Marijuana can have a very profound medical purpose. In fact, many doctors have praised the use of marijuana or “cannabis” (for medicinal purposes) because it has been proven effective in relieving stress. Physician Lester Grinspoon stated in a Boston Globe article that “doctors and nurses have seen that for many patients, cannabis is more helpful, less toxic, and less expensive than conventional prescription medications” (ProCon). Specifically, marijuana has been shown to dramatically reduce stress levels in cancer patients and for this reason it should be seen as a viable option in treating stress. This is miraculous because although stress does not cause cancer, “stress appears to influence the course of the disease.” (Applied To Modern Life). Stress reduction is a vital component in fighting cancer because “Once a tumor has developed, stress can modulate neuroendocrine pathways and influence numerous mechanisms that potentially lead to cancer progression” (Integrative Oncology Essentials). with cancer it can seemingly be irrevocably upsetting, and PTSD can unfortunately set in in some patients who already have enough to contend with. While “antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms of PTSD,” these alternatives fail when compared to the organic composition and effectiveness of medical marijuana (National Cancer Institute). Of course, there is a stigma attached to marijuana use due to its recreational aspect. The typical conception of a marijuana user conjures up the image of a “hippie” or slacker trying to distance himself from responsibilities and escape reality. However, this notion is completely destroyed when cancer patients give their testimony... half of the document... ion - National Cancer Institute. Np, nd Web. November 21, 2013."From the Government or the Street? How Medical Marijuana Is Different from the Street Drug." TAIL. Np, nd Web. November 21, 2013. “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Cancer.” Cancer.Net. Np, nd Web. November 21, 2013. "Psychological Stress and Cancer - National Cancer Institute." Complete Cancer Information - National Cancer Institute. Np, nd Web. November 21, 2013. “Stress and Cancer 101: Why Stress Reduction is Essential.” Essentials of integrative oncology. Np, nd Web. November 21, 2013. Weiten, Wayne, Dana Dunn, and Elizabeth Y. Hammer. Psychology applied to modern life: Adjustments in the 21st century. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2012. Print."What Are Doctors' Opinions on Medical Marijuana? - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org." Medical Marijuana ProCon.org. Np, nd Web. November 21. 2013.