For Medicinal Purposes

            Marijuana use has always been a huge controversy in the USA. Some may argue that it is a gateway drug, and some may argue that marijuana causes no harm. Statistics show that the use of marijuana is less harmful, compared to tobacco and alcohol substances. The drug was even passed in 18 states for medicinal purposes. The use of marijuana can help increase appetites for those with eating disorders, as well as patients dealing with the stress from an illness. So if the substance is safe enough to help treat patients, why can’t athletes with the similar issues use medical marijuana to cope?  

            Over the semester, in my Sociology and Sports course, we have depicted the physical and mental pain that athletes face. Dealing with the stress from fans, coaches and trying to meet everyone’s expectations of them, this can take a major toll on a person’s well-being. Over the years sports players have be caught using steroids to maintain the image and capability to be a good athlete. Not to mention, the Vicodin and other addictive drugs that they consume on a frequent bases to heal their pain. Using these addictive medications can possibly cause other long term issues, rather than marijuana that causes little to no long term complications. A good example of an athlete that used marijuana is Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps is one of the top Olympians ever who used or uses marijuana. His accomplishments alone should change the negative stereotypes of a person who uses marijuana as a “pot head” or a person with fried brain cells. A person, including athletes, can still be functional and add value to society, even though they use marijuana for recreational purposes.

            I am aware that sports players that use marijuana may send a negative message to their younger fans. But does this mean that they have to be excluded from the option to use marijuana for medicinal purposes? I will argue that this can be another aspect of an athlete’s life that they can sweep under the rug to maintain a positive image for the young audiences. I am not saying that athletes can be seen in interviews with a joint or even verbally expressing the fact that they use the drug for personal reasons. Some things a better left out of the media, that’s like a reporter asking Beyonce’ what birth control does she use. It’s their right to keep their legal prescriptions private.

On the other hand, the view of marijuana is changing rapidly. It is starting to become as common as an alcoholic beverage in the media, except it’s less damaging and it carries positive value to certain people lives. With the rapid growth of marijuana in the media, it is to the parents and teachers digression to educate young children on the effects and advantages of marijuana use. With states passing the law of the substances medicinal use, children are already going to become accustom to marijuana, so why can’t athletes benefit from it?