are not alone! Even if your professor isn’t available, there are other people you can turn to. Teaching assistants, peers, and librarians will gladly share their advice and opinions. You can also look at old essays or dissertations to see how other students tackled this subject.

Thank you for reading the article. Share these tips with your classmates and friends that need help with their research title about cannabis. To ensure that your essay turns out perfect, you can try reading out loud. If you don’t have a friend nearby, you can always use our free text-to-voice tool .

• Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy – Alison Mack, Janet Joy, National Academies Press, PubMed
• A Quick Take on Cannabis and Its Effects – Kimberly Holland, Femi Aremu, Healthline
• Choose Your Research Topic – Griffith University
• Selecting & Refining a Research Topic – Joan Reitz, Western Connecticut State University

Marijuana, cannabis and legalization research guide

Need more help.

Not finding what you need? Contact the University Libraries for help using the Chat 24/7 button , or make an appointment with a Peer Research Consultant  for one-on-one support. You can also schedule an appointment with a university librarian . 

Example keywords and subtopics

Example keywords or search terms:  

• cannibus or marijuana
• medical marijuana
• medical cannibus
• recreational marijuana
• CBD or cannabinoid
• THC or tetrahydrocannabinol
• retail or stores
• marijuana or cannabis or pot or weed or thc or cannabinoids
• edibles or edible cannabis
• drug addiction
• substance abuse
• alternative to opioids
• attitudes or perceptions or opinions or thoughts or feelings or beliefs
• legal or law or legislation or policy or regulation
• police or policing or law enforcement

Tip: This is a big topic with lots written so you can often focus on one or two subtopics. This will help to find more relevant sources, more quickly and be a better fit for an assignment. Here are a few examples of potential areas a research project regarding social media might examine:

health impacts, public health, cultural practices, medical uses, policy changes over time, legalization, growing, use in agriculture, police or criminal justice aspects and more.

Explore additional UMN Libraries research guides 

• Cannabis Research: Agricultural, Environmental & Edibles Research guide  

*New* Cannabis Research Center launches at UMN School of Public Health

University of Minnesota School of Public Health has launched a new Cannabis Research Center (CRC) . The center will assess the impact of adult-use cannabis legalization and help inform future cannabis policies and practices across the state of Minnesota.

• View research on the topic

Search article databases

Article databases are a very useful tool because many of them search high-quality, scholarly sources like academic journal articles, or more popular sources such as newspaper or magazine articles. Watch this tutorial to  learn more about databases .

A few databases to explore for this topic: 

• Opposing Viewpoints in Context Find articles on current issues, including viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, magazine and newspaper articles.
• Academic Search Premier A great place to start your research on any topic, search multidisciplinary, scholarly research articles. This database provides access to scholarly and peer reviewed journals, popular magazines and other resources. View this tutorial to learn how to go from a general idea to a very precise set of results of journal articles and scholarly materials.
• CQ Researcher CQ Researcher provides in-depth coverage of important issues of the day. Reports are written by experienced journalists, footnoted, and professionally fact-checked. Full-length articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research. Shorter "Hot Topics" articles provide a solid introduction to subjects in demand.
• PubMed Searches MEDLINE, which is the primary source of journal articles for the health sciences (fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, public health, health care systems, and basic sciences). Coverage is from the 1940s to the present. View this tutorial to learn how to go from a general idea to a very precise set of results of journal articles and scholarly materials.
• HeinOnline This link opens in a new window Huge legal search tool with full-text of legal journals, legal histories, government documents, state and federal cases, international law and includes coverage of many older legal materials. Contains the Congressional Record, Federal Register, and Code of Federal Regulations, complete coverage of the U.S. Reports (Supreme Court) back to 1754.

Example searches

The important thing to remember is that searching on databases is different from searching on google. Instead of typing your question try using your keywords to search topics together. 

In this example, we search the database Academic Search Premier for the search on (cannibus OR marijuana) AND (law OR legal OR legislation OR policy OR regulation) AND minnesota to get results. The results are sorted by "relevance" but you can select "data newest" if that is more useful. 

Minnesota government and federal sources

Minnesota is the 23rd state in the nation to legalize cannabis use for people 21 and older in July 2023. Learn more  about the legislation .

• Minnesota Office Cannabis Management
• Minnesota’s Hemp Program  
• Minnesota Issues Resource Guides Cannabis - This guide is compiled by staff at the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library on a topic of interest to state legislators. It introduces the topic and points to sources for further research.
• Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know from the League of Minnesota Cities

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• Comprehensive Guide for Minnesota & Local Government Information A thorough directory of sources for policy and legislation in the state of Minnesota.
• National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics
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• The National Addiction & HIV Data Archive Program acquires, preserves and disseminates data relevant to drug addiction and HIV research. The scope of the data housed at NAHDAP covers a wide range of legal and illicit drugs (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, synthetic drugs, and others) and the trajectories, patterns, and consequences of drug use as well as related predictors and outcomes.
• SAMHDA provides public-use data files, file documentation, and access to restricted-use data files to support a better understanding of this critical area of public health.
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• Marijuana and Madness by Deepak Cyril D'Souza (Editor); David Castle (Editor); Sir Robin Murray (Editor) ISBN: 9781108943246 Publication Date: 2023-05-12 An updated third edition of this award-winning book provides a comprehensive overview of the complex associations between cannabis and mental illness. Organised into easy to navigate sections, the book has been fully revised to feature eight entirely new chapters covering important novel aspects. Marijuana and Madness incorporates new research findings on the potential use of cannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids, in an array of mental illnesses, balanced against the potential adverse effects. The associations between cannabis and psychosis, developing putative models of 'cannabis induced' psychosis and pathways to schizophrenia are all covered. The book importantly discusses the impact of exposure to cannabis at various stages of neurodevelopment (in utero, in childhood, and during adolescence) and it thoroughly reviews the treatments for cannabis dependence and health policy implications of the availability of increasingly high potency cannabis. This book will quickly become an essential resource for all members of the mental health team.

The views that people, the medical community, and governments have toward marijuana continue to shift and in the United States represent a conflict between federal and many state laws. Read the overview below to gain a balanced understanding of the issues and explore the previews of opinion articles that highlight many perspectives on marijuana.

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Marijuana topic overview.

"Marijuana." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection , Gale, 2022.

In common usage, marijuana refers to the dried flowers of the cannabis plant. These flowers are typically smoked to produce a psychoactive high. In addition, the flowers and other parts of the plant can be processed into hashish, oils, extracts, and other refined products that can be smoked, eaten, and vaporized. The effects of the high can be subjective and often vary depending on whether the user consumed a Cannabis sativa strain, a Cannabis indica strain, or a hybrid strain.

