During this unit you have had the opportunity to explore historical, ongoing, and contemporary issues of ethical and professional consequence. For the discussion this week, you may select either one of the issues presented in the course or a different issue which is nationally or globally relevant, and which in your opinion has become divisive in terms of public opinion. Respond to the following prompts/questions.
- Introduce your issue to include the origin, relevance, and current state of your issue both within the United States and globally.
- Describe your personal view regarding the issue and defend your view with evidence or personal experience.
- What additional information do you believe needs to be shared with the public to better inform and align stakeholders on the issue?
- What do you believe is the biggest roadblock to achieving public consensus regarding the issue?
Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.
Expert Solution Preview
The issue that I have selected to discuss is the legalization of medical marijuana.
Introduction:
The origin of the issue can be traced back to the ancient times when marijuana was used for medicinal purposes in various cultures. However, in the United States, marijuana was criminalized in the early 20th century due to various societal concerns. Over the years, the relevance of medical marijuana has gained traction, especially in terms of its potential therapeutic benefits for certain medical conditions. Currently, the issue of medical marijuana is hotly debated both within the United States and globally.
Relevance and current state:
Within the United States, medical marijuana has been legalized in many states for the treatment of various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea associated with chemotherapy. However, its legality remains a divisive issue, as some states still classify marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, implying no accepted medical use. Globally, countries such as Canada, Uruguay, and some European nations have also legalized medical marijuana, while others have strict laws against its use.
Personal view and defense:
Personally, I support the legalization of medical marijuana. There is a growing body of research that suggests the potential therapeutic benefits of marijuana for certain medical conditions. For example, studies have shown that cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, can help alleviate chronic pain, reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and improve symptoms in neurological disorders like epilepsy. Moreover, medical marijuana can provide an alternative treatment option for patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies or experience adverse side effects.
Additional information for public awareness:
To better inform the public regarding medical marijuana, it is important to disseminate accurate information about its potential benefits, as well as any potential risks or limitations. This includes educating the public about the specific medical conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana, the potential side effects, proper dosage, and any drug interactions that may occur. Furthermore, sharing information about ongoing research and clinical trials can help foster a better understanding of the potential long-term effects and safety of medical marijuana.
Biggest roadblock to achieving public consensus:
The biggest roadblock in achieving public consensus regarding the legalization of medical marijuana is the stigma associated with marijuana use. Many individuals still perceive marijuana as a recreational drug with no legitimate medical value. Overcoming this stigma requires comprehensive education campaigns and public health initiatives to address misconceptions and provide evidence-based information. Additionally, concerns about abuse potential, regulatory oversight, and the lack of standardized dosing and quality control also contribute to the divide in public opinion.
In conclusion, the issue of legalizing medical marijuana remains a subject of intense debate. While the origin and relevance of medical marijuana can be traced back to ancient times, its current state varies within the United States and globally. Personally, I support the legalization of medical marijuana due to its potential therapeutic benefits. However, achieving public consensus on this issue requires robust education campaigns and addressing prevailing stigmas and misconceptions.
