Medical marijuana

Marijuana vending machines have been likened to gumball machines and other candy dispensors, with an emphasis on easy, recreational use instead of responsible medical use.

Medical marijuana is marijuana used for its (supposed) analgesic or otherwise therapeutic effects (see Glaucoma).

Critics doubt that there are any medicinal effects of marijuana, other than an overall effect sought by drug addicts. However, some studies show that Cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in marijuana, inhibits cancer cell growth in lab animals^[1]. Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.^[2], and marijuana is commonly viewed as a natural alternative to any otherwise synthetic pharmaceutical drugs. It has also been shown to increase brain cell growth ^[3]

Opponents of drug abuse charge that efforts to legalize medical marijuana are intended to be a step towards complete decriminalization and generally decry marijuana as a "gateway drug". Many supporters of "medical marijuana" use marijuana recreationally. In California, medical marijuana is even available from vending machines,^[4][5] similar to automated perscription dispensers at some pharmacies ^[6], except marijuana has become so valuable as to require round the clock guard.