Beyond its popularity as a recreational drug, marijuana also has medicinal applications. Its increasing therapeutic use has brought about the development of novel delivery methods, such as tinctures, balms, transdermal patches, and microdosing preparations. Biopharmaceutical companies are also creating a new generation of controlled delivery methods including regular and time-release capsules with standardized dosages.

Recreational marijuana use is common in the United States. According to results from the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 17.9 percent of Americans age twelve and older reported using marijuana in 2020. Marijuana use is most common among people between eighteen and twenty-five years old. Though federal law has prohibited the sale and possession of marijuana since 1937, by 2022, thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands had legalized cannabis use in some capacity, typically for medical purposes. In addition, five states have legalized cannabidiol (CBD) oil for medical purposes. CBD is an active ingredient in marijuana which is extracted for use in CBD oil. As of June 2022, recreational adult use of marijuana has been approved in nineteen states and the District of Columbia.

According to a Gallup poll in October 2021, 68 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana. Public support has steadily increased since Gallup began surveying Americans on cannabis legalization in 1969, when only 12 percent of respondents supported it. Gallup polling has revealed several motivations for supporting legalization, including an appreciation of the plant's medical benefits, a desire to free up law enforcement resources, reducing incarceration rates in communities disproportionally impacted by criminalization, the promise of state and local tax revenue, belief that cannabis use should be a personal choice, and anticipation that government regulation will make its use safer. Opponents of cannabis legalization have expressed concerns about its impact on public safety, noting that legalization may result in more impaired driving and contribute to users moving on to harder drugs.

PROS AND CONS OF LEGALIZING ADULT RECREATIONAL CANNABIS USE

• Establishing a recreational marijuana industry creates jobs and can generate significant tax revenue for state and local governments. Tax revenue can be applied to drug treatment programs and other public projects.
• Legalization allows consumers to purchase cannabis and cannabis products from licensed vendors regulated by the government, a safer alternative to acquiring them from the underground market.
• When passed alongside statutes granting amnesty to past offenders, laws that legalize recreational marijuana use can help reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Similarly, legalization would address backlogged courts and overwhelmed corrections facilities.
• Ending marijuana prohibition may contribute to a higher incidence of impaired driving and associated fatalities. Law enforcement has encountered challenges in creating methods to reliably test for marijuana-impaired driving.
• Increased availability heightens the risk of intentional and accidental misuse. Legal retailers often offer cannabis-infused items, such as products that look and taste like candy, that children may mistake as being safe to eat.
• While the dangers of using cannabis have not fully been studied, researchers have found evidence that using marijuana can have serious physical and mental health implications.

PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS

The psychoactive substance that produces the "high" associated with marijuana is known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is one of many chemical compounds present in marijuana known as cannabinoids and is the only cannabinoid proven to produce intoxicating effects. The effects of cannabis use can differ, depending on the strain of marijuana consumed, the level of THC content, and the consumption method.

Marijuana use commonly causes altered sensory perception. It can induce temporal distortions, making time seem to pass more slowly. Mood changes can occur; these effects tend to be highly subjective and dependent on the user's mental and emotional state. Many users report that the high causes difficulty with sequential reasoning and problem-solving but stimulates creativity and free-associative thought. At very high doses, marijuana can also induce delusions and hallucinations.

Cannabis users report that sativa strains induce a more energetic high suitable for socializing and creative thinking, while indica strains produce a heavier, more sedative effect. Hybrid strains of the plant, which are typically cultivated to contain a certain percentage of sativa parentage and a certain percentage of indica parentage, can produce different combinations of these effects. Smoked or vaporized cannabis products enter the bloodstream quickly and produce a near-instantaneous high, while edible preparations and tinctures are absorbed at a slower rate and usually take at least thirty to sixty minutes to produce any noticeable effects.

The subspecies Cannabis ruderalis naturally has extremely low concentrations of THC and is not typically consumed recreationally because it does not produce psychoactive effects. However, the plant has been used in traditional medicines in Central Asia. Further, cannabis growers have experimented with blending the subspecies with sativa and indica trains because of its sturdiness and its ability to flower regardless of the light cycle.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RISKS

Marijuana use can have both short-term and long-term physical and mental effects. Short-term physical effects include decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and dry mouth. If the drug is smoked, it also constricts blood vessels. The increase in heart rate associated with marijuana is considered risky for people with heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. The short-term mental effects of marijuana use include confusion, sedation, impaired memory, inattentiveness, and diminished concentration. Users may also experience psychological side effects including anxiety, paranoia, panic, and delusional or psychotic behavior. More extreme psychological reactions are typically associated with higher dosages.

With regular long-term use, the physical effects of marijuana can include bronchitis, lung infections, and a chronic cough. Mental faculties that can be negatively affected include concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities. Some studies suggest that long-term use could lower a person's intelligence quotient (IQ) score. Such claims have faced scrutiny from researchers who challenge the methodologies and sample sizes used in these studies.

Research also suggests links between marijuana use and serious mental illnesses such as psychosis and schizophrenia. These links are strongest in people who began using the drug at a young age, use the drug heavily and frequently, and have a family history of psychosis and schizophrenia. In general, negative marijuana-related long-term physical and mental health outcomes are more likely to occur in heavy, regular users and users who begin taking the drug at a young age, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood when the brain is still developing.

A commonly held belief suggests that marijuana does not cause physical addiction. However, most mental health professionals recognize the potential for users to develop a psychological dependence on the drug. Physical addiction causes physical withdrawal symptoms when use of a drug is discontinued, while psychological dependence causes withdrawal symptoms identified as purely psychological and emotional. Experts stress that physical addiction can occur in rare cases, primarily in very heavy chronic users. Mental health professionals believe a person has developed marijuana use disorder when cannabis use interferes with a person's life and the person has trouble refraining from use.

Some public health officials, addiction experts, and researchers believe that marijuana may act as a gateway drug, meaning that using it creates an increased chance that a person will go on to take other drugs. While the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) acknowledges marijuana's potential as a gateway drug, it also concedes that most marijuana users do not go on to experiment with or use more dangerous substances.

MEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND LEGAL STATUS

Medical experts have recognized marijuana's potential therapeutic value in treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including chronic pain, seizures, inflammation, nausea, and insomnia. Research suggests that cannabis can also ease symptoms like the muscle spasms and stiffness of progressive neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, marijuana has been shown to help treat nausea and vomiting in some chemotherapy patients and to counteract loss of appetite among people with HIV/AIDS. When combined with other therapies, it may also help individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One obstacle to full understanding of the potential benefits of marijuana was a federal regulation that scientists could only perform research using marijuana grown in a single authorized facility at the University of Mississippi. This marijuana was described by scientists as "subpar" and not equivalent to the marijuana in actual use. In May 2021 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it was working on rules to allow researchers to purchase marijuana from commercial providers.

