Marijuana: A historical, physiological and ethical consideration of one of the world’s oldest drugs

Abstract

As the United States follows the path of many countries toward legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, it is crucial to understand the biology and physiology of the plant. The positive and negative effects of cannabis on the human body must also be taken into account. Of the 50 states in the U.S., 23 states have legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, and 38 have already legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The legalization of marijuana has generated many medical and ethical concerns. Questions regarding how marijuana triggers the response within the human body, the therapeutic nature of the plant, and how it can be beneficial in healthcare settings will be considered in this paper. The thesis will also outline the drug's history and its chemistry, as well as the physiological effects on the human body including the differences between CBD and THC. The research will conclude with an ethical and halachic discussion on the use of marijuana, specifically for recreational purposes.