Cultivators and distributors are pushing the Florida Dept. of Health
to set rules that would allow medical cannabis patients to buy edible marijuana products. Although the Department has not yet allowed patients to have access
to legal marijuana edibles, it could be within range if a bill is passed. Medical marijuana should be legal, edibles should not. These products, called “goodies,” include marijuana cookies, chocolates,and gummies — things that could be dangerous to children who would be unaware of what they contain. Over the past few years, there have been several incidents reported in Washington and Colorado where children have been accidentally exposed to marijuana.

While there may be a legitimate medical reason for using marijuana, there must be a law in place to limit its access and prevent its abuse. The prolonged intake of marijuana can lead to increased chances of heart attack, lung irritation, short-term forgetfulness, and depression, among many other things. The worst effect of marijuana is addiction because this can lead to abuse and can impact not only health, but also relationships.

On the other hand, marijuana could offer therapeutic benefits. Cannabinoids, natural pain reliever receptors in the body, can be found in the 60 active ingredients that make up marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these cannabinoids can help in reducing pain and inflammation, treating mental illness and addictions, and controlling epileptic seizures. However, restrictions and regulations must be in place to ensure targets that could danger or target children.

— Freshman Sofia Restrepo