Marijuana also has been cited as a possible solution for the abuse of harder drugs, particularly opioids. The products of cannabis plants have noted analgesic properties. In these products, researchers have sought possible alternatives to the powerful narcotic painkillers that have contributed to high rates of opioid addiction in the United States and other countries. Several studies have shown that states with legal access to medical marijuana have fewer opioid-related deaths, and a study published in Health Economics in April 2022 found lower use of prescription painkillers among Medicaid recipients in states with legal recreational cannabis. No death has ever been attributed to marijuana overdose. A University of Washington study published in May 2022 found that between 2014 and 2019, alcohol, cigarette, and improper pain medication use all declined among young adults following recreational marijuana legalization in the state in 2012.

However, some scientists caution that routine marijuana use can still pose dangers, particularly for teenagers and very young adults, and for pregnant women. In addition, Stanford University researchers announced in April 2022 that people who smoke marijuana more than once a month have an increased risk of heart attack and heart disease, though a soy-based supplement may counteract this effect.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, changed the legal status of hemp, a type of cannabis that contains less than 0.3 percent of THC and has traditionally been used to make clothing, rope, and other durable products. Through this change, Congress made allowances for the study of the potential effects of using hemp and the sale of some hemp-derived products, particularly those containing CBD. CBD is not psychoactive and can be found in all forms of cannabis. Interest in CBD products increased after the law's passage, though a consensus has not been reached on the full benefits of CBD. Several studies, however, indicate that it can be effective at treating certain epilepsy syndromes. As of June 2022, CBD products are legal nationwide, as long as they are derived from hemp rather than marijuana. Idaho additionally requires CBD products to have less than 0.3 percent THC content.

Except when considering the potential medical benefits of hemp, federal law holds cannabis as illegal and makes no distinction between medical and recreational use. In 2020 the US House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act), which would have decriminalized marijuana at the federal level and removed it from the list of controlled substances. The bill stalled after the Senate chose not to vote on it. The same law was reintroduced in 2021, and in April 2022 was passed by the House. However, though Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to introduce a bill to the Senate, expectations that it would pass remained low.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS

• What are the risks associated with marijuana use, and do you believe they are great enough to justify the federal government's approach to its use? Explain your answer.
• Do you believe states that have legalized recreational adult use of cannabis benefit from their decision to do so? Why or why not?
• In your opinion, should states that legalize cannabis also erase the convictions of people previously convicted of marijuana offenses? Explain your answer.

EFFECTS OF LEGALIZATION

The legalization of recreational marijuana has had positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, states with legal recreational marijuana have enjoyed a major increase in tax revenues. Colorado, which was the first state to legalize the drug for adult recreational use, reported over $423 million in marijuana tax revenue in 2021, up from $266.5 million in 2018. Nationwide, legal marijuana generated a total of $3.7 billion in tax proceeds in 2021. Legal sales of marijuana were expected to exceed $33 billion in 2022, an increase of 32 percent over the $25 billion in sales in 2021. Fortune magazine reported that in 2022, the cannabis industry employed approximately 520,000 people, a figure expected to rise to over eight hundred thousand by 2026. In addition to generating revenue for states, advocates point out that legalizing marijuana saves expenses and frees police and court resources to focus on more serious crimes by eliminating the many misdemeanor marijuana prosecutions. Some activists have also argued for legalization as a racial and social justice issue, as people and communities of color have historically been disproportionately targeted for such prosecutions.

Though public support for cannabis legislation continues to grow in the United States, citizens remain concerned about the risks of impaired driving. The American Automobile Association's Traffic Safety Culture Index reported in 2020 that 70 percent of Americans considered driving after using cannabis to be highly dangerous and 77 percent supported laws criminalizing marijuana-impaired driving. As more states legalized cannabis, the number of fatal traffic accidents involving the drug rose sharply, doubling between 2000 and 2018, according to a 2021 study published in the American Journal of Public Health .

Testing positive for marijuana use after a collision, however, does not prove the person was impaired while driving, as the drug can stay in a person's system for several weeks after use. The lack of a reliable, universally accepted roadside screening test for marijuana impairment poses another complication for addressing impaired driving. While such tests are actively being developed, law enforcement officials must rely on controversial screening processes that may yield inaccurate and inconsistent results, and field sobriety tests reliant on police officers' judgment. Many police agencies indicate that officers frequently lack the knowledge and training to detect marijuana impairment, allowing some drug-impaired drivers to escape.

The wide variation of cannabis laws between states and the possibility of positive test results weeks after actual use has negatively affected employees of various industries. For example, zero-tolerance federal regulations for commercial driving license holders exacerbated the supply-chain issues that began affecting the United States in 2020. A driver can consume marijuana legally in one state while off duty and test positive weeks later, usually leading to instant termination by employers and a complicated series of steps to requalify for commercial driving. As the industry and the federal government have tried to recruit more drivers, they have lost thousands of experienced drivers. Of the nearly 120,000 drivers with a drug violation since January 2020, only about 25 percent have completed the process to resume commercial driving.

Changing marijuana laws have created some legal issues without clear answers. For example, many activists have called for marijuana amnesty, which would erase previous convictions from the criminal records of people found guilty of cannabis possession in states that have legalized it. However, with marijuana remaining prohibited at the federal level, there is no obvious path forward for such a policy at the national level, even though public support for amnesty is strong. As marijuana prohibition has disproportionately resulted in the arrest and incarceration of people of color, many activists have argued that any legal cannabis industry must provide opportunities that benefit these affected communities.

The transportation of recreational marijuana from a state where it is legal to a state where it is not legal causes further complications for law enforcement. Existing federal statutes make interstate transport of marijuana or marijuana products illegal. However, the rise of novel consumption methods, such as marijuana-infused beverages and snacks, has presented law enforcement officials with significant detection and enforcement challenges. Further, in states where such consumption methods are legal, authorities have reported cases of minors mistaking the drug for something safe to eat.

More Articles

Marijuana should be legalized for medical use.

"Marijuana has been used throughout the world for thousands of years, and its medicinal benefits are incontrovertible."

In the following viewpoint, the Drug Policy Alliance argues that marijuana is safe and effective as a medicine for the treatment of many illnesses. The alliance reports that because of this and the change in public opinion, about half the states now allow the use of medical marijuana. The author claims that the federal government should not interfere with the states and should do more to support research about medical marijuana. The Drug Policy Alliance is a national advocacy leader of drug law reform that is grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights.

