Potential for abuse not factor in legalization
In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This legislation did not recognize the medical use of marijuana even though the American Medical Association (AMA) had opposed congressional attempts to criminalize medical marijuana since the 1930s.
Although 16 states have legalized the prescription of marijuana by certified physicians for the treatment of documented medical conditions, state medical marijuana programs “contravene the federal prohibition of marijuana.” Thus, medical marijuana patients are often prosecuted under federal law.
In 2009, the AMA issued a directive requesting that “marijuana’s status as a federal Schedule I controlled substance be reviewed.” Numerous medical studies have found many legitimate uses for marijuana as a medicine. Such uses include the treatment of chronic pain (especially neuropathic pain), spastic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and partial spinal cord injury, and glaucoma.
A common argument against medical marijuana is that it will be abused either by people with legitimate medical conditions or by people who will pretend to have medical conditions.
Although prescription drug abuse is pervasive in the United States, no one uses this to call for the prohibition of prescription drugs. The potential for abuse should not be a reason to prevent a substance with medicinal value from being used as a treatment.
The Carolina Debate Union will host a discussion on drug legalization by Prof. Jim Stiver on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Gambrell Hall room 005, giving students a forum to hear if America should kick its addiction to drug laws like the Controlled Substances Act.
— James Strickland, fourth year history and political science major