Medical marijuana is one of the many controversial issues in today's society. Medical marijuana has been an ongoing struggle between the federal government, doctors and patients. On the other hand, studies have shown that medical marijuana can be extremely helpful in eliminating side effects and is less addictive than painkillers. Marijuana should be available as a medical resource for people suffering from illnesses or conditions that prescribed medications have failed to resolve. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Currently, thirty states have legalized medical marijuana in the United States. From a state perspective it is now legal to purchase, possess and consume medical marijuana. On the other hand, all of these activities are still illegal at the federal level. The thirty states are good examples of how the laws would work. State laws somewhat resemble federal alcohol laws. You must be 21 years old to buy or sell marijuana. It is a crime for anyone to give or sell marijuana to anyone under the age of 21. One ounce of marijuana per individual is the purchase and possession limit. All retailers could only sell during the hours between 8:00 am and midnight (Calkins). According to Times Magazine, marijuana DUIs in Colorado decreased by 33.2% in the first quarter of 2017. (Abrams) From January to March of this year, 150 people received tickets for driving under the influence of marijuana (NHTSA) . While cannabis and alcohol laws may be similar, studies clearly show that alcohol contributes to more fatalities. Laws like these will help guide us in the right direction. Additionally, a common use of medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control, nausea, appetite suppressant, and inflammation. Although marijuana is not strong enough to treat extreme pain like post-surgery pain. It is still effective for the chronic pain that millions of Americans suffer. In some studies, marijuana has been found to be effective in relieving pain and stimulating appetite. Some cancer patients say marijuana allows them to return to daily activities without feeling discomfort. According to the American Cancer Society's articles on Marijuana and Cancer Conditions, studies on smoked marijuana have found that it can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Additionally, studies have found that it helps with neuropathic pain, caused by damaged nerves (American Cancer Society). We can all relate to cancer in one way or another. We have family members, friends or acquaintances who have been diagnosed with this terrible disease. Approximately 38.4% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives (National Cancer Institute). With these alarming numbers we should have the resources to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. One could only imagine that your love is suffering from painful chemo and is unable to comfort him. Many diseases cannot be cured, but doctors continue to prescribe painkillers that cause serious internal damage. Vicodin (opioids) is the most abused drug of all prescription drugs on the market. Even though 140 million Americans die every day from opioid overdoses (DEA). Prescription painkillers also cause extreme withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Marijuana does not cause withdrawal even in the long-term user. The Drug Enforcement Agency notes that no cannabis overdose deaths have ever been reported. Opioid abuse has increased in recent times?