The Marijuana Plant Should Not Be Legalized for Medical Use

"Legalizing the marijuana plant ... and allowing open access to it is not necessary and may even create a public health danger for seriously ill patients."

In the following viewpoint, the Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. (DFAF) argues that there is no justification for legalizing use of the marijuana plant as medicine. DFAF claims that there is already a synthetic marijuana-component pharmaceutical product on the market prescribed for medical purposes, and more research is under way for potential effective and safe use of natural or synthetic components of the marijuana plant. DFAF is a drug policy and prevention organization committed to creating an environment where citizens live free of illicit drugs.

Marijuana Should Be Fully Legalized, Not Just Decriminalized

“Despite its benefits, decriminalization falls short in many ways—largely because it still lies within the framework of prohibition.”

In the following viewpoint, the Drug Policy Alliance argues that marijuana prohibition has failed, but marijuana decriminalization policies do not go far enough to remedy the problems with prohibition. The alliance contends that decriminalization does not prevent arrests and criminal records and does nothing to address the harms of the underground—and often violent—marijuana trade. The alliance contends that marijuana ought to be legal, taxed, and regulated in a manner similar to alcohol. The Drug Policy Alliance is a national advocacy leader of drug law reform that is grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights.

Decriminalization Doesn’t Erase Marijuana’s Class and Race Problems

“Indeed, decriminalization doesn’t change the social conditions that sustain both marijuana use and racially biased responses to it.”

Chris S. Duvall is an associate professor of geography at the University of New Mexico. He is the author of Cannabis , a history of marijuana use throughout the world. In the following viewpoint, Duvall breaks down the historical racial and class biases associated with marijuana. He identifies many misconceptions that persist in the debate over drug legalization, including the idea that African slaves introduced marijuana to the United States and the belief that decriminalization is enough to remove the racial stigma surrounding the drug. However, Duvall states, decriminalization will have a number of benefits, including fewer arrests in minority neighborhoods. He urges readers to consider marijuana’s role in society and explains how tax revenues from legally sold marijuana could be applied to services for those in low-income communities.

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How does marijuana affect the brain? Psychological researchers examine impact on different age groups over time

New legislation is helping scientists and manufacturers study the effects of cannabis and develop guidelines for use

Vol. 54 No. 4 Print version: page 20

• Cognition and the Brain
• Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction
• Neuropsychology

In 2021, more than 36 million people 12 and older reported using cannabis in the past month—double the number compared with a decade earlier, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey of Drug Use and Health . Cannabis users have access to an unprecedented variety of purported antidotes for everything from anxiety to insomnia to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—claims that have yet to be validated by research. Among the popular offerings are cannabis concentrates with extremely high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the euphoric “high” sensation.

“Science is having a hard time keeping up with the enormous increase in products available, especially because researchers have been hamstrung by regulatory hurdles,” said Columbia University’s Margaret Haney, PhD, a professor of neurobiology and director of the school’s Cannabis Research Laboratory. Those hurdles include marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I substance, which requires researchers to earn approval from multiple federal agencies for studies.

APA has been advocating for reforms in cannabis research regulations to ensure that science is available to inform product policies, clinical decisions for therapeutic use, and public understanding about the health effects across the life span. In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act—legislation that will make it easier for scientists and manufacturers to study the effects of marijuana and develop guidelines for use. For decades, the University of Mississippi was the only federally approved cultivator of cannabis for scientists, but the new law will allow other entities to manufacture and distribute the drug for research.

Although the legislation does not allow scientists to buy and study products available in dispensaries, psychologists hope that the new policy is a harbinger of increasing federal support for gathering more science-based data to educate the public and health care providers. The latest findings are shedding light on how biological brain differences may influence cognitive effects in adolescent users, how cannabis can interfere with pharmaceutical medications for depression and other mental health issues, and the potential mental benefits for older adults. “For many years, cannabis was demonized, but now we’ve swung to the other extreme because it’s advertised as the cure for everything,” said Haney. “We need data to inform honest discussions about the risk of drug abuse, the therapeutic potential, and the impact on different age groups over time.”

The adolescent user

One of the top priorities among cannabis researchers is clarifying how the drug—which has been legalized for recreational use in 21 states and for medical use in 37 states—affects the developing brain. “I’m concerned by the increase in the number of people who are using cannabis at higher doses on a daily basis,” said Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Adolescents are more vulnerable to addiction, and once they are using compulsively, cannabis can interfere with memory and learning.” In one study, 15% of people of all ages who used cannabis in the past 30 days met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) criteria for cannabis use disorder, and rates specifically among youth ages 12 to 20 were significantly higher at 23% ( Richter, L., et al., The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse , Vol. 43, No. 3, 2017 ).

To investigate the effects of cannabis use on adolescents, Joanna Jacobus, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), launched longitudinal studies that followed teenagers who had started using and compared them with nonusing controls. Adolescents who continued using for 3 years at least 2 times per week had thicker cerebral cortices, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions than controls ( Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience , Vol. 16, 2015 ). The cannabis users performed more poorly on cognitive tests, especially in attention and memory tasks, and teenagers who started using earlier in life performed more poorly than those who started using later or nonusers ( Neuropsychology , Vol. 29, No. 6, 2015 ).

More recently, Jacobus began collecting data on youth before they started using cannabis to understand if the drug caused the poorer neural health outcomes, or if there were preexisting biological brain differences that were also influencing cognitive outcomes. A 6-year study showed preexisting differences in gray matter and functional brain activation that could be contributing to poorer cognitive performance in adolescent cannabis users. “We found that there are biological brain differences that can increase the chances that an adolescent will start using cannabis, and these differences may also increase their vulnerability to negative developmental outcomes,” said Jacobus.

Jacobus is optimistic that there will be more data soon about which youth are at higher risk of initiating cannabis use as researchers follow more than 11,000 youth enrolled in the NIH’s ABCD Study, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. The study began in 2015 when children were 9 or 10, and Jacobus and her colleagues are collecting data on 700 participants from San Diego County with tools such as MRI imaging, cognitive and genetic marker testing, and questionnaires about family environment, school activities, and more.

Like Jacobus, Jonathan Schaefer, PhD, a researcher in the psychology department at the University of Minnesota, was eager to explore the cause of emotional and cognitive problems among adolescents who used cannabis. He tapped into data collected from more than 3,000 twins who had been followed from adolescence into their early 30s. By comparing identical twins who shared genetics and a home environment, he could better separate the effects of cannabis use on negative outcomes from the effects of these background factors.

