I need a response to the following peers
Peer 1
The use of cannabis has drawn the attention of many Americans with some support legalization due to its medicinal values, while others are opposing the idea claiming it will lead to an increase in crime. Some of the groups that support the use of cannabis in the health sector include the Democrats who believe and a high number of Americans who argue that marijuana is safer compared to other drugs. However, some organizations, such as the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, are reluctant to use cannabis, citing its abuse. They put the drug in the same category as heroin. Currently, it is legal to use marijuana in 32 states and the District of Columbia who claim cannabis is safe for medicinal uses (State Medical Marijuana Laws, 2019).
Research reveals that cannabis has over 100 different chemicals known as cannabinoids. Each chemical affects the body differently. Bridgeman and Abazia (2017) note that among the most common compounds are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These chemicals can treat conditions including cancer through reduction of pain during chemotherapy, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, reduce inflammation, nausea, and wasting syndrome known as cachexia (Freeman, Hindocha, Green & Bloomfield, 2019). These chemicals can also boost eating appetite, reduce pain, and contain mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder. More research is, however, underway concerning the health benefits of cannabis.
As people conduct more research on the medicinal effects of cannabis, new products and innovations encourage the expansion of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals. Biotech organizations also take advantage of the growing demand for marijuana. In 2018, the former Attorney General allowed prosecutors to decide the application of the marijuana laws (State Medical Marijuana Laws, 2019). As more states continue debating about the legalization of the drug, it seems that in the future, it will be legal to use marijuana for medical purposes in the whole of the United States (Tawfik, Hashan, Abdelaal, Tieu & Huy, 2019). Research from Market Research shows that the market for medicinal cannabis was $8.28 in 2017 and predicts growth to $28.1 billion by 2022 (“The Demand for Legal Cannabis Products are Expected to Grow,” 2019). Therefore, the market for cannabis in the health sectors seems to grow significantly in the coming years.