The debate over
the pros and cons of medical marijuana has lingered about as a long as the
cannabis plant has been in existence. It is estimated that the plant has been
used for treatment purposes for close to 5,000 years in various countries and
cultures worldwide. In the United States, trying to keep track of marijuana
laws and regulations is much like watching a professional table tennis match:
the ball never stops moving around the table.
Proponents of
the legal use of cannabis for medicinal purposes claim that it can provide
relief for those suffering from serious chronic conditions like glaucoma and
the nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy treatments. States that have
legalized medicinal marijuana use have up to 15 conditions that are considered
appropriate for its use. Medical problems where cannabis is thought helpful for
symptom relief include AIDS, migraines and Multiple Sclerosis.
Those who oppose
the use of marijuana for therapeutic or medicinal reasons list several reasons.
First and foremost, it is still classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance
under federal laws. Drugs classified as Schedule 1 include heroin and LSD and
as such, are deemed to have no medical value. Opponents also believe that for
every ailment that medical cannabis may aid, there are legal FDA approved
products available that do the same.
Countless
medical and scientific studies have been conducted on medical marijuana. Here
again physicians and scientists are divided regarding whether or not this drug
has true medical value. Many believe that cannabis should be available as an
alternative to those suffering from serious medical issues who do not respond
well to pharmaceutical options. On the con side, marijuana does contain a
number of chemicals beyond THC and everyone is familiar with the dangers of
smoking when it comes to cardiopulmonary issues.
More Americans
seem to be amenable to legalizing medicinal marijuana. A random phone poll of
1,000 adults conducted in April 2010 by the Associated Press/CNBC showed 60% favouring
legal possession when medically approved. Twelve percent were neutral and 28%
opposed any type of legal pot possession. The Washington Post/ ABC News did a
similar poll with the same number of respondents. The question was if doctors
should or should not be permitted to prescribe marijuana for their patients.
Only 18% opposed doctors writing prescriptions for cannabis while 81% believed
they should be allowed to do so.
Recently, the
federal Veterans Affairs Department issued a directive that surprised many.
Service men and women who are treated at VA hospitals and outpatient facilities
will be allowed to use medical marijuana in the 14 US states where it is
currently legal. While the regulation does not give VA doctors authorization to
prescribe the drug, it does allow clinics in the 14 states to continue the use
of marijuana in the case of veterans who already were using it. While the issue
continues to be hotly debated, it does appear that legalizing marijuana for
some medical uses is quietly gaining support nationwide.
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