The legalization of marijuana research proposal

Specific Aims and Hypotheses

Background and Significance
The main active chemical ingredient in Cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although it has over 60 other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemicals that make up Cannabis. THC works with cannabinoid receptors of the brain that work in conjunction with thinking, memory, pleasure, and balance/coordination. Many health professionals support the legalization of drugs citing the fact that 70-80% of patient receiving medical marijuana report significant relief from pain. Research suggests that compared to opiate based pain medications, Cannabis is considered a safer alternative in some cases as there is no lethal dose. Statistics also indicate that marijuana “ has lower rates of addiction (9 percent) than pain medication (23 percent), alcohol (15 percent), or cigarettes (32 percent).” (Holland, 2013).

Design and Methods

In order to determine the benefits and risks of marijuana use, one must devise a method of testing these ideas in order to obtain a conclusion about whether or not it should be legalized. A wide variety of participants are need to obtain this data. A sample group with a variety or ages, races, and genders should be acquired.
As a qualitative study, this experiment will examine how people perceive this drug and measure how the public responds to this issue. It will also determine how much they know about the drug, its compositional make up, health risks, and government control of the substance. In addition to this information the tester should watch for stereotypes and misunderstanding associated with marijuana use. This information will be obtained by a series of comprehensive interviews and questionnaires with each individual participant. The questionnaires would represent a quantitative approach as the participant will not be identified.

Human Participants

The participants should represent a diverse cross section of the population. This can be achieve by a random sampling of people who are different ages, races, sexes, and from different socio-economic backgrounds. This insures that the sampling shows a clear view from many demographics.
The outcomes can be manipulated by several different factors. The dependent variables include the perception of this drug by the individuals, the level they deem acceptable, their openness to legalization. Society is more aware of the negative connotations of marijuana use than the positive aspects as related to pain management. Belief bias relies on our prior knowledge and understanding, however it what we think we know about medical marijuana is untrue or based on our knowledge of illegal usage; this bias is unwarranted and must be addressed. Society does appear to have an argument for their bias however, because in that in areas where medical marijuana is legalized it is reported that recreation use also goes up as well as crimes such as DUI’s.
Proper utilization of data is also important to this experiment. Both public and community health care have many benefits and disadvantages in educating about marijuana. By understanding these factors one can better gain how to provide the best health care policies to benefit the largest number of people. Public health organizations such as the World Health Organization, have been working on ways to better protect patients through education, health mandates and law enforcement. Public health care provides a wealth of knowledge to medical professionals as well as everyday citizens to assure the upmost quality of care. They are able to put forth statistics into the public, and support stricter law enforcement and legislation involving quality of care (Am J, 2001). By reviewing and analyzing the results of their programs they are also working to constantly improve their intervention and treatment techniques (Am J, 2001). The main drawback of public health is that it is not tailored to fit specific concerns of a particular area; instead it looks at issues on a national scope. Community health care provides a much more hands on service than public health. Community health providers work closely to address concerns of patients in one particular area. They often have a better understanding about the needs of that area. The drawback is that may not have as much funding or large wealth of statistical data. If marijuana issues are truly to be addressed, both public and community health care providers need to work together to come to a consensus and educate the public. When determining what drugs should be legalized and which should not it is essential to minimize risk in any way possible. Casual interference refers to legal responsibility, health claims, and policy interventions. By minimizing risk we can also minimize casual interference. The first step is to determine what the risks are. This includes a general understanding of the factors, the ability to avoid these factors, the suddenness, duration, and intensity/ seriousness of risk (CDC, 2012). There are also many societal factors that may also contribute. Identifying risk factors is critical for determining what types of treatment and prevention plans need to be in place. A cross-sectional analysis of area that already has legalized medical marijuana may answer some of societies concerns about crime, DUI, and illegal drug use to determine possible issues.

References:

CDC. (2012). Health primer: Key principles, issues and questions. Retrieved from http://www. bt. cdc. gov/mentalhealth/primer. asp
Holland, J. (2013). Dr. Julie Holland: Treatment Denied in NY? Cannabis Should Be Available to Patients Who Need It. (n. d.). Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www. huffingtonpost. com/dr-julie-holland/new-york-medical-marijuana_b_2451162. html
Mikos, R. (2012). On the Limits of Federal Supremacy. Policy Analysis, 714. Retrieved January 26, 2013, from http://www. cato. org/sites/cato. org/files/pub
Moffatt, Mike. (2007). Should Governments Legalize and Tax Marijuana? About Economics. Retrieved December 4, 2008, from http://economics. about. com/od/incometaxestaxcuts/ cccccca/marijuana. htm