Before the prohibition of cannabis, many United States presidents took part in the use of one of the most controversial drugs: marijuana. Our very first president, George Washington smoked marijuana to help with the pain from his ailing teeth. James Madison claimed that hemp gave him the idea to create a new and democratic nation. Even more recent presidents including John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter made efforts to legalize marijuana during their terms as president. As the debate between legalizing cannabis heats up, many Americans look at influential figures from the past to help in their decision making. There are many reasons why I believe that cannabis should be legalized, the top three being that cannabis has many medicinal uses, the “War on Pot” has become excessively expensive on the United States, and marijuana use is no more harmful than the use of tobacco or alcohol products.
The medicinal use of cannabis has been a trend in civilizations since China in 2900 B.C.E. Throughout history it has been used to help heal glaucoma, cure leprosy, treat depression, ease menstrual cramps, create an appetite, and help in the health of cancer patients. Many of these same things can be helped by marijuana use today. It is said that cannabinoids might be the best cancer and disease fighting treatments available. Cannabinoids are receptors in the body that help generate and regenerate the immune system. Cannabinoids are not only found in the body, but also in cannabis. It is proven that cannabinoids in the body work best when used with other cannabinoids. They have been proven to reduce cancer-cells and help rebuild the immune system. Cannabinoids in cannabis also interact with the bodies endocannabinoid system, which helps individuals focus, regulate emotions, and are a neuroprotective which prevents the further degradation of brain cells. Scientists are starting to believe that the way marijuana effects cannabinoids may help cure Parkinson's Disease, schizophrenia,...