Medical marijuana can be as bad as any other drug. This is the case even if it is doctor prescribed. In fact, U.S. Congress considers medical marijuana to have “no accepted medical use” and has placed it in Schedule 1 of the controlled substances Act since 1970. There are certain states, however, who argue this decision. As of now 23 states and even the nation’s capital, where it was just legalized this past year, have legalized medical marijuana.

Since it popularized, many have argued as to whether or not this substance is helpful at all and about how harmful it can be. People on the side of medical marijuana argue for how it helps treat symptoms of cancer, AIDS, pain, and other conditions. People who are against it argue that it is addictive, does not help at all, and can lead to harder drug use.

There have been circumstances of people abusing prescribed drugs like medical marijuana just so that they and/or their friends can get high. However, should these few cases put a harsh restriction on anyone who actually thinks they need it? The bigger question is, does this drug actually help and are people using this drug for the right cause? Dr. Sanjay Gupta says, “It doesn’t have a high potential for abuse, and there are very legitimate medical applications.” He’s not the only doctor who is for it either, in fact plenty of doctors are for this drug. It’s the people on the street who see people abusing it.

If you are to use medical marijuana at least see a doctor first and make sure you use it for it’s intended purposes. Live to say hi, not to get high.