Medical Marijuana – The Debate Rages On
Marijuana is also known as pot, grass and weed but its formal name is actually cannabis. It comes from the leaves and blooms of the plant Cannabis sativa. It is regarded as an illegal substance in the US and many nations & possession of marijuana is a bad thing punishable by law. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances that have a truly high potential for abuse and have no proven medical use. Throughout the years a few scientific studies state that a number of substances located in marijuana have therapeutic use, particularly in terminal illnesses for example cancer as well as AIDS. This started a fierce debate over the advantages and disadvantages of using medical marijuana. to be able to settle this controversy, the Institute of Medicine published the famous 1999 IOM report entitled Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. The report was comprehensive but did not create a clear cut yes or maybe no answer. The opposite camps of the medical marijuana issue typically cite a component of the article in their advocacy arguments. Nonetheless, although the report clarified many things, it do not ever settled the controversy permanently.
Let’s discuss the issues that support why medical marijuana must be legalized.
(1) Marijuana is an ever-present herb and has been used from South America to Asia as an herbal medication for millennia. In this point in time when the all organic and natural are important wellness buzzwords, a natural herb like marijuana may be more appealing to and safer for customers than synthetic drugs.
(2) Marijuana has strong healing potential. Several scientific studies, as summarized in the IOM report, have observed that cannabis could be utilized as analgesic, e.g. to treat pain. A few scientific studies showed that THC, a marijuana element is most effective in dealing with chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. Nevertheless, studies on acute pain like those experienced during surgical treatment as well as trauma have inconclusive reports. A number of scientific studies, also summarized in the IOM report, have shown that a number of marijuana elements have antiemetic qualities and are, therefore, useful against vomiting and nausea, which are standard unwanted effects of cancer chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy. A number of scientists believe that cannabis has several healing potential from neurological diseases for instance multiple sclerosis. Certain elements extracted from marijuana have powerful therapeutic potential. Cannobidiol (CBD), a significant component of marijuana, is proven to have antioxidant, anticancer, and antipsychotic properties. Other cannabinoids are proven to prevent high intraocular pressure (IOP), a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Medications which contain active ingredients contained in marijuana but have been synthetically produced in the lab have been sanctioned by the US FDA. One example is Marinol, an antiemetic agent indicated for nausea as well as vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy. The active ingredient of its is dronabinol, spinal injuries (just click the up coming page) a synthetic delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
(3) One of the major proponents of medical marijuana is the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), an US based organization. Several medical professional societies and organizations have expressed the support of theirs. As a good example, The American College of Physicians, recommended a re evaluation of the Schedule I classification of marijuana in their 2008 position paper. ACP also expresses its strong support for investigation in to the therapeutic role of marijuana as well as exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or expert sanctioning for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Likewise, shelter from criminal or civil penalties for people who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws.
(4) Medical marijuana is legally utilized in several advanced nations The argument of if they’re able to undertake it, why not us? is yet another good point. Several countries, like Canada, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, along with Finland have legalized the therapeutic use of marijuana under strict prescription control. Some states in the US are also allowing exemptions.
Now allow me to share the arguments against medical marijuana.
(1) Lack of data on safety as well as efficacy. Drug regulation relies on safety first. The protection of marijuana and the components of its still has to first be established. Efficacy only comes next. Even if marijuana has some helpful health consequences, the benefits should outweigh the chances for it to looked into for medical use. Unless marijuana is shown to be better (safer and much more effective) than drugs currently available in the market, its approval for medical use might be a long shot. As per the testimony of Robert J. Meyer of the Department of Health and Human Services having permission to access a drug or medical treatment, without understanding how to use it or even if it is good, doesn’t help anybody. Simply having access, without having safety, efficacy, and adequate use information doesn’t help patients.