PHL 111 Final Project McConneaughey
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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111
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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7
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1
Final Project
Marijuana use has been central to heated debates for decades. Whether marijuana is
beneficial or harmful is a topic that has attracted significant attention from researchers,
policymakers, and the general public alike. This attention is primarily due to the increasing
global trend of decriminalization and legalization, which has raised many ethical, medical, and
social concerns.
It is crucial to examine the benefits and risks of marijuana use objectively. Having used
marijuana to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, I have personally received its benefits and have heard
of several therapeutic reasons for use. Conversely, the adverse effects of marijuana use also need
to be studied to understand better how society can leverage the use of the beneficial plant and
mitigate abuse.
The primary argument of Cannabis in the Clinic, written by Jennifer Walter (2020), is that
research on marijuana remains inconclusive. While studies show the potential benefits of
marijuana for some medical conditions, others reveal adverse effects on cognitive function and
mental health. Walter highlights the need for more concrete evidence and comprehensive
research on marijuana’s impact on various individuals and uses.
Walter contends that research on marijuana is limited due to regulatory restrictions
(2020). The Cannabis sativa plant is classified as a Schedule I drug in America, making clinical
studies challenging (Walter, 2020). Another point made in Cannabis in the Clinic is that the
effects of marijuana can vary depending on factors such as the user’s purpose (recreational vs.
medical), the method of consumption, and the concentration of THC and CBD in the product.
She also shows how marijuana has shown two possible results correlated to mental health.
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According to Walter (2020), a controlled study was conducted on schizophrenic patients who
received more significant relief from cannabidiol (CBD) than those without CBD. Conversely,
another study showed habitual tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) users were at greater risk of
psychosis (Walter, 2020).
Walter concludes her thesis by saying that research on marijuana remains inconclusive
due to the variability in its effects on individuals and the limited number of clinical studies
available. As recreational marijuana use continues to rise, there is a pressing need for more
concrete evidence and comprehensive research to better understand its effects on various
individuals and in different contexts.
Using Staci Gruber’s works, Walter provides a valuable resource to her argument. Being
a Harvard University faculty member, the director of Marijuana Investigations for
Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND), and the director of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging
Core at McLean Hospital makes Gruber well credentialed and an authority on the matter of
marijuana research. Additionally, Walter connects the lack of substantial research excellently.
She shows a gap in clinical studies, highlights varying effects of THC and CBD use, and
produces inconsistent results on the impact of marijuana use on different medical conditions.
This argument is inductive as the conclusion is likely based on the author’s premises.
Also, Walter (2020) uses speech to indicate that her conclusion is possible and not absolute. I
believe the argument made is well supported. The author shows contradictory evidence in each
premise presented. In so doing, she strengthens her argument by compounding that insufficient
research has been conducted and what has been done is inconclusive. While she presents a solid
argument, Walter fails to provide the reader with the ability to substantiate her reference to
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various studies mentioned in the article. In light of the lack of references, she leaves the reader
with the sense that other data may have been omitted.
Walter (2020) maintains an impartial tone throughout her essay, objectively analyzing
several studies covering various age groups, issues, and control types, including comparisons
between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). She uses Staci Gruber’s research,
a highly accredited researcher in the field, to emphasize the importance of researching as the
present data is primarily empirical. Walter (2020) also presents opposing themes such as:
Some studies show that marijuana may provide relief for patients with a slew of
conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain and even cancer. Yet others find that the drug
can slow cognitive function and may worsen some mental health conditions. p. 41
In so doing, she provides the reader with no clear choice on the theme other than insufficient
research to understand marijuana’s benefits or drawbacks. Another example of her neutral
position is when Walter (2020) says, “Our understanding of marijuana’s effect on mental health
is murky. Some studies suggest it might exacerbate conditions like schizophrenia or psychosis,
but the results aren’t always black and white.” (p. 42).
