Essay: Should the use of medical cannabis be legalised in South Australia?

The legalisation of marijuana is one of the most discussed and controversial topics in Australia. Throughout the years, each individual developed their own opinion towards the matter, developing a strong debate caused by the contrasting views as to why it should be legalised or not. Many say that it has numerous medical benefits, therefore it should be made legal. However, on contrast to this, many say that it can cause issues especially since there is a high risk potential of abusing its use, therefore, it should remain illegal.
The Australian parliament passed new laws that promotes the use of medical cannabis for people experiencing pains and those with chronic illnesses. On the other hand, recreational cannabis uses and cultivation still remains illegal in Australia. Those with valid prescription can possess and use the medicinal cannabis products that have been manufactured from legally cultivated cannabis in Australia, provided that the supply has been authorized under the Therapeutic Goods Act and applicable or relevant state and territory legislation. (Business Insider, 2016) Cannabis is a part of the Schedule nine drugs in all Australian states and territories. The use of a drug which is classified as Schedule nine, for recreational or medical purposes is illegal and can result to a criminal offence as research into cannabis in Australia is highly restricted. These drugs require a permit in order for it to be applicable to be used for research. Cannabis is considered an illicit drug in Australia, but some states and territories have decriminalized it, such as South Australia. (National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee, 2008)
Medical Cannabis is a depressant drug that enables people to experience a sense of mild euphoria. This slows down messages travelling between the brain and the body. It was first used in China and is one of the oldest psychotropic drugs known to man. (McKim, 2000) There are several types of cannabis, the most common are Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis. All of which has taxonomic distinctions between them which shows differences between their structure and resin production. Cannabis is used in three main forms: marijuana, which is made from dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, hashish, which is made from the resin of the cannabis plant and hash oil, which is a thick oil obtain from hashish. (Sativa, R. 2014) It is identified that there are over 400 natural compounds in medical marijuana and, of these, 80 are only found in cannabis plants. These 80 special compounds are known as cannabinoids. These activate the cannabinoid receptors located in the body. The main active ingredient in cannabis is called delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol, commonly known as THC. (United Patients Group, 2016)
Researching the science of marijuana began in the mid 1960’s with the identification of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as one of its main active ingredient. After two decades, researchers have been able to identify the sites in the brain and the body where medicinal cannabis acts and referred to it as cannabinoid (CB) receptors. (Scholastic Inc., 2016) The cannabinoids exert their effect throughout the body through binding with specific cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are known as the Central Cannabinoid Receptor, CB1, and the Peripheral Cannabinoid Receptor, CB2. CB1 is located throughout the brain, central nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands and related organs. On the other hand, CB2 receptors, are located throughout the immune system and related organs such as the tissues of the spleen, thymus gland and tonsils. (Sanofi, R. 1995)
Brain cells (neurons) communicate with the rest of the body by sending chemical messages. These messages coordinate and regulate everything that is occurring in the human body. Typically, the chemicals are released from the neuron, which travels across a small gap (synapse) and then attaches to a specific receptor located near the neuron (postsynaptic cell). The Endocannabinoid system communicates in a different way. When the postsynaptic neuron is activated, cannabinoids accumulate in adipose tissue. THC and cannabinoids are strongly lipophilic and due to its strong lipophilic nature, it is made readily accumulates in the adipose tissue and have a long elimination time of up to 30 days. They are then released from the fact cell and travel backwards to the presynaptic neuron, where it attaches to the cannabinoid receptor. (Scholastic Inc., 2016)
The legalisation of cannabis in Australia draws attention to many and developed a strong debate of opinions from both sides of the issues. The arguments for and against legalization of medical cannabis will be discussed.
The medicinal uses can be traced back as early as 2737 B.C., when the emperor of China, Shen Neng, touted cannabis tea as a treatment for gout, rheumatism, malaria and even poor memory. The idea that marijuana may have therapeutic effects is rooted in solid science. Medical marijuana can act as a pain reliever as it contains properties which can be used in pain relief for a variety of conditions. A systematic literature review found that cannabinoids are more effective than established anti-emetic drugs in its treatment. It has also been proven in animal studies that THC can have a stimulating effect on appetite and lead to an increase in food intake. Medical marijuana can relieve the spasticity of the muscles that is sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis and paralysis. Lastly, research has found that cannabis may be used to lessen or alleviate an entire range of symptoms associated with neurological conditions. (University of Utah, 2013)
The issues about medical cannabis is the fact that it can be addictive and could affect one’s short-term memory and could impair one’s cognitive ability, as well as, damage the lung tissues, causing lung cancer. It can also lead to the development of psychiatric disorders, namely schizophrenia, which is a mental disorder characterised by abnormal social behaviour and a failure to understand what is real. Research also shows that heavy use of medicinal marijuana can lead to depression. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogens that includes concentrations of certain aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene, which can be a risk factor for tobacco-use related cancers. (Ashton, 2001) Lastly, there is not enough evidence that supports it as an effective pain relieving agent and would need further researching. (Martin & Bonomo, 2016) d could imtive nteracts its benefits.
Amidst the arguments developed, it has been found that the proponents for medical marijuana suggests a stronger argument for legalisation as research and studies conducted shows that its medical benefits outweigh the risks of it causing harm to the body. However, legalising such substance may challenge the safety of the public and could affect the health of young people. It is a known fact that abusing the use of medical cannabis can cause gravely effects to the body.
In Australia, medical cannabis currently has a strong community support, with 69% of the public wanting to legalise it. Further researching into its use is even more strongly supported, with 74% of the population voting for it. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010)
The legalisation of medical cannabis will be a significant move for the users of medical cannabis. The benefits of cannabinoid pharmacotherapy will provide access for those people who gain alleviation of symptoms of chronic illnesses and pain. However, prescribing medical cannabis by doctors should remain a standard regulatory framework for the use of the product as abusing its use can trigger illnesses. On the other hand, for the medical community, providing access to potential drugs of misuse and appropriate concerns will give rise to appropriate regulations as these problems could provide more knowledge in regards to what the drug is capable of and how the medical community can make use of it. If the trial data reveals evidence that support its use and if the use of the product can be regulated in a way that enables suitable provision to those who may benefit, then it can be of use to the medical community and I would support the movement on legalising medical cannabis.