Unfortunately, marijuana is still seen among many as only a hippie drug that is killing the drive of our youth. Many fail to see marijuana’s ability to save our lives or make life less painful for people who have severe illnesses. 

This is why medical marijuana should be covered by insurance. 

First off, why wouldn’t it be? Medical marijuana is far less dangerous than the over-the-counter drugs that are being thrown at people today, and it can be more effective. 

Let’s compare marijuana, which can treat seizures, to  common treatments for seizures such as the drug Klono pin.

According to WebMD, the side effects for Klonopin are as follows: drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, loss of coordination, increased salvia production, depression, suicidal thoughts, easy bruising or bleeding, rash, swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing. 

WebMD also says, “This is not a complete list of possible side effects.”

The side effects for medical marijuana according to the Southwest Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center are as follows: drowsiness, thirst, giddiness, hunger, insomnia, red eyes, respiratory issues, short-term memory loss and uneasiness. 

If it were up to me, people would have cases of red eye and excessive thirst long before depression and bleeding easily.

In addition, according to Pharmacy.about.com, medical marijuana takes less of a toll on the kidneys than prescription drugs do.

Not to mention the issue of addiction. 

One cannot get addicted to marijuana, plain and simple. Yes, people can develop a dependency, but according to Scientific American’s “Experts Tell The Truth about Pot,” addiction isn’t possible.

Klonopin, on the other hand, is an extremely addictive drug. According to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, singer Stevie Nicks told Fox News that Klonopin ruined her life. Her psychiatrist prescribed her the pills to get over her cocaine addiction, and she ended up having to go to rehab for the drug.

Nicks described the detox as being as though “somebody opened up a door and pushed [her] into hell.”

So, why would it be OK for insurance companies only to cover the drugs that push people into a figurative hell of a detox when there is a drug that is just as effective and will not cause addiction?

It’s not OK.

According to marijuanadispensaryinsurance.com, insurance companies will cover the marijuana dispensaries’ properties, but not the distribution of the medicine to those who need it.

That is not fair at all. They are waving a life-saving medication in front of these patients’ faces but are not allowing them to have it.

Most people can’t afford drugs that aren’t covered by insurance because the cost is simply too high. Insurance companies are essentially forcing children to take drugs such as Klonopin because their parents have no other option. 

It just doesn’t make sense. These doctors hand out prescription medications like candy, and the insurance companies don’t hesitate to cover these dangerous drugs.

I understand that prescription drugs can be extremely helpful, but there is always a chance that the consumption of the drug could lead to addiction or overdose. 

As announced Wednesday, medical marijuana is set to be put to a vote in North Carolina this year. We as voters must keep the benefits of this drug in mind, so we can take the next step toward having insurance companies pay for medical marijuana treatments.

Send your thoughts to Taylor at technician-viewpoint@ncsu.edu.