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Higher Education
Academic Corner
Today, cannabis is federally listed as a Schedule 1 drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers clinically proven, dangerously addictive, chemically synthesized drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine safer and more useful than cannabis. A simple Google search returns incredible overdose rates for all other drugs, while cannabis has none.
As long as cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug, research will always be limited and regulated. With continued resistance from the federal government, major areas of science are unable to accurately study the plant and its effects because it is deemed federally illegal. However, based on the limited clinical research conducted and some medical animal controlled studies, cannabis has been shown to have medical use in the human body with few negative side effects. Yet, the naturally occurring plant is still listed as comparable to (as dangerous as) heroin.
The conversation goes beyond the legalization policy issue but speaks on various educational issues faced in modern culture. Science argues that cannabis holds extreme potential, yet a negative public stigma still exists around the subject. Even with the proven results and changing state laws, portions of society still view users of the substance as less than. In a civilization with technology advancing faster than ever, the value of education on this matter must be considered. The conversation on cannabis and the endocannabinoid system are ongoing subjects, and more topics are introduced as progress is made daily. It is important to at least attempt to understand an issue before forming a belief. Based on current progress, it almost seems like Dr. Dre was ahead of his time when he wrote that lyric. A wildly controversial yet applicable “doctor” prescription. Who would have thought.
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