Week 6
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Grand Canyon University *
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Medicine
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Apr 3, 2024
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Week 6
DQ 6.1
Describe the medical and spiritual uses of hallucinogens both currently and in the past.
Although hallucinogens are usually only viewed negatively, they are sometimes used for medical uses which can include being used in treatments of addiction, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and PTSD (Hanson-Baiden, 2022). Traditional medicine for centuries has been considered psychedelics, for example, Native American traditional medical practices utilized mescaline to treat alcoholism. Today, psychedelic treatments are effective and well-tolerated for conditions like anxiety and depression, providing immediate anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects. According to Hanson-Baiden, in today’s world, it is common to hear about micro-dosing,
which involves taking sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics (2022). This has gained popularity as a method to balance mood and treat anxiety, depression, and addiction. According to Barrett & Griffiths (2018), indigenous cultures have been known to use hallucinogenic substances as part of their spiritual and religious ceremonies for a very long time. Throughout the recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional indigenous practices which includes the use of hallucinogens., Ayahuasca retreats are becoming popular among people seeking spiritual growth, healing, and insights.
Barrett, F. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2018). Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.
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Di Forti, M., Quattrone, D., Freeman, T. P., Tripoli, G., Gayer-Anderson, C., Quigley, H., ... & Lynskey, M. (2019). The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): a multicentre case-control study.
The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(5), 427-436.
Evans D. G. (2019). Marijuana Legalization Will Cause Many Problems for Missouri Law Enforcement and Schools.
Missouri medicine
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(3), 164–167.
Ghasemiesfe, M., Barrow, B., Leonard, S., Keyhani, S., & Korenstein, D. (2019). Association between marijuana use and risk of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
. JAMA Network Open, 2(11), e1916318.
Hanson-Baiden, J. (2022, April 20). Psychedelic medicine: Past, present, and future
. News Medical Life Science. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Psychedelic-Medicine-Past-
Present-and-Future.aspx Hayatbakhsh, M. R., Najman, J. M., Bor, W., O'Callaghan, M. J., & Williams, G. M. (2013). Multiple risk factor model predicting cannabis use and use disorders: A longitudinal study
. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 39(3), 203-212.
Lynskey, M., Hall, W., & Mather, R. (2003). Adolescent-onset cannabis use and educational attainment: A longitudinal study.
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Marconi, A., Di Forti, M., Lewis, C. M., Murray, R. M., & Vassos, E. (2016). Meta-analysis of the association between the level of cannabis use and risk of psychosis.
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 42(5), 1262-1269.
Meier, M. H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., Harrington, H., Houts, R., Keefe, R. S., ... & Moffitt, T. E. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(40), E2657-E2664.
Rogers, L. S. (2023, August 25). Risks and benefits of legalized cannabis
. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/risks-and-benefits-
of-legalized-cannabis Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. The National Academies Press.
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Hi Shardai,
While proponents of medical marijuana legalization emphasize its purported benefits in treating various medical conditions, it is imperative to critically examine the potential drawbacks and societal implications associated with widespread legalization. This rebuttal aims to challenge the notion that medical marijuana legalization is universally beneficial, highlighting concerns regarding safety, regulatory challenges, and societal impact.
The assertion that medical marijuana possesses inherent medical benefits overlooks significant safety concerns and the lack of comprehensive regulation. While certain studies suggest its efficacy in managing specific symptoms, the overall safety profile of marijuana remains contentious (Hall et al., 2015). The absence of standardized dosing protocols and quality control measures raises concerns regarding potential adverse effects and drug interactions, particularly in
vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with comorbid medical conditions. Moreover, the long-term consequences of chronic marijuana use on cognitive function, mental health, and respiratory health warrant careful consideration.
Another crucial concern pertains to the potential for marijuana misuse, dependency, and abuse. While proponents argue for its use in pain management and symptom relief, there is a risk of substance abuse and addiction, particularly among individuals with a history of substance use disorders (Budney et al., 2015). The normalization of marijuana use through legalization may exacerbate societal issues related to substance abuse and addiction, undermining public health efforts aimed at prevention and treatment.
The broader societal impact of medical marijuana legalization extends beyond individual health outcomes to encompass public safety, workplace productivity, and community well-being. The normalization of marijuana use may undermine efforts to combat impaired driving and workplace impairment, posing risks to public safety and productivity (Hartman & Huestis, 2013). Additionally, concerns regarding secondhand smoke exposure, youth access, and the normalization of drug use among adolescents warrant proactive prevention strategies and public health interventions.
In conclusion, while acknowledging the potential therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana, it is essential to recognize and address the multifaceted challenges and concerns associated with its widespread legalization. Safety considerations, regulatory challenges, dependency risks, and societal implications necessitate a cautious and evidence-based approach to medical marijuana policy. By prioritizing public health, safety, and regulatory oversight, policymakers can mitigate potential harms and maximize the potential benefits of medical marijuana within a framework of responsible and informed decision-making.