He did not find evidence that cannabis caused more mental health problems or decreased cognitive ability, but the drug was linked to lower educational attainment, occupational status, and income ( PNAS , Vol. 118, No. 14, 2021 ). In a subsequent exploratory analysis, the data revealed that in identical twins, the twins who used more cannabis than their cotwins also had lower GPAs and academic motivation. “Our findings provide evidence against the idea that cannabis has dramatic, long-lasting effects on the brain,” Schaefer said. “Instead, they raise the possibility that we should be more concerned about acute, shorter-term drug effects that have lingering consequences.” For example, students who are using cannabis regularly may have trouble focusing and feeling motivated during school, which might ultimately affect their educational and career trajectory. Schaefer cautions that even if cannabis does not cause permanent, deleterious changes in the brain, it is still risky for adolescents to use because it may negatively impact other important longer-term life outcomes, such as educational attainment, risk of developing a cannabis use disorder, and lung health. These findings were also based on twins who were using in the 1990s and early 2000s, so the results do not account for the effects of newer, high-potency products, Schaefer said.

Data collected from more than 1,000 New Zealanders over 4 decades has also given researchers a glimpse into how frequent, long-term cannabis use—often starting in the teen years—affects the aging process. The study participants were followed from birth to age 45, and the long-term users were less financially prepared for aging, with lower credit scores and less money in savings and investments. They also reported more social problems, such as loneliness, lower life satisfaction, and less social support ( The Lancet: Healthy Longevity , Vol. 3, No. 10, 2022 ).

“Social support and financial preparedness in midlife are related to better aging and longer lives,” said Madeline Meier, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Arizona State University and author of the study. “People may not realize that if they become dependent on cannabis, there could be consequences for healthy aging and well-being.” The researchers investigated whether factors in childhood—like IQ, low self-control, or socioeconomic status—could explain the outcomes, but they did not find evidence for this in the study. Long-term cannabis users frequently developed dependence on other substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, and the polysubstance use could also be contributing to at least some of the financial and social problems in midlife, Meier said.

Mixing marijuana with mental health issues

Psychologists also share a sense of urgency to clarify how cannabis affects people who suffer from preexisting mental health conditions. Many veterans who suffer from PTSD view cannabis as a safe alternative to other drugs to alleviate their symptoms ( Wilkinson, S. T., et al., Psychiatric Quarterly , Vol. 87. No. 1, 2016 ). To investigate whether marijuana does in fact provide relief for PTSD symptoms, Jane Metrik, PhD, a professor of behavioral and social sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health and a core faculty member at the university’s Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, and colleagues followed more than 350 veterans for a year. They found that more frequent cannabis use worsened trauma-related intrusion symptoms—such as upsetting memories and nightmares—over time ( Psychological Medicine , Vol. 52, No. 3, 2022 ). A PTSD diagnosis was also strongly linked with cannabis use disorder a year later. “Cannabis may give temporary relief from PTSD because there is a numbing feeling, but this fades and then people want to use again,” Metrik said. “Cannabis seems to worsen PTSD and lead to greater dependence on the drug.”

Metrik, who also works as a psychologist at the Providence VA Medical Center, has also been studying the effects of using cannabis and alcohol at the same time. “We need to understand whether cannabis can act as a substitute for alcohol or if it leads to heavier drinking,” she said. “What should we tell patients who are in treatment for problem drinking but are unwilling to stop using cannabis? Is some mild cannabis use OK? What types of cannabis formulations are helpful or harmful for people who have alcohol use disorder?”

Though there are still many unanswered questions, Metrik has seen cases that suggest adding cannabis to heavy drinking behavior is risky. Sometimes people can successfully quit drinking but are unable to stop using cannabis, which can also intensify depression and lead to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome—repeated and severe bouts of vomiting that can occur in heavy cannabis users, she said. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, increased cravings, aggression, and restlessness usually subside after 1 to 2 weeks of abstinence, but insomnia tends to persist longer than the other symptoms, she said.

Cannabis may also interfere with pharmaceutical medications patients are taking to treat mental health issues. Cannabidiol (CBD) can inhibit the liver enzymes that metabolize medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, said Ryan Vandrey, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University and president of APA’s Division 28 (Society for Psychopharmacology and Substance Use). “This could lead to side effects because the medication is in the body longer and at higher concentrations,” he said. In a recent study, he found that a high dose of oral CBD also inhibited the metabolism of THC, so the impairment and the subjective “high” was significantly stronger and lasted for a longer time ( JAMA Network Open , Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 ). This contradicts the common conception that high levels of CBD reduce the effects of THC, he said. “This interaction could lead to more adverse events, such as people feeling sedated, dizzy, [or] nervous, or experiencing low blood pressure for longer periods of time,” Vandrey said.

The interactions between CBD, THC, and pharmaceutical medications also depend on the dosing and the route of administration (oral, topical, or inhalation). Vandrey is advocating for more accurate labeling to inform the public about the health risks and benefits of different products. “Cannabis is the only drug approved for therapeutic use through legislative measures rather than clinical trials,” he said. “It’s really challenging for patients and medical providers to know what dose and frequency will be effective for a specific condition.”

Keeping an open mind

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Cannabidiol’s anxiolytic effects have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the mechanism for this effect remains to be elucidated. The present paper offers additional data that may aid in future research in understanding endocannabinoids’ rol …

October 15, 2019

Benzodiazepines (BDs) like Xanax, are a class of medications used for anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and a variety of other neurological/psychiatric conditions. The adverse side effects of BDs are well documented and include dependence, addiction, withdr …

September 11, 2019

This paper reports that incidences of pediatric cannabis exposure in Massachusetts increased following medical marijuana legalization. The study analyzed cannabis exposure cases amongst individuals aged 0-19 reported to the Regional Center for Poison C …

August 27, 2019

The issue of JAMA published on August 09, 2019 includes an entire section on cannabis curated by Kevin Hill. Topics include cannabis use for medical purposes such as chronic pain and cancer treatment.

