Medical Marijuana

IntroductionI would like to begin by thanking my opponent for responding. However, I believe he misunderstood my argument. I feel he rushed his argument, did not thoroughly read my statements, and simply did not put enough effort into understanding my stance. I am entitled to a few final rebuttals - my opponent is as well - and then I will write my conclusion and review of the debate. Final RebuttalsI would like to refute my opponent's most crucial rebuttals. He writes, "I am aware of this, however it is still not the point I am getting at. I am not talking about the dangers of recreational marijuana, I am speaking of the undeniable side effects of medical marijuana, even when bred a certain way. " I do not deny the side effects of recreational marijuana but, again, marijuana can be bred to have certain traits. Genetic modifications will reduce or possibly even eliminate the side effects. This marijuana - which will be used for medical purposes - will be beneficial. My opponent writes, "[m]inor? Since when are respiratory issues, hunger, and giddiness minor problems? " Perhaps I utilized the wrong terminology. The point I was trying to make was that the side effects are nothing in comparison to the benefits. My opponent claims, "[h]ow is my statement not sufficient? I am clearly stating the undeniable dangers of medical marijuana use. " I acknowledge the potential, yet very unlikely, dangers of medical marijuana. However, it is currently the safest drug to treat epilepsy and other such conditions and diseases. "Um. .. Why would I not 'ignore this statemtent' when it was not yet time for rebuttals? I was simply following my opponent's rules. I have already refuted this anyway, so there is no reason to do it again. " No, my opponent has not refuted this. Marijuana can be bred, not only to have low THC and high CBD, but also to have reduced or eliminated side effects. It is a matter of genetics. Genetics experts can make the necessary modifications for marijuana to be 100% safe. Marijuana right now, actually, is close to 100% safe when used safely and carefully. "I did not ignore it, I simply did not wish to break the rules. Secondly, the only reason we do not use the traditional medicine is because we have not discovered it. Instead, we are using a dangerous alternative. We should focus out research on finding safer alternatives. " While we research and try to find cures and deny individuals to use medical marijuana, people are dying. I do not deny that safer alternatives can and will be found in the future, but for now, marijuana is the safest treatment for certain conditions and illnesses. While we wait for that perfect treatment to be discovered, and people are not utilizing the positive effects of medical marijuana, death is occuring because of this. My opponent, as well as the judges, should consider that. I have now completed my final rebuttals and I will now conclude the debate with the following conclusion paragraph:ConclusionThis debate was rather enjoyable. However, I believe my opponent misunderstood and misinterpreted my arguments. I feel he has not put enough effort into this debate. But ultimately, the outcome of the debate is not the decision of my opponent or I. The judges will decide.