There is great debate and discussion about whether marijuana is effective in treating the symptoms of some disease and side effects of some beneficial medications. In 1970, the U.S. Congress classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug which means it is an illegal substance with no medical value whatsoever. Subsequent to the federal government making this drug illegal, California became the first of 23 states to legalize marijuana for medical purposes and realized a significant tax revenue from its sale. Several of those states have also legalized marijuana for recreational use for those over the age of 21. The use of marijuana began thousands of years ago, however, it did not become popular in America until the “sex, drugs and rock n’ roll” culture of the 1970’s. It quickly became the most popular drug because users smoking it described feeling euphoric, less inhibited or awkward in social situations, and an increase in pleasure of ordinary activities like socializing with friends, eating, sex, and listening to music. (J. Michael Bostwick, 2012) It’s users also touted marijuana as non-habit forming unlike other drugs such as …show more content…
The lack of testing is partly due to the fact this substance has been outlawed by the federal government and its storage and possession is illegal. This plant was used medicinally for almost a century until the federal government decided it had no medical value. Congress failed to review marijuana pursuant to its own standards set forth in the Controlled Substances Act which requires scientific opinions before a substance is banned. Marijuana is only available to researchers by applying to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Its goal is to prove the harmful effects of marijuana. This organization is hesitant to approve testing on marijuana for medical purposes. (J. Michael Bostwick,