August 10, 2019

Currently, there is not enough significant data to conclude that THC or any other cannabinoid is harmful to a developing fetus. This study of 367,403 pregnancies among women in Northern California, reports that the relative rates of daily, weekly, and …

Up to 7.5% of pregnant women in the United States use cannabis during their pregnancy. The concentration of THC in cannabis is increasing as is the number of pregnant women who use cannabis. It is critical that the developmental risk of THC and its mai …

Approximately 35% of Americans suffer from obesity and its related health effects. The activation of cannabinoid 1 receptor [CB1R] has been shown to increase body weight, appetite, insulin resistance, and fat cell production. Thus, overactivity of CB1R …

June 21, 2019

Adolescence is a critical period marked by complex neurological processes and is frequently associated with mood fluctuations and impulsivity. Consequently, understanding the effects of cannabis use during this developmental stage is essential in order …

May 28, 2019

Due to the increasing rates of tobacco and cannabis use co-occurrence among individuals seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD), appropriate timing of tobacco intervention (TI) initiation is important in maximizing the effects of both the CUD …

February 6, 2019

Cannabis’ increasing popularity is paralleled by growing concerns about its habit-forming propensity along with other important public health concerns including but not limited to driving under the influence and availability to adolescents. This double …

As the cannabis market expands, consumers face a wide variety of products with different methods of consumption such as vaporizing, smoking, edible formulations, etc., Thus, rigorous analyses of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for each route of c …

Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating constituent of cannabis, has been implicated as a possible anxiolytic and anti-epileptic with the FDA recently approving a drug to treat epilepsy with cannabidiol as its primary ingredient. The present study aims to exam …

December 16, 2018

Over 12 million births in the US were analyzed to identify pregnant women who use cannabis and to assess obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The results showed that the incidence of cannabis dependence in 2013 is two-times more than in 1999 and that canna …

This review provides insights on three clinical trials that showed cannabidiol’s efficacy in reducing seizure episodes by at least 38%. More importantly, this review highlights the need for further research to fully elucidate CBD’s mechanism of action …

Despite increasing evidence of cannabinoids’ analgesic properties, concerns regarding its potential for abuse limit its utility in pain management. The present study posits a solution to such valid and thoughtful concern. GAT211 is a novel compound tha …

December 14, 2018

With the legalization of cannabis in many states, it is imperative that policies are adopted based on scientific findings. This study, conducted in Canada, where recreational use of cannabis recently became legal, sought to determine how cannabis inhal …

The study used positron emission tomography to show that men may have a greater number of CB1-type cannabinoid receptors than women do. This interesting finding may help in designing future studies regarding the health impact of cannabis in men and wom …

This study examined the anti-anxiety effect of cannabidiol using the Simulated Public Speaking Test to induce anxiety and the Visual Analogue Mood Scale to assess subjective ratings of anxiety. The authors also sought to identify the optimal dose of ca …

Articles on Marijuana

Displaying 1 - 20 of 179 articles.

How cannabis and psilocybin might help some of the 50 million Americans who are experiencing chronic pain

Kevin F. Boehnke , University of Michigan

How can we measure the size of Australia’s illegal cannabis market – and the billions in taxes that might flow from legalising it?

Jenny Williams , The University of Melbourne and Christiern Rose , The University of Queensland

Cannabis legalization has led to a boom in potent forms of the drug that present new hazards for adolescents

Ty Schepis , Texas State University

Marijuana tax revenues fall short of projections in many states, including Colorado

Boyoung Seo , Indiana University

Lab tests show THC potency inflated on retail marijuana in Colorado

Anna Schwabe , University of Colorado Boulder

Cannabis products may harbor fungal toxins harmful to human health, but regulations are uneven or nonexistent

Kimberly D. Gwinn , University of Tennessee

College applications rose in states that legalized recreational marijuana

Christopher D. Blake , Emory University

An African history of cannabis offers fascinating and heartbreaking insights – an expert explains

Chris S. Duvall , University of New Mexico

Cannabis in Canada: Debunking myths about the real impacts of legalization

Michael J. Armstrong , Brock University

As many states weigh legalising cannabis, here’s what they can learn from the struggles of growers in Canberra

Alison Ritter , UNSW Sydney ; Kari Lancaster , UNSW Sydney ; Laura McLauchlan , Macquarie University ; Liz Barrett , UNSW Sydney , and Matthew Kearnes , UNSW Sydney

Many people think cannabis smoke is harmless − a physician explains how that belief can put people at risk

Beth Cohen , University of California, San Francisco

Cannabis can have serious health effects that Canadians may not be aware of, like nonstop vomiting and heart issues

Kristen Yeh , University of Toronto

Cannabis-derived products like delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC have flooded the US market – two immunologists explain the medicinal benefits and potential risks

Prakash Nagarkatti , University of South Carolina and Mitzi Nagarkatti , University of South Carolina

Why ASEAN countries should not look at Thailand for legalising medical cannabis

Kevin Zhang , ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and Siti Suhaila Harith

Mounting research points to health harms from cannabis, THC and CBD use during pregnancy, adolescence and other periods of rapid development

Hilary A. Marusak , Wayne State University

317,793 people were arrested for marijuana possession in 2020 despite the growing legalization movement

Katharine Neill Harris , Rice University

Cannabis holds promise for pain management, reducing the need for opioid painkillers – a neuropharmacology expert explains how

Benjamin Land , University of Washington

Legalizing cannabis led to increased cannabis poisonings in Canadian children. It could get a whole lot worse.

Daniel Myran , L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa and Yaron Finkelstein , University of Toronto

France reenters medical marijuana industry after more than a half-century hiatus – a cannabis historian explains

David A. Guba Jr., Bard Early College

Cannabis policy changes in Africa are welcome. But small producers are the losers

Clemence Rusenga , University of Bristol ; Gernot Klantschnig , University of Bristol ; Neil Carrier , University of Bristol , and Simon Howell , University of Cape Town

Related Topics

• Cannabidiol
• Cannabis legalization
• Marijuana laws
• Marijuana legalization
• Medical marijuana

Top contributors

Associate Professor, Operations Research, Brock University

Honorary Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York

Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

Assistant Professor of History, Bard Early College

Professor of Psychology, Texas State University

Professor of Population Health, The University of Queensland

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University

Lecturer, RMIT University

Research Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

Addiction Medicine Specialist & Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology & Psychiatry, Monash University

Associate Professor of Law, Concordia University School of Law

Professor in Criminology, Loughborough University

Associate professor of community health sciences, University of Calgary

Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Professor in Food Distribution and Policy, Dalhousie University

Emeritus Professor, The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland

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The Reasons Why Marijuana Should be Made Legal Research Paper

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Introduction

Arguments against marijuana, arguments for marijuana, works cited.

Drugs that cause addiction and have negative effects health has been illegalized in most constitutions. These drugs are seen to have minimal benefits and enormous side effects. Among drugs that have been illegalized include: heroin, cocaine and marijuana among others. On the other hand those that are legalized include tobacco and alcohol. This research paper main interest is in the legalization of marijuana.

Marijuana has been illegalized because it is considered to be risk factors in people’s health and is believed to temper with the brain. It is also associated with criminal acts such as gang behavior and is discouraged. The purpose of this research paper is to address the reasons why marijuana should be made legal.

Among the reasons that support the legalization of marijuana include: the medical basis that marijuana has some benefits and that the state could gain revenue from the trade of marijuana as opposed to the costs incurred in the implementation of the laws against use the controlled drug. Furthermore, the legalization would enable the state to monitor and introduce legal outlets that would enforce the correct use of the drug (Barnes: 11).

