It is a subject that
frequently sparks a passionate debate, but cannabis legislation in Britain
appears to be shifting more and more in line with the United States and other
European countries. It was announced only last week that the NHS is trialling a cannibidiol (CBD) vaporiser that has assisted thousands of people suffering from a
variety of chronic conditions.
The MediPen offers patients
the opportunity to consume CBD, which, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is not
psychoactive and allows users the opportunity to benefit from the medicinal
properties of cannabis without the associated high. It has already gained numerous
positive reviews from those with a variety
of ailments, including assisting in the relief of pain, depression and anxiety
to name a few.
Whilst the UK has often been
considered a somewhat liberal and tolerant nation, it is currently someway behind
the twenty-five American states and the District of Columbia when it comes to
medical marijuana legislation. Residents in these states are able to treat
ailments and illnesses through a variety of cannabis medications, including
vaporisers and various forms of liquid medicine.
There has also been research conducted in the USA that suggests that CBD can
also be effectively utilised as a highly effective anti-seizure,
neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumour and anti-psychotic.
However, while there are
clearly numerous advantages for legalising medical marijuana in the UK, there
are still questions with regards to overall legalisation that need to be
discussed, sensibility. Cannabis is often compared to alcohol by those pushing
for legalisation, and they are most likely making a reasonable point,
especially when you consider the fact that studies have found that cannabis is 114 times less deadly than alcohol. While this may well be the case, it is important to
consider than marijuana is not a harmless substance that should be consumed
freely.
It is clear that the majority
of individuals who decide to experiment and use cannabis are able to do so without
any adverse side effects. However, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people will
develop an addiction to the substance and will require treatment for their
addiction. While it can certainly be argued that the majority should be able to
enjoy their vice without being punished due to a minority, the question is, do
we really want to encourage even higher levels of substance abuse and addiction
than we are already experiencing?
This is particularly the case
when considering the fact that the current UK government has made continued
cuts to public services since elected into government. Unsurprisingly this has
had a highly negative effect on the availability of treatment for those
suffering from both drug and alcohol addictions. It is believed that up to 50%
of funding earmarked for substance misuse services have been cut, with no
evidence that of this being reversed in the near future. Essentially this means
that substance abuse workers are likely to see a substantial increase in
caseloads, lack of workforce development and an overall decrease in capacity in
the ability to respond appropriately to those with complex needs.
It is inevitable that there
will one day be full legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes,
especially when we consider the fact that it has appeared to be so successful
in America. I would also argue that now that we are seeing full legalisation for recreational purposes in various American states, it will not be along until
pressure is applied on the UK government to follow suit once it has been
devised how best to sell and market cannabis.
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