Marijuana can serve a very profound medical purpose. In fact, many doctors have praised the use of marijuana or “cannabis” (for medical purposes) because it has been shown to be effective in relieving stress. Lester Grinspoon, MD, stated in a Boston Globe article that "doctors and nurses have found that for many patients, cannabis is more helpful, less toxic and less expensive than conventional prescribed medications" (ProCon). Specifically, marijuana has been proven to significantly reduce stress levels in cancer patients and, for this reason, should be considered a viable option in the treatment of stress. This is miraculous because even if stress does not cause the appearance of cancer, “stress seems to influence the course of the disease”. (Applied to modern life). Stress reduction is an essential element in the fight against cancer because “once a tumor has grown, stress can modulate neuroendocrine pathways and affect many mechanisms that potentially lead to cancer progression” (Integrative Oncology Essentials). Cancer can apparently be irrevocably life-altering, and post-traumatic stress disorder can unfortunately occur in some patients who already have enough resources to fight. Although “antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage PTSD symptoms,” these alternatives fail when compared to the organic composition and effectiveness of medicinal marijuana (National Cancer Institute). Of course, marijuana use is stigmatized because of its recreational aspect. The typical conception of a marijuana user conjures up the image of a “hippie” or a slacker looking to shirk responsibility and escape reality. However, this notion is completely shattered when cancer patients give their testimony...... middle of article ......ion - National Cancer Institute. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013. “From the Cabinet or from the Street? How is medical marijuana different from street drugs. » CODA. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013. “Post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer.” Cancer.Net. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013. “Psychological stress and cancer – National Cancer Institute. » Comprehensive Cancer Information - National Cancer Institute. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013. “Stress and Cancer 101: Why Stress Reduction is Essential.” » The essentials of integrative oncology. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013. Weiten, Wayne, Dana Dunn, and Elizabeth Y. Hammer. Psychology applied to modern life: adjustments for the 21st century. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. “What are doctors' views on medical marijuana? - Medical Marijuana – ProCon.org. » Medical Marijuana ProCon.org. Np, and Web. November 21. 2013.