Medical reasons against use of marijuana as medically unfit to use

In the argument against marijuana to be made illegal, Barnes (9) ascertains that marijuana should not be made legal in the medical field. There are certain cases that marijuana has negatively affected the immune system of the person taking the drug. In other cases, side effects like the damage of the brain and poisonous forms have occurred.

Testing must be done

Before marijuana is fully accepted as a medication, extensive testing of the drug must be done to establish the adverse effects as well as the benefits. This is because the state has the responsibility of ensuring that the drug is harmless before legalizing it. The state can consider thorough investigations before it is legalized. They may also consider what other institutions have assessed and made conclusions about the use of the drug (Barnes 11).

Measurements of elements contained in marijuana

Another reason against the use of marijuana in the medical field is the inability to have power over the purity of the drug. Marijuana is not a synthetic drug and hence it may be difficult to establish control over the natural growing marijuana. It may also develop other challenges concerned with the way productions and distribution of the drug.

However, this argument is challenged with the tobacco industry where it has been established and seems to be doing well. This is because the manufacturers of tobacco have been able to follow directives as by the government and controlled it. So, if the same measures are employed with marijuana the control may be successful.

Marijuana should not be prescribed

In his argument against marijuana to be prescribed in medical institutions Barnes (12) disputes that the state will be able to uphold its uprightness in the testing of the drug. This is because it may not be able to follow keenly the patients under testing of marijuana for medical purposes and therefore may fail to accurately get the right assessment. This is because monitoring the marijuana consumers may be difficult, thus paralyzing the testing of the drug.

Marijuana is replaceable

Barnes (11) states that the medical field does consider the use of marijuana as unnecessary as there are other drugs that could replace it and have fewer side effects. Therefore, marijuana can be avoided and the alternative drugs be used in its place. Despite some medical practitioners ignoring the use of marijuana for cancer cases like vomiting, patients have proffered marijuana to the synthetic drugs. In other cases marijuana has been argued to be of benefit to cancer patients as well as other diseases (Cervantes: 6).

Marijuana may be misinterpreted to be safe on human health

Barnes (15) mentions that if marijuana is legalized for medical reasons it may be misinterpreted by the public. This is because they may consider use of marijuana safe for their health following the states approval for medical use. As a result, marijuana would be used for leisure hence create more health problem among the public especially if excessively smoked.

Illegal businesses will be encouraged

If legalized, businesses will be set up to sell marijuana. The traders will sell it assuming that it helps cancer patients whereas just a few may benefit. This is because the people selling may be unauthorized to sell. This implies that those taking the drug may lack monitoring from a professional in the medical field hence the treatment may be inadequate or in excess or even wrong. Consequently, the state may welcome more harm instead of good.

Marijuana is different from alcohol

Smith (8) argues against marijuana saying that marijuana is harmful to health just like cigarettes. When smoked after a long time the person may develop lung problems. For expecting mothers smoking may lead to death of the fetus or cause births with deformities.

Marijuana be used only when necessary

Despite the fact that legalized marijuana may bring more evil than good, the state can consider the use of marijuana for medical situations that require the specific intervention of the drug. The use of the drug will purely be made possible by a qualified professional who by careful consideration of all options recommends the use of marijuana. Therefore, the government should not abolish the use marijuana even for medical reasons.

Marijuana does not cause health problems

Marijuana rarely causes biological problem. The persons using marijuana cannot be affected in the mind destroy the immune system or transfer effects to through inheritance. However, persistence use of marijuana can make one suffer from bronchitis if they smoke it.

This is a preventable cause because marijuana can be consumed in food for instance baked products. Additional marijuana is not known to cause serious illnesses like those caused by other drugs like cocaine. Marijuana cannot cause death if simply taken in large quantities (Legalization of marijuana.com Para 8).

On the contrary Stimson says that “the scientific knowledge is clear that marijuana is addictive and that its use significantly impairs bodily and mental functions. Marijuana use is associated with memory loss, cancer, immune system deficiencies, heart disease and birth defects, among other conditions. Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remain a source of violence, crime and social integration” (p. 1)

Marijuana is a source of revenue

Another reason why marijuana should be legalized is that it is a source of revenue for the government and a source of income for the individual. Those trading marijuana gain profits that can support the family besides paying all the taxes. When the breadwinner is arrested for being in possession of the illegal drug, the family suffers. Children are transferred to children’s home separating them from their parent (Legalization of marijuana.com Para 5).

The other concern that is raised as a source of income is the spread of drug network in the name of legalized trade. Stimson (2) notes that legalization of marijuana may lead to expansion of the drug associations that sell drugs under ground. This may be an opportunity for them to sell other drugs that have much worse adverse effect. In addition, the groups selling drugs may end up selling it to underage children who should be protected from taking the drug.

Marijuana has medical benefits

As Barnes (8) point out, marijuana can be used for medical treatment of some illnesses and therefore should be legalized. Marijuana may have fewer side effects when compared to other drugs in the medical field when used to treat a certain illness. As a matter of fact, marijuana as a medical drug would work effectively and be the best drug for particular patients. For instance, marijuana is very effective in managing nausea in patients and the side effects can be tolerated to treat this symptom.

Marijuana get equal treatment as alcohol and tobacco

Gieringe (2) supports the legalization marijuana just like other drugs that have been legalized like the prominent tobacco and the consumption of alcohol. Like other drugs it has benefits and short comings which in most cases may be equal to those of the legalized drugs.

Furthermore, the use of marijuana hardly encourages the use of much superior drugs and therefore should be considered safe for the users. Another consideration is that the consumers of marijuana are not involved in unlawful behaviors and thus it is unfair to consider those consuming it to be criminals.

Stimson (3) argues against the treatment of marijuana as being similar to alcohol. In his article, he makes it clear that although both marijuana and alcohol have similar side effects, alcohol have adverse effects that are less acute as those of marijuana. On further considerations, alcohol is more widely accepted in many cultures of the world and accepted by many. Legalizing the drug would therefore go against many cultures and societies.

Report findings from the COMPAS (2) reveal that most people believe that crime will increase if marijuana is legalized. Others strongly believe that it will increase consumption behavior and some people will develop dependency. The results of being dependent will be an increase in people with deteriorating health.

Crime is believed to increase because the people who have developed dependency must keep taking the drug. Since the drug is costly, they look for more money after they have used whatever they had. Consequently, the persons may neglect their obligations perhaps in the family or at work to acquire the drug. This is undesired in the society because it affects the economy of an individual negatively.

Retractions lead to increased consumption

The individuals who are use marijuana controllably remain capable of driving as well as remain not addicted. Driver’s judgment on the road is not affected and therefore those under the influence of the drug can drive safely. For this reason, Gieringe (2) argues that restricting the marijuana will lead to increased consumption. This is because it is impossible to eradicate societal vices as they tend to increase when prohibited. Therefore, it is appropriate to legalize marijuana.

Illegal measures have failed

Punishments given for being in possession or using marijuana are futile. Regardless of whatever measures the state puts to control the use of prohibited drugs like marijuana, the public continues the consumption. Gieringe (4) indicates that strict punitive measures do not deter the users from using it.

In most cases they have secretive ways of producing and selling the same as well as consume it without being noticed. It is necessary to consider that consumption of the drug is an individual choice hence limiting or availing the drug may not be the factors to consider but rather it is an individual choice.

An example of the case of California

According to Gieringe (5) the law against the use of marijuana turned to be ineffective. The law was introduced with an aim to stop the broadening of the consumption as was introduced by a group of people. Following prohibition, the drug gained prominence as many learned to use. Apart from the consequences illegal marijuana on the people, the government used a lot of funds to curb the problem of illegal drugs.

When the public is introduced to prominent drug use Stimson (6) insists that a majority become addicted. Accordingly, the brain is affected making them unable to perform like other members of society, who do not use the drug. As a result, the affected at times have little ability to learn as before and so students who take drugs discontinue education for failure or inability to concentrate. The people who work and have jobs most often fail to perform well and are relieved from work.

Legalizing marijuana would contradict the law. Most governments have prohibited the production, distribution and consumption of illegal drugs. A law that would legalize one of the controlled drugs would send a message that with time even other drugs can be made legal. The argument is that the law would contradict itself since some of the other illegal drugs posses same adverse effects as those of marijuana (Stimson: 8). Instead the law should remain constant so that such laws do not fail as Rosenthal & Kubby (174) notes.

The budget after legalization of marijuana

Legalizing marijuana not only has advantages in the decrease in unlawful activities but also bring economic benefits in the budget of the state. Miron (2) indicates that the budget drastically incur large expenditure in the implementation of laws against marijuana.

This is opposed to the fact that, if legalized, marijuana such costs would not be realized and the state would therefore gain revenue for transactions involved in marijuana. Caputo and Brian (480) also point out that the sales made in the illegal sale of marijuana are not taxed. If the government would implement taxation, then the state would have increased revenue.

Some of the costs are as follows: The police are funded by the state budget to conduct arrests of those found with marijuana. Other cost is spent in the justice system. After the sent the criminal to prison another cost is incurred. This cost can be scraped off and the government would gain instead (Miron: 2).

Control Measures by the state

Upon legalization there should be restrictions that the state can enforce to monitor the production distribution and consumption of marijuana. First, it can consider making the any individuals who is concerned with marijuana trade to obtain a license given the state. Additionally, the concerned people must surrender the marijuana before selling for inspection of its contents and grading.

This will make it possible for the state to standardize the product assess whether there are harmful contents and allow only the safe product to be sold. Upon the assessment for the elements, the trader will then be taxed. Selling will also be done by authorized persons through specific channels. As with the use of other tobacco, it can be sold to adults in specific areas at a particular time.

Obtaining of a licenses should not be made difficult by the state or remain within the reach of a few. Those who wish for a medium scale business can be allowed to have such licenses. It may also be relevant to consider allowing individuals to plant some marijuana for own consumption although in small quantities as allowed by the state. This is similar to the home made wine made for own use and is also in line with individual liberties.

The challenged face with implementing the home grown marijuana is the control of the plant in terms of production. Another challenge is to be able to discourage children from accessing and using the drug before they are of the legal age Stimson (2). Punitive measures can also be made similar to those of the tobacco trade where the trader forfeits the license and risks being fined if they fail to adhere to rules.

Benefits of legalizing marijuana

The state will have reduced expenditure concerned with the unlawful trade of marijuana. This implies that, there will be fewer criminals the laws against will have been withdrawn. Therefore, the responsibility of taking the drug will be left upon individual judgment and for medical interventions.

More individuals will conform to the regulations about the consumption and encourage legal trade as opposed to illegal trade. The monitored distributers will make it impossible for people bellow the recommended age to obtain the drug. In addition, the quality and elements in the plant will be assessed and thus individuals will obtain safe marijuana. Lastly, the distributors will pay levy just like other businesses (Gieringer: 10).

Gieringe (7) notes that marijuana can be made legal and most problems associated with the consumption would be eliminated. If licensed individuals would be allowed to produce the crop and sell it through controlled channels of adults then the problems of misuse would decline.

There would be revenue generated and some individuals would support their families without fear of separation due to arrests. The drug can be categorized in the same group as alcohol and tobacco and receive equal treatment. With time, the sale will decline and be similar to that of tobacco. The production will also decline with the increase in production and lowering of prices. Consequently, the government will gain taxes from the sale as it loses in the illegal trade of marijuana.

The use of marijuana has adverse effects that are undesirable. The negative effects they have on human health when used for a long time are to be avoided by moderate use of the substance. Criminals are known to be drug users of among others marijuana hence it bring social evils. Since it damages the brain, students suffer and drop from school while those working fail to keep up to the task.

Although, those who are associated with marijuana are thought to be criminals the society can view them differently and legalize the use of the drug while monitoring its use. Marijuana has medical benefits and should be considered. The state also benefit from the taxes collected from the legal sale of marijuana.

Barnes, Eric. Reefer madness: Legal and moral issues surrounding the medical Prescription of marijuana , 2000. Web.

Caputo, Michael and Brian, Ostrom. “Potential Tax Revenue from a Regulated Marijuana Market: A Meaningful Revenue Source.” American Journal of Economics and Sociology , 1994, 53, 475-490.

Cervantes, Jorge. Marijuana horticulture: the Indoor/Outdoor Medical grower’s bible. North America: Van Patten Publishing, 2006.

COMPAS. Legalization of marijuana: A Compass Report for the National Post, 2004. Web.

Gieringer, Dale. Testimony of the legalization of Marijuana , 2009. Web.

Legalization of marijuana.com. Legalizing marijuana , 2010. Web.

Miron, Jeffrey. The budgetary implications of marijuana legalization in Massachusetts, 2003. Web.

Rosenthal, Ed & Kubby, Steve. Why marijuana should be legal. New York: Thunder Mouth press, 2003.

Smith, Sandra . Lee Marijuana . New York: The rasen publishing group, 1995. Web.

Stimson, Charles. Legalizing marijuana: why citizens should just say no , 2010. Web.

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Reasons Why Marijuana Should be Made Legal." September 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/legalizing-marijuana/.