The Concerns of Medical Marijuana:

There are a variety of concerns with the legalization of medical marijuana. At first glance, the safety of marijuana for medicinal use appears to not be in question; however, most testing has been conducted on those casual users who are young and healthy. This does not necessarily mean these same findings will translate to ill patients or those who use marijuana on a continual basis. As Martin noted, adverse consequence on the lungs have been noted on long-term inhalation of marijuana smoke. There is also a potential for the suppression of the immune system, and although not commonly extreme, withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Martin also cited Solowji et al. And their findings in their observational studies that demonstrated impairment of cognitive functions, for marijuana users who had a long-term and heavy usage history.

Degenhardt and Hall agree that short-term use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has an acceptable safety profile; however, long-term use is another question entirely. Although use of marijuana for short-term symptomatic relief, such as nausea and vomiting when connected with cancer treatment or postoperative relief of acute pain, the use of marijuana for chronic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, still may have risks that trials with relatively short duration periods didn't identify.

One adverse effect of long-term use of marijuana, when smoked, is increases in the risk of cancer. This risk is due to the prolonged exposure to carcinogens that are contained in cannabis smoke. Psychosocial issues that occur in chronic recreational users may also present themselves, even amongst older adults. However, the three consequences of most concern are: cannabis dependence, development of psychotic disorders...

However, no studies have been conducted on the long-term use of medicinal marijuana and its correlation with dependence; therefore, it is still a significant concern. Additionally, use of marijuana has been shown to occasionally precipitate psychotic symptoms or disorders. Those vulnerable to psychosis because of family or personal history are of particular concern. Lastly, the risk of cardiovascular disease is potentially the most significant risk, especially since patients using marijuana for medical purposes likely have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular problems.
Conclusion:

Marijuana, the product of the Indian hemp plant, has been utilized for centuries to help alleviate symptoms. From the relief of nausea, dizziness, pain, internal pressure in the eyes, and more, Marijuana has proved some beneficial effects when used in a medical setting. However, just as varied are the possible adverse effects of utilizing marijuana. From decreased cognitive functioning to increased risk of cancer to possible psychosocial effects to possible dependence to psychotic disorders to increased chance of cardiovascular disease, these downsides to the use of cannabis medicinally cannot be ignored, and must be addressed before there is any hope that the acceptance of its use will be nationwide.

Works Cited

Degenhardt, L. & Hall, W. "The Adverse Effects of Cannabinoids: Implications for Use for Medical Marijuana." Canadian Medical Association Journal 178(13) 17 Jan 2008: p. 1685-1686. Proquest. Proquest. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. 26 Apr 2009 .

"Marijuana." Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. 26 Apr. 2009 .

Martin, B. "Medical Marijuana -- Moving Beyond the Smoke." The Lancet 360(9326) 6 Jul 2002: p. 4-5. Proquest. Proquest. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. 26 Apr 2009 .