There has been much discussion lately about the wisdom of making medical marijuana widely available all across the country. In California, where doctors can legally prescribe the drug to their patients, the business is booming. Many people, suffering from terrible diseases like cancer or in severe pain have been taking advantage of the now legal substance to be able to relax and get some much needed relief. The overall consensus of America seems to be shifting toward widespread availability of marijuana for medical purposes, but, doctors have competing points of view on the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
The general argument made by doctors in favor of making the prescription of marijuana legal and with no possible consequences against the prescribing doctor is that it has been shown to be an effective treatment for many patients suffering from certain medical conditions or the side effects brought on by the treatment for those conditions. It is argued that in certain cases, medical marijuana is not only the best way to address a patient's needs, but also, the only way.
Doctors and other researchers have identified a number of situations where the use of medical marijuana helps to alleviate pain and calm down debilitating side effects from traditional treatment.
* Reducing Nausea - Many patients are forced to endure endless battles when undergoing treatment for some very serious diseases or conditions. Chemotherapy, used in the battle against cancer has notoriously produces some very disabling side effects, including nausea. AIDS patients forced to take a regimen of pills to combat the virus are also prone to bouts with nausea. If patients with these and other serious conditions are allowed to use marijuana, they often respond quickly and effectively toward quelling the nausea. It only takes a few puffs before suffering patients are afforded relief.
* Increasing Apetite - When one is sick and undergoing treatments, one of the first things to go is the apetite. The drugs given to fight off the illness along with emotional thoughts that constantly run through the patient's head, can definitely make it difficult to consume any food. Without an appetite and not eating well, the body is certainly under greater stress as it tries to recuperate. Protein and other essential elements which are part of a good diet are no longer being supplied. Regaining a normal appetite will help the body fight back and overcome the illness. Using marijuana is a well proven way to increase the apetite and thereby be able to intake enough food to strengthen the patient.
* Controlling Muscle Spasms, Seizures and Chronic Pain - Without doubt, one of the goals of any competent doctor is to help alleviate the pain and suffering of their patients. Even if you have a very serious medical problem, there is no need to make the patient suffer needlessly. Such conditions as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and crohns disease often result in spasms, seizures and overall pain. Great pain is also associated with other somewhat less serious conditions like arthritis and migraine headaches. Taking a few hits of marijuana harms no one and can go a long way in relieving the suffering of the patient.
* Reducing Eye Pressure in Glaucoma Patients - It has been shown that the use of marijuana has positive results on reducing the pressure in the eyes that cause glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause a loss of some sight or even blindness. Whatever can be done to prevent further pressure and deterioration of one's sight, should be done.
The short argument for medical doctors who oppose making marijuana a legal, approved medicinal treatment is that it does not work any better than drugs sold by the major pharmaceutical companies. Evidence does not support claims (as outlined above) of marijuana's efficacy. Some "out there" doctors also argue that there is too much risk of abuse and marijuana will be flowing freely in every community (like it is not already?).
Today, 14 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws and policies friendly toward the legalization of medical marijuana. A 1999 Gallup poll showeed that 73% of all Americans favor relaxing the laws and allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana. Yet another 2004 poll conducted by the AARP indicated 72% of all Americans over the age of 45 were in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical use.
With the country heavily leaning toward freer use of marijuana for medical purposes (as well as for general recreational use), it is inevitable that the people will get their way. As tobacco and dangerous cigarettes start to go away, they will eventually be replaced by legal marijuana. It is just a matter of time.