While the article meets the currency, relevance, and purpose criteria under the CRAAP
test, the authority and accuracy criteria require more precision. Although Walter writes for a
reputable science magazine, she is not a subject matter expert on marijuana research. While she
cites the work of Staci Gruber, a highly regarded researcher in the field, she fails to provide
citations for other research she mentions. For example, she states, “In a 2017 clinical trial of 88
patients with schizophrenia, researchers in the U.K. administered 1,000 milligrams of CBD each
day to about half of the study participants” (Walter, 2020) p. 42. However, she provides no
additional information on the study beyond this statistic. This lack of detail, combined with the
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author’s limited authority on the subject matter and inability to verify the accuracy of some
studies, weakens the article’s credibility. These instances are minor and do not detract from the
overall claim. She provided many other verifiable sources, such as the Center for Medicinal
Cannabis Research, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Der Schmerz, a German
interdisciplinary journal, for over 36 years (Zimmerman (2012).
While research on marijuana's clinical relevance is indeed valuable, it is also crucial to
examine the effects of marijuana legalization on policy and public safety. Legalizing cannabis
can inadvertently create opportunities for individuals with criminal connections to enter the
industry. Enos (2021) reported, “A state regulator resigned from her position due to frustration
over consistently receiving commercial license applications from individuals with ties to
criminal organizations.” This situation indicates possible loopholes in the regulatory framework
that must be addressed to ensure a legal and responsible marijuana market.
Legalization could potentially result in increased social harm to vulnerable populations,
as highlighted by Langenderfer et al. (2021), who note that it may contribute to adverse cognitive
disorders in youth or complications during pregnancy. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to
develop and implement policies that protect these vulnerable groups when considering marijuana
legalization.
Although marijuana legalization has potential benefits and holds clinical relevance,
examining its impact on policy and public safety is crucial. Addressing loopholes in regulations
and preventing those with illegal ties from entering the industry. Additionally, considering the
potential risks posed to vulnerable populations underlines the need for comprehensive and well-
designed policies. An evidence-based approach must be taken to maximize benefits while
minimizing potential harm to society.
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I examined and assessed the original text in the critical thinking process applied to this
assignment. When analyzing the initial argument, I posed several questions to myself, such as
identifying the main argument presented by the author, examining the evidence provided in
support of their argument, assessing contradictions, inconsistencies, or gaps in the author's
reasoning, evaluating the credibility of the sources cited, determining the nature of the argument
as inductive or deductive, and observing whether the author maintained an impartial and
objective tone throughout the essay.
I carefully read and explored the text to answer these questions, focusing on the author’s
use of evidence, logical reasoning, and tone. I assessed the argument's strength by appraising the
credibility of sources, the consistency of the provided evidence, and the logical flow of the
author's reasoning.
Applying the process of critical thinking in everyday life is indispensable for making
informed decisions and circumventing the pitfalls of biased or superficial reasoning. For
instance, when consuming news stories, I can employ critical thinking skills to gauge the
credibility and bias of the source, question the evidence presented, and contemplate alternative
perspectives before forming my own opinion. Additionally, when confronted with crucial
decisions in my personal or professional life, I can apply critical thinking by meticulously
examining the pros and cons of each option, contemplating potential consequences, and
weighing the evidence before making a choice.
Furthermore, by engaging in conversations or debates with others, I can utilize critical
thinking skills to listen attentively, ask probing questions, and evaluate the logic and evidence
behind their arguments before responding or forming my opinion. In situations where problem-
solving is required, or challenges need to be overcome, I can rely on critical thinking to analyze
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the issue, identify possible solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of each option
before taking action.
By consciously applying critical thinking skills in various aspects of everyday life, I can
enhance my ability to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and navigate complex
situations with greater confidence and clarity.
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References
Enos, G. (2021). Anti‐legalization advocate opens window into harms of commercial
marijuana.
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly
,
33
(13), 1–8.
https://doi-
org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1002/adaw.33017
Langenderfer, J., Mason, M. J., & Newman, C. L. (2021). The shifting landscape of cannabis
legalization: Potential benefits and regulatory perspectives.
Journal of Consumer Affairs
,
55
(3), 1169–1177. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12387
Walter, J. (2020). Cannabis in the Clinic.
Discover
, 41(2).
Zimmermann M. (2012). Der Schmerz: Eine interdisziplinäre Zeitschrift seit 25 Jahren! [Der
Schmerz: An interdisciplinary journal for 25 years!].
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany)
,
26
(6),
641–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00482-012-1273-y