Marijuana Legalization
On the matter of reviewing marijuana's classification as a schedule 1 drug, it is now time
the federal government legalizes medical and recreational use of marijuana. Marijuana
legalization provides numerous benefits, which Congress might want to consider in the debate.
Some medical proponents are agitating the federal government to illegalize cannabis for medical
use. Healthcare professionals allude that medical cannabis helps patients to cope with
debilitating physical or mental pain. For instance, cannabidiol oil is more effective in controlling
pain and seizures than any approved product in the market. Also, healthcare providers feel that
this will be a significant migration into new territories in treatment regimes. Thus, policymakers
need to perform a comprehensive analysis of cannabis to inform the debate appropriately.
Nevertheless, the debate is not entirely about medical marijuana. Economically, the
nation can advance its fiscal position by opening a new pathway for revenue. Currently, federal
prohibition diverts a lot of money that would enhance the economy into some dangerous and
improper hands. The review of marijuana from a schedule 1 drug indeed is an appropriate avenue
for taxation and a market for creative entrepreneurship. Clearly, marijuana legalization, with its
competitive market position, will enhance the revenue besides creating new employment
opportunities.
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From an environmentalist approach, the cultivation of cannabis is sustainable, and the
crop is extremely useful. Scientific research reveals that hemp can be used to manufacture
thousands of products. Besides, agriculturalist say the crop is grows quickly and can be
cultivated almost anywhere. By cultivating this product, the United States will open up a new
import/export avenue.
Finally, the debate on marijuana legalization invites all of us to become more open-
minded. This is the starting point. Numerous surveys and evidence are critical to inform the
position of marijuana legalization. However, i am convinced that this is the perfect opportunity
for Congress to review the classification of marijuana as a schedule 1 drug.
6.2 Direct to Consumer Advertisement
Many industries no longer consider the internet and social media as developing trends,
but as essential tools for marketing their brands. However, the pharmaceutical and medical
device industry has been sluggish to integrate new media opportunities in their marketing
strategies mainly because of the grey area on appropriate promotion and marketing parameters
for health products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates this industry and
provides guidelines on the use of the internet and social media in marketing, albeit without
formal policy. Due to the lack of clear regulations, the context of FDA's optimistic internet and
social media policy is vague, leaving many unanswered questions for the pharmaceutical and
medical device sector.
The regulation of social media use in the promotion of medical products entirely falls in
the mandate of the FDA. Over the past decade, the agency has made significant progress to
ensure appropriate use of new media in the industry including regulations on medical devices,
regulated prescription drugs, and post-marketing compliances. Some strategies the agency can
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adapt to promote compliance with regulations include warning letters and guidance documents
are some initiatives the agency can utilize to regulate direct to consumer advertising on social
media. The guidance documents are considered recommendations on particular topics. The
agency can draft a series of guidance documents for players on stipulated practice. Similarly, the
agency can use regulatory letters to regulate the industry. Warning letters are sent to companies
and celebrities involved in media marketing malpractices. On the other hand, notices of violation
inform companies about various inappropriate activity they conduct when using social media and
internet marketing. Although an informal correspondence, these letters are official and may
comprise enforcement actions if the highlighted violations are not promptly resolved.
Arguably, the guidance document and regulatory letters are effective approaches for
providing insights into pharmaceutical and medical devices advertisements on new media
platforms. FDA's new regulations on social media and internet use are consistent with the
standards of traditional marketing media that demand players to provide balanced and accurately
presented information besides being wary of overstating efficacy, omitting risks, suggesting off-
label indications, and making invalidated claims.