Chapter Eight: That's a Wrap! (Pun Intended)

Conclusion

If there is one thing I want readers to take away from the series of blog posting, it's this: 

be critical, be skeptical, be analytical. 

When it comes to scientific literature, the only "mortal sin" is to blindly believe what you are told or what you read. The scientific field is built on a foundation of hard, observable, and reproducible findings. Even in the top-notch scientific peer reviewed journals, research articles can still be published that are not very reliable nor valid. Even when looking for information in reliable journals, always be skeptical of the methods, results, and more importantly, the conclusions drawn by the author. Moreover, if at all possible, avoid media sources that are mainstream and for the most part biased. While it can be difficult to read scientific literature, it's the only way of attaining the real evidence that currently exists. This is also a calling to all future scientists: be the future generation that makes scientific knowledge readily accessible and understandable to the general public. The effects of this are unprecedented; it would be doing the entire world justice and would serve to promote the better good of mankind.

I hope that through the series of postings in my blog, I was able to practice what I am preaching and demonstrate the importance of researching topics. More importantly, understanding a topic allows for you to be an active (and knowledgable!) member in the ever-developing debates in the science world.

Using marijuana and its medicinal value as an example, I hope to shed light on the myths and misconceptions on marijuana use while simultaneously introducing the current state of research. Marijuana is an excellent example of how the zeitgeist (leading schools of thought of a time period that provides context of scientific knowledge) inevitably and irrevocably influence the way society views scientific matters. Marijuana use went from the worst among all illicit drugs to a hopeful potential treatment for many people who suffer from an array of ailments. Now, with the election going on and the midterm coming up, the United States is at the brink of changing how society views marijuana, and moreover, marijuana users.

However, while marijuana has potential, don't forget to be analytical. Will it be readily accepted? What progress does society and science have to make in order for it to be a treatment? What opposition does the marijuana movement face? What evidence do the advocates have to stand behind their claims? What about the opponents?

While still in the early years of research, medical marijuana has years of research left until it can be integrated into western medical practices. Although the process is long, it is a necessary one: the safety and efficacy of drugs used to treat diseases is the utmost important aspect of therapeutic drugs.

Overall, I hope if anything the readers of this blog will be able to say they learned something after reading my posts. Whether it be a new opinion on marijuana or simply looking at both sides of the same coin, I hope I did science justice and provided reliable and valid information.

Thank You.