Essay on Medical Marijuana Policy - 1310 Words

Introduction In the United States, marijuana for medical purposes has gained more prevalence in current political discourse than in previous years. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a flowering plant that originally came from South and Central Asia. For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used for many natural products such as seed oils, seed, fiber that is used to make hemp products and contains over four hundred chemicals, some of which have an antibiotic like effect (Nordqvist, 2013). Studies have shown that two of the chemicals, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), have a positive effect on humans for mild to moderate painkilling effects and sedative effects (Nordqvist, 2013). The purpose of this paper is†¦show more content†¦How Delivered? Since government funding is not permitted, private dispensaries are generally set up to administer marijuana prescriptions with varying levels of restrictions ranging from strict to almost nonexistent (Kleber Dupont, 2012). Physicians may issue a â€Å"marijuana card† to patients who apply for drug treatment programs within their authorized state of residence and processed for approval or denial (Harding, 2013). Conventional pharmacies cannot administer marijuana prescriptions; therefore insurance companies do not cover it. Patients have the option of having a personal supply (if approved in their state) or the use a dispensary facility. How financed? The dispensaries are owned and operated by private investors that generate revenue through the sales of marijuana and marijuana infused products. According to Durgin (2013) the District of Columbia is proposed to be the first in the nation to require their state regulated medical marijuana dispensaries to utilize two percent of their profits to subsidize marijuana purchases for the low-income patients, where prices range from $380-$440 per ounce. This proposal will allow dispensaries to give at least a twenty percent discount to low-income patients that meet the federal poverty level or on a sliding scale (Durgin, 2013). Strengths and WeaknessesShow MoreRelatedThe Legalization Of Medical Marijuana And Cbd Oil Blurring Employers Drug Policies870 Words   |  4 PagesLegalization of Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil Blurring Employers’ Drug Policies? How Should Your Company Respond? In 1996, Brandon Coats was a normal sixteen-year-old boy whose life changed when he was a passenger in a vehicle that struck a tree. Coats’ spine was irreparably damaged. The accident paralyzed over 80 percent of his body, and he has suffered from severe involuntary muscle spasms and seizures for the past